Nazaré travel guide for food lovers
Nazaré is a coastal town on Portugal’s Silver Coast, about 120 kilometers north of Lisbon. Known internationally for its massive waves, it has become a reference point in the world of surfing while still remaining very connected with its fishing traditions. The town is divided into two main areas: the lower town, next to the beach, and the upper neighborhood of Sítio, perched atop a cliff that offers stunning views of the Atlantic.
Photo by Taberna d’Adélia on Facebook
Photo by OHAI Resorts
You can reach Nazaré from Lisbon in around 1.5 hours by car, taking the A8 motorway. There are also frequent buses run by Rede Expressos from Sete Rios station and Flixbus from Oriente. Both options take roughly 2 hours and arrive in the center of town. Once there, everything is within walking distance, and the funicular that connects the beach to Sítio makes it easy to move between the two parts of town.
Photo by Surf Escape
Nazaré’s international reputation is closely tied to Praia do Norte and the underwater Nazaré Canyon. This canyon funnels Atlantic swells straight toward the coast, creating some of the biggest surfable waves on the planet. Between October and March, conditions attract surfers from around the world, including high-profile names like Garrett McNamara, whose record-breaking rides helped bring global attention to the area. The best spot to watch the waves is from the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo (Estr. do Farol), a 16th-century fort that now houses a small surf museum and offers an excellent view of the coastline. Access to the fort is via a short walk past Nazaré’s “Big Wave” gate, and along the way you’ll see the statue of the surfing deer, one of the newer symbols of the town.
For those interested in the local surf culture, the surf museum at the fort displays boards from record-breaking waves and provides insight into the canyon’s geography and its influence on wave formation. The HBO docuseries 100 Foot Wave tells the story of how Nazaré became one of the world’s top surf destinations and is a great watch before your trip.
Away from the big waves, Sítio offers historical and religious landmarks along with impressive views. You can get there via the Funicular of Nazaré, which departs every 15 minutes and climbs over 300 meters from the beach. The Miradouro do Suberco (Sitio do Promontório, Largo do Elevador), located in Sítio, provides a panoramic perspective over the beach and town. Other nearby landmarks include the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré (Largo de Nossa Sra. da Nazaré) and the Ermida da Memória (Rua 25 de Abril 17), a small chapel connected to a local legend about a miraculous escape from a fatal fall in the 12th century.
Photo by OHAI Resorts
Along the hiking path between Sítio and the beach, you’ll find the Baloiço da Ladeira (Rua do Nascente 3), a wooden swing overlooking the coastline. It’s a popular photo spot and a quiet place to take in the scenery, especially on clear winter days when you can watch the waves rolling in below.
Photo by Sapo Viagens
In the lower town, Praia da Nazaré is the main beach and promenade area. The Marginal, Nazaré’s seafront avenue, is lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants. The beach is still connected to local fishing life. One of the most distinctive sights is the traditional fish drying racks, where mackerel, sardines, and octopus are preserved using sun and sea air. The open-air Museu do Peixe Seco (pictured above) gives context to this tradition, and across the street, the Museu das Barcas showcases the colorful wooden boats once used by local fishermen. These boats were designed with distinctive shapes to be easily recognized from afar and are now part of the town’s cultural identity.
Photo by Região da Nazaré
A bit further up, the Miradouro da Pederneira (Rua do Mirante 5) offers another great lookout point, with views of the entire bay and the surrounding landscape, including the Leiria Pine Forest to the north and Peniche [no proximo mes podemos aqui inserir link para o artigo de Peniche] in the distance to the south.
Other activities include visiting the Norpark water park (Praia do Norte), a good option for families during warmer months, and a short trip to São Martinho do Porto, a nearby bay with calmer waters and a more relaxed beach atmosphere.
