Best restaurants in Portugal right now

updated 9/22/2021

The best restaurants in Portugal aren't just about Michelin Stars. Although the country has plenty of those. From gourmet restaurants in Lisbon to beach bars in the Algarve, here's our round up of the top places to eat in Portugal right now. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Portugal, your essential guide for visiting Portugal.

1 - The Yeatman Hotel, Porto

With two Michelin Stars, The Yeatman is one of the best restaurants in Portugal. Its dining room overlooks Porto's Ribeira district. Fleets of waiters tend to you. The fish tasting menu's sublime. Delicacies like sea urchin sit with tuna and turbot. And each dish is paired with perfect wine. The restaurant’s cellar is legendary.

Fresh seafood is a feature at The Yeatman in Porto © The Yeatman Hotel

2 - A Casa Guedes, Porto

A Casa Guedes feeds you for less than The Yeatman. But you won't find a tastier pork sandwich anywhere. It's a humble place. More café bar than restaurant. And it's next to Porto’s Jardim de Marquês de Oliveira.

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3 - Mini Bar, Lisbon

Michelin-Star restaurants in Lisbon don't come better than Mini Bar. It's run by Michelin-Star chef José Avillez. And tucked into Art Deco Teatro de São Luis. So it serves a suitably theatrical menu. Think seaweed ice-cream cones filled with tuna tartare. Or ‘exploding’ olives. All served in a series of memorable 'acts'. Like courses, only more dramatic.

Stroll home after dinner to Bairro Alto Hotel in Lisbon's coolest quarter.

Eating is an art at Michelin restaurants in Lisbon © Paulo Barata

4 - Midori, Penha Longa, Sintra

Japanese Midori was the first ethnic restaurant in Portugal to be awarded a Michelin Star. You'll find Midori in Sintra. Choose a seven or nine-course tasting menu. Enjoy delicacies like mackerel tataki with crispy tomato and gazpacho. Try turbot with bell pepper nasu dengaku. Or savour smoked tuna nigiri . And always leave room for sake jelly.

Curious about Midor's location? Take a guided day trip to Sintra from Lisbon.

One of the best restaurants in Portugal is Japanese Midori © Midori

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5- Noélia & Jerónimo, Cabanas, Algarve

Book ahead for Noélia & Jeronimo. This waterfront restaurant outside Faro is very popular. Chef Noélia adds creative flair to traditional Portuguese ingredients. And the results are divine. Go for octopus fritters. Stay for John Dory with coriander rice. And know: Portugal’s top chefs eat here.

6 - Rei das Praias, Praia da Caneiros, Algarve

Go to Portimão off-season. Chances are you'll have pretty Praia da Caneiros to yourself. And you can't miss Rei das Praias. It's the restaurant on stilts, on the sand. An upmarket place, despite the stilts. It serves the Algarve's seafood flawlessly. Start off with oysters. Or try clams in garlic sauce. Move on to succulent fish baked in salt. Or opt for fish cataplana - seafood broth made in a giant wok.

Rei das Praias on Praia da Caneiros in Algarve © Rei das Praias

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7 - Choupana, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Alentejo

In Portugal location alone can make a restaurant special. Head to Choupana in Vila Nova de Milfontes as proof. When the tide’s up here, you're at one with the Atlantic. Waves crash against the waterside terrace. And catch of the day is prepared outside, on a grill. So the food's as fresh as the sea. And sunsets on the side are gorgeous.

Mix restaurants in Lisbon with a guided food and wine tour of the city.

8 - Adega 25 Abril, Beja, Alentejo

Tapas isn’t a big deal in Portugal. But don't miss tapas-like starters. Adega 25 Abril in Beja is where to try them. Think pungent sheep’s cheese. Imagine chouriço and small black olives. Dream about crusty local bread. Then order up a selection. Add red Alentejan wine. And you might not need a main. However, Adega's grilled meats are also very good.

Ready for a trip to Portugal? Check out the snapshot Rough Guide to Portugal. Read more about the best time to go to Portugal, the best places to visit and best things to do in Portugal. For inspiration use the Portugal Itineraries from The Rough Guide to Portugal and our local travel experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there. And don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go.

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