All throughout Nazaré, you’ll see signs of the town’s fishing heritage. Many of the older women still wear traditional layered skirts, originally used to shield themselves from wind and sand while waiting for the fishermen to return. Today, these women are often seen around the Sítio viewpoint and along the Marginal, selling snacks like lupin beans (tremoços), salted pumpkin seeds (pevides), and handmade sweets.
Photo by Arroz de Minhoca
This strong connection to the ocean is also visible on the plate. Nazaré’s food culture centers around fresh fish and seafood. Local specialties include a mixed fish stew (caldeirada à Nazarena), monkfish rice (arroz de tamboril), and bread stew with shellfish (açorda de marisco). You’ll also find grilled sardines, sun-dried fish, and cataplanas featuring shellfish like clams, cockles, and crab. At the market (Mercado Municipal da Nazaré, Av. Vieira Guimarães) and in some shops, you can still buy dried fish to take home, just keep in mind that the smell is as strong as the flavor!
Photo by Center of Portugal
For dessert, Nazaré has a few unique options that reflect the town’s traditions. Tâmares are almond-based pastries shaped like boats. Sardinhas doces are sweet treats made with egg yolk, sugar, and cinnamon, shaped like sardines but with no fish involved. Nazarenos are another local favorite, often available at traditional pastelarias around town.
The best Portuguese restaurants in Nazaré
Taberna d’Adélia
Taberna d’Adélia is one of Nazaré’s most iconic spots to enjoy traditional fisherman-style cooking with a touch of elegance. Family-run since 1989, this restaurant feels a little elegant without forsaking the warmth of home-style hospitality. You come to Taberna d’Adélia to taste honest seafood done right. Fish can’t get much fresher than this in Nazaré. The daily catch is brought straight from the sea and shown to guests before being grilled, roasted, or stewed to order. If you happen to spot redbanded seabream (cantaril) on offer, don’t hesitate, as it’s one of the house favorites, roasted in the oven and served with a generous helping of açorda, Portugal’s rustic bread-based side dish. The presentation is unpretentious, letting the quality of the fish shine. And if you glance up, you’ll spot dozens of handwritten messages pinned to the ceiling. These are personal notes left by satisfied diners over the decades, now part of the restaurant’s story. A true traditional gem in Nazaré.
📍Rua das Traineiras 12, 2450-196 Nazaré
Photo by SAPO Lifestyle
Taverna do 8 ó 80
Right on the sands of Praia da Nazaré, Taverna do 8 ó 80 is a modern seaside restaurant with old-school soul. It’s the second home of the same family behind Taberna d’Adélia above, and it carries that legacy with pride. It manages to mix the charm of a traditional taberna with a more polished and stylish touch. This restaurant and wine bar’s name is a tribute that came from a family chat mid-renovation, when matriarch Maria Adélia, noticing the number 8 on the door, declared this would be a place for everyone, from 8 to 80 years of age. This is a perfect spot for a relaxed lunch by the ocean or a sunset dinner with wine. Wine is indeed one of the serious highlights of this establishment, with an incredible selection available even by the glass. On the menu, grilled fish like sea bass (robalo) shines, as do the saucy and lemony clams (amêijoas à Bulhão Pato).
📍Av. Manuel Remígio 8, 2450-106 Nazaré
Photo by Cardapio
Sitiado
Up in the Sítio neighborhood of Nazaré, far from the beach crowds and souvenir stalls, Sitiado Taberna serves a modern take on Portuguese petiscos. With a lively but relaxed atmosphere, thoughtful service, and a wine list full of local finds, this is one of the top spots in town to settle in for a long meal. The menu is built for sharing and ranges from reinvented classics to seasonal specials. You’ll find familiar flavors like polvo à lagareiro, garlicky seared beef bits (pica-pau – pictured here), and clams Bulhão Pato, but also dishes that go beyond the expected, like the tuna ceviche with avocado purée, or the flamed mushrooms with honey, almonds and farinheira sausage. Don’t miss their take on ovos rotos, here served with shredded cod, in good Portuguese style. They also do a great Iberian black pork (secretos de porco preto), and the grilled sardines come paired with tomato açorda, adding a Nazaré touch to this much beloved dish. Come to Sitiado for downright delicious modern Portuguese food.
📍 Rua Amadeu Guadêncio 2, 2450-065 Nazaré
Photo by Sitiado on Facebook
Rosa dos Ventos
Rosa dos Ventos is a tribute to Nazaré’s fishing roots, preserved with pride by a family that’s been bringing in the daily catch for generations. Located in a quiet street behind the main town center, this cozy, no-frills fish tavern specializes in freshly grilled fish, served in a space filled with old fishing artifacts, ropes, nets, and hooks that once braved the Atlantic. The fish comes straight from the sea, literally! The founder, a fisherman himself, began this business three decades ago by bringing his catch directly to the kitchen each morning. That tradition continues today, and the results speak for themselves. Whether you go for grilled sea bream, sardines, mackerel, or octopus, the preparation is always simple and honest, making good use of just salt, flame, and timing. No sauces needed when the fish is this fresh. The atmosphere is relaxed and familial. The staff treat you like one of their own, sharing stories of the sea while pouring house wine and plating up generous servings. It’s a place where locals come to eat, and that’s always a good sign when looking for authenticity during your travels.
📍Rua Gil Vicente 88, 2450-219 Nazaré
https://rosadosventosnazare.com
Photo by Rota dos Ventos
Restaurante Esmeralda
If you’re looking to escape some of the tourist traps located near Nazaré’s waterfront and still eat like royalty without blowing your budget, Restaurante Esmeralda is your kind of place. Located in a quieter residential area not far from the Ohai campsite, this modern yet unpretentious spot is known among locals and savvy visitors as one of the best-value meals in town. The space is well-lit and contemporary, but the soul of the restaurant lies in its family-style cooking, hearty portions, and warm service. The menu includes traditional Portuguese favorites with a few surprises. Their octopus roasted with olive oil and garlic (polvo à Lagareiro) is a standout, as is the bacalhau à Brás, a comforting mix of shredded cod, potato, and egg done just right. Meat lovers will appreciate the picanha, a Brazilian-style grilled cut of beef, usually served with a fried egg on top. The portions are generous, the flavors are on point, and the prices are hard to beat.
📍Rua Tomás Ribas 1, 2450-284 Nazaré
www.instagram.com/restaurantesmeraldanazare
Photo by Findout Nazaré
Pangeia and Pangeia By The Sea
In Nazaré, the team behind Pangeia believes one good restaurant simply wasn’t enough, so they opened two. Both are owned and operated by the same crew, offering the same refined approach to contemporary Portuguese dining, but each delivers a different kind of atmosphere. Pangeia, near the town’s lighthouse, offers panoramic views over Nazaré from above, while Pangeia By The Sea, their beachfront sibling, puts you just steps from the Atlantic. Same kitchen philosophy, different perspectives. The menu at both locations is a blend of local flavors and global inspiration. Octopus is one of the restaurant’s signature ingredients, starring in several great dishes that showcase just how versatile this beloved cephalopod can be. They also prepare a good selection of grilled fish and meats, always presented with care and a touch of finesse. The wine list pulls from both Portuguese and international producers, curated to pair well with the diverse dishes on offer. No matter what you order for mains, make sure to save room for dessert. Their tray of homemade sweets comes packed with small portions of rich treats, offering a bit of everything so you don’t have to choose – we simply love that!
📍Pangeia: Rua Abel da Silva 50, 2450-060 Nazaré
📍Pangeia By The Sea: Av. Manuel Remígio 1, 2450-172 Nazaré
https://pangeiarestaurante.com
Photo by Restaurante Pangeia
Fonte Mar
Fonte Mar is the kind of place where you come for the food, not the ambiance and, trust us, that’s a very good thing. Tucked into a side street near the town center, this family-run spot cooks straightforward Portuguese seafood. No Instagrammable plating here, just massive portions of well-cooked fish, good local wine, and a vibe that feels more like eating at a Portuguese auntie’s house than dining out. Their caldeirada à Fonte Mar is one of the house’s star dishes. It consists of a generous seafood stew packed with prawns, clams, mussels, crayfish, and whatever fish was freshest that day. Designed for two but easily enough for four, it’s served bubbling hot, rich with tomato, garlic, and olive oil, perfect for soaking up with crusty bread. For grilled options, you can choose your fish straight from the display fridge (octopus, swordfish, black scabbard, and mixed skewers are popular picks) and everything comes with simple sides of potatoes and salad. Fonte Mar is where you go to eat like a local, leave stuffed, and start dreaming about your return.
📍Largo da Fonte Velha 14, 2450-065 Nazaré
Photo by Fonte Mar on TripAdvisor
Maria do Mar
Maria do Mar is the kind of place that feels like home even if it’s your first time walking through the door. Just a few steps away from the oceanfront, tucked into a quiet side street, this family-run restaurant serves authentic Nazarene dishes. This translates into ultra-fresh fish, local seafood, and rustic sides that keep things simple and delicious. Order the aromatic fish soup (sopa de peixe) to start your meal. Then go for the rich fish stew (caldeirada), served with all the bones intact, as it should be, or try the grilled sea bass or sole, seasoned with little more than lemon and sea salt. If you have space for it, don’t forsake the clams either. The portions are generous, the food is unpretentious, and everything is cooked with care. The staff is also incredibly friendly and will happily walk you through the options and, if you can’t take your trip back to Lisbon because you are truly stuffed, or have simply fallen in love with Nazaré and wish to extend your stay around here, know that they also have accommodations upstairs!
📍Rua Guilhim 13, 2450-223 Nazaré
www.instagram.com/restaurante_maria_do_mar
Photo by Rebotim27 on TripAdvisor
A Fornalha
A Fornalha originally opened in 1980 as a typical Nazaré tavern, but this restaurant has since evolved into one of the town’s most versatile and inclusive dining spots, offering aged meats, fresh seafood, and even vegetable-forward dishes. Like many restaurants in town, the decor nods to Nazaré’s maritime heritage, but it’s the menu’s diversity that sets A Fornalha apart. In a town where seafood often steals the spotlight, this place goes above and beyond to accommodate plant-based diets, with clearly labeled vegan options and informed staff. From vegan bruschettas and fresh vegetable-based plates to thoughtful mains that skip the usual processed substitutes, it’s one of the most reliable choices in Nazaré for vegetarian and vegan travelers. That said, meat lovers won’t feel left out. Their dry-aged steaks, lamb chops, and baby back ribs are crowd favorites, perfectly grilled and succulent. Seafood is also part of the lineup, as we’re in Nazaré after all.
📍Rua Dr. António Duarte Pimpão 12, 2450-170 Nazaré
Photo by A Fornalha
Aki-d’el-Mar Marisqueira
Located right on Nazaré’s seafront promenade, Aki-d’el-Mar is a marisqueira, that is, a seafood specialized restaurant. This family-run restaurant, founded in 2004 and now managed by José Mota and Manuela Sábio, is built on a clear philosophy: from their own fish tanks straight to your table! That means that, here, you’ll get to eat the freshest possible seafood. Inside, you’ll find live tanks filled with lobsters, spider crabs, velvet crabs, and seasonal delicacies like gooseneck barnacles from Berlengas (the island off the coast of Peniche). Their display of pre-cooked seafood near the entrance, including shrimp, clams, whelks, and stone crabs, gives you a taste of what’s to come, quite literally. But if you’d rather go big, go for signature dishes like the Portuguese seafood rice (arroz de marisco), the cataplana, or their garlicky house açorda with lobster and prawns, which feels like the essence of the Atlantic in a bowl. Their team has also embraced the times by adding vegetarian and vegan options, something rare for a classic marisqueira. That said, if you’re coming here, you probably came for the shellfish showcase, and you’ll leave knowing exactly why this is one of Nazaré’s most beloved spots for seafood lovers.
📍Av. Manuel Remígio 129, 2450-172 Nazaré
www.instagram.com/marisqueiraakidelmar
Photo by Lifecooler
A Tasquinha
Don’t let the modest facade fool you, as A Tasquinha is one of the most beloved restaurants in Nazaré for good reason. This tiny family-run spot has earned cult status among locals, surfers, and savvy travelers who know their seafood. A Tasquinha is all about honest, home-style Portuguese cooking. Simple dishes like the grilled sardines, squid (lulas), and clams Bulhão Pato standout, but so do more indulgent options like cataplana, which consists of a steaming seafood stew packed with shrimp, clams, and fish, perfect for sharing. Portions are generous, the seafood is incredibly fresh, and the seasoning hits the spot. Besides the food, the joyful vibes you’ll feel at A Tasquinha makes dining here even more special. The restaurant is usually full, the atmosphere is loud and upbeat and they do not take reservations. So come prepared for a little adventure and discover what we think is, hands-down, one of the most unpretentious and best restaurants in Nazaré!
📍Rua Adrião Batalha 54, 2450-162 Nazaré
www.instagram.com/explore/locations/13536004/a-tasquinha
Photo by Olivierflo on TripAdvisor
Restaurante Gil Vicente
Restaurante Gil Vicente is one of those under-the-radar spots that locals keep returning to and travelers feel lucky to stumble upon. It’s a relaxed, welcoming place that balances the feel of a traditional tasca with the comfort of modern amenities, like air-conditioned indoor seating and a pleasant outdoor terrace perfect for summer evenings. The kitchen delivers hearty portions of classic Portuguese fare with just enough of a twist to keep things interesting. If you’re after seafood, their grilled sardines (sardinhas), sea bass (robalo), and grilled squid (lulas grelhadas) are consistently praised for their freshness and smoky, just-off-the-grill flavor. There’s also flat cod fritters (pataniscas de bacalhau) paired with arroz malandro, a saucy, tomato-rich “naughty rice” that’s one of Portugal’s lesser-known but most satisfying comfort foods. The starters are worth lingering over too, with grilled chouriço, olives, regional Portuguese cheeses, and warm bread to ease into the meal with a cold beer or a glass of wine. Even though service can get a little slow at peak times, the friendly vibe and fair prices more than make up for it.
📍Rua Gil Vicente 67, 2450-183 Nazaré
www.instagram.com/restaurante_gil_vicente
Photo by Restaurante Gil Vicente on Facebook
Adega João Clau
João Clau is the owner and front-of-house wizard who greets guests upon arrival to Adega João Clau, and who personally makes sure your experience here will be a positive one. Behind the stove is chef Sara, who’ll prepare you a wonderful Portuguese meal. Expect well cooked Nazaré classics like garlic shrimp, grilled sea bream and octopus, cataplana, and generous portions of arroz de marisco. Everything is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. Despite the restaurant’s humble size, the menu is full of memorable dishes served in portions that could in some cases almost feed a small army. But what really makes Adega João Clau stand out is the human element. From birthday surprises to extended after-hours conversations, guests leave with full bellies and fuller hearts. It’s not fancy, and that’s exactly why it works so well. As it tends to get busy, we’d recommend reserving your table well in advance.
📍Rua Branco Martins 2450 loja 4 n15, 2450-172 Nazaré
www.instagram.com/restaurantejoaoclau
Photo by Paulo Moura on TripAdvisor
Sítio dos Petiscos
Perched high above Nazaré with one of the best panoramic views of the beach and ocean below, Sítio dos Petiscos delivers the kind of dining experience that’s as much about the place as it is about the plate. This spot in Sítio, the clifftop neighborhood, feels like a reward after the uphill trek (or a quick funicular ride). Once you sit down on the terrace and take in the sweeping Atlantic vistas, the world slows down a little. The menu may be short, but it’s packed with well-executed classics. Monkfish rice (arroz de tamboril) is the house favorite, cooked from scratch when you order it (so allow for some time for it to land on your table) and served steaming in generous portions full of fresh seafood. Grilled fish, such as sea bass or sea bream, comes perfectly seasoned and accompanied by crispy fries and veggies. Whether you’re enjoying a long lunch under the sun or warming up after a windy sunset, Sítio dos Petiscos combines the best of Nazaré’s coastal cuisine with some of its most stunning views, so make sure to ask for a seat on the terrace to make the most of the experience!
📍Rua Azevedo e Sousa 5, 2450-065 Nazaré
www.facebook.com/p/S%C3%ADtio-dos-Petiscos-100049100873754
Photo by Manuel Andrade on Google
The best bakeries and pastelarias in Nazaré
Pastelaria Cores e Sabores
If you’re after a low-key spot for a genuine Portuguese coffee and pastry break, Pastelaria Cores e Sabores is a local favorite worth seeking out. Away from the main tourist area of Nazaré, that is, not close to the beach, this café is known for its fair prices and friendly service. The pastry counter has all the classics you’d expect from a proper Portuguese pastelaria: pastéis de nata (some of the biggest in town), Berliners (bolas de Berlim), brioche buns with coconut and egg jam (pão de Deus), and little milk tarts (queijadas), just to name a few. Everything is baked fresh and in house, and best enjoyed with coffee Portuguese style, whether it’s a straightforward espresso (bica), or a latte (galão). Cores e Sabores may not make it to Instagram foodie guides, but it’s exactly the kind of spot you hope to stumble upon while traveling: authentic, welcoming, and priced for locals. It’s perfect for a simple Portuguese style breakfast, a late-morning sugar boost, or just a quick caffeine stop between Nazaré’s sights.
📍Tv. Vasco da Gama 31, 2450-237 Nazaré
www.instagram.com/coresesabores.nazare
Photo by Cores e Sabores on Facebook
Pastelaria Doces Desejos
For those who don’t mind venturing a little beyond the town center, Pastelaria Doces Desejos is a sweet reward. A local favorite in nearby Valado dos Frades, this pastelaria and bakery with fabrico próprio (in-house baking) is known for its generous portions of delicious pastries. You’ll find all the Portuguese classics here, as well as seasonal specialties like bolo-rei when the time comes. Their bread selection is also fresh and extensive and fresh daily, making it a great spot not just for sweets but also for a simple local breakfast or a takeaway picnic before heading to the cliffs. They have indoor and outdoor seating and a smiley service which makes the little detour from the heart of Nazaré worth it for those looking to experience something with a very local soul.
📍N242 3 2450, 2450-138 Nazaré
www.facebook.com/people/Doces-Desejos
Photo by Doces Desejos on Facebook
Village Brunch & Coffee
For travelers craving a break from the typical pastelaria breakfast of toast, coffee and Portuguese cakes, Village Brunch & Coffee is a solid alternative with international options. This bright and modern café just a short walk from the beach has become a popular spot in Nazaré for brunch, light meals, or remote work with a side of fresh juice. The brunch menu features all the classics: pancakes, eggs, bacon, toast with toppings, fruit, homemade cakes, and yogurt bowls. Whether you go for their full brunch set or mix and match items like spicy meat wraps or avocado toasts, everything is fresh, well-prepared, and generously portioned. Bonus: it’s one of the few places in Nazaré that’s laptop-friendly with good Wi-Fi, making it a great option for digital nomads or anyone needing a quiet recharge spot.
📍Praça Sousa Oliveira 25, 2450-159 Nazaré
www.instagram.com/village_nazare
Photo by Odisseias
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