Santarém travel guide for food lovers
Feat photo by eTaste
Close enough to Lisbon to justify a day trip, Santarém offers a rich, contrasting experience to the capital, and is a great place to explore the traditions and diversity of the Ribatejo region. While we explored Vila Franca de Xira, also in the same region, in a previous article, Santarém stands out with its own historical legacy and a vibrant culinary scene to match.
Santarém is home to about 60,000 people, some of whom come to Lisbon for work every day. After all, the city’s proximity to Lisbon, just a 45-minute drive on the A1 motorway or about an hour by train (check the exact train schedules here), makes it accessible for locals, as much as for visitors looking to explore Portugal’s medieval past and culinary richness in a less obvious and not particularly touristic place.
Photo by Idealista
The bustling historic center of Santarém serves as the perfect starting point for visitors. We’d highly encourage you to wander through the narrow streets lined with Gothic architecture and stumble upon the Church of São João de Alporão (Tv. das Borras 4), which houses the Museum of Art and Archaeology. Nearby, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça (Largo Pedro Álvares Cabral 12) stands as a monumental piece of flamboyant Gothic architecture, its façade being a testament to the city’s historical past. It is here that Pedro Álvares Cabral, the acclaimed navigator who made it to Brazil in the 1500s, is entombed, a fact that links Santarém to the much talked about Age of Discoveries.
Photo by Concierge.2C on Wikimedia
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For those who appreciate the outdoors, the Jardim das Portas do Sol (Largo do Alcáçova 1) offers stunning panoramic views of the Tagus River and the surrounding plains, while the nearby river beaches provide natural options that are perfect for hot summer days but worth visiting for the sake of a stroll any other time of the year, as long as it’s not raining.
Photo by Correio do Ribatejo
Each year in June, Santarém becomes the busy hub of the National Agriculture Fair, a landmark event that showcases the region’s agricultural activities through a variety of events, exhibitions, and demonstrations. This fair is about local farming practices indeed, but also celebrates Portuguese food culture, tracing the origins of some of the country’s staple foods. If your visit doesn’t coincide with the fair thought, make sure to at least visit the Mercado Municipal de Santarém (Rua Cidade da Covilhã 10). Designed by the architect Cassiano Branco in the 1930s, the market is noted for its distinctive layout and the beautiful tile panels that depict scenes of regional tourism and agriculture. Here, you can find fresh local produce and regional foods, making it a great stop for experiencing the authentic daily life of Santarém.
Also every year, in October, food-lover flocks head to Santarém for the National Gastronomy Fair. It is a nationwide food cult event, one of the most icon and the oldest active gastronomic festival. It brings together in one single place all Portuguese traditional and regional cuisines, celebrated by renowned chefs, local producers and fully enjoyed in a pilgrimage through the many and immensely appreciated traditional food booths, locally called tasquinhas.
Photo by Cozinha Tradicional
Santarém’s cuisine is a reflection of its agrarian roots and cultural exchanges. The local dishes tend to be robust and flavorful, once again, offering a taste of the region’s link to agriculture. The famed stone soup, or sopa da pedra (pictured above), is a must-try, rich with meats, beans, and vegetables, and lots of folklore about its origins in the recipe too. Another dish you can’t miss is migas, a traditional accompaniment made from crumbled bread mixed with garlic and greens, which is usually served to complement rich meat dishes such as bull meat.
Photo by Vinhos do Tejo
Not to be overlooked are also the local Tejo wines which belong to the Lisboa Wine Region, which we believe is highly undervalued and certainly deserves to be more carefully explored by those who visit our country. For that, you can follow the Tejo Wine Route, which highlights local producers, cellars which offer wine tourism experiences, and labels you should sip to start getting acquainted with these wines.
And now that you know some of the dishes you should try when you visit Santarém, let’s put the focus on the restaurants you should visit to do so:
Best Portuguese restaurants in Santarém
Taberna Ó Balcão
At Taberna Ó Balcão, chef Rodrigo Castelo pioneers a culinary team that merges the charm of handwritten menus with collaborative four-hand experiences. Here, the rustic yet refreshed tavern ambiance sets the stage for innovative dishes that honor traditional Ribatejan flavors. The menu, rich with regional authenticity, features delights such as pork belly, cuttlefish stew, grilled sardine on toasted bread, and small fried fish with bread porridge (migas).
Rodrigo, a native of the Ribatejo region, has passionately researched ways to elevate local ingredients, focusing particularly on river predator fish to help balance the ecosystem. The menu showcases an array of unique fish like pike, barbel, and catfish, some of them cured in salt, and meat options including wild boar and duck. Noteworthy dishes like the river fish coscorão and the creamy river crab and crayfish must not be missed. The extensive wine list complements the creative tasting menus and traditional dishes, featuring a generous selection of local wines.
In addition to other culinary accolades, Taberna Ó Balcão has also earned a Michelin star and a Michelin Green Star for its sustainable practices. The restaurant supports the local environment by minimizing waste, cooking invasive species, and producing preserves and ferments. We truly believe the work developed by chef Rodrigo Castelo and his team is worth the trip from Lisbon to Santarém alone, just for the sake of a truly excellent and unique meal.
📍Rua Pedro de Santarém 73, 2000-223 Santarém
www.instagram.com/restauranteobalcao
Photo by Visão
A Grelha
A Grelha has a straightforward but not for that any less valuable approach to Portuguese cooking. Known for its homestyle dishes and warm, family-friendly atmosphere, A Grelha offers a dining experience where simplicity and quality meet affordability.
The menu at A Grelha features a variety of Portuguese classics and grilled specialties, served with the kind of care that makes each dish feel like a home-cooked meal. The daily specials mostly feature hearty and unpretentious food, but that is truly tasty and well prepared, from fish and meat specialties, to delightful home-made desserts.
For seafood lovers, A Grelha provides an array of fresh fish options, ready to be grilled to simple perfection. Favorites include John Dory filets (filetes de peixe galo) with tomato rice and fried turbot. Meat dishes like stewed pork cheeks, grilled black pork (secretos de porco preto), and roast goatling (cabrito assado) are standout offerings, alongside other traditional dishes such as codfish cakes (pataniscas de bacalhau) and the ultra traditional beef trotters with chickpeas (mão de vaca com grão). This place is all about good food and genuine hospitality!
📍Rua do Ateneu Comercial de Santarém Lt. 1 R/C.Esqº, 2000-215 Santarém
www.facebook.com/restauranteagrelhasantarem
Photo by Fernando Trindade on TripAdvisor
Taberna do Quinzena
Open for over 150 years in Santarém, Taberna do Quinzena is affectionately dubbed the “cathedral of Ribatejan cuisine”. This historic establishment has a décor reminiscent of a bullfighting arena which, whether we like it or not, has been a part of the local traditions for centuries. In 2006, the business expanded with a new, smaller venue in Santarém, maintaining the same warmth and quality that patrons have come to expect. Today, the brand has four different establishments in and around Santarém – see the addresses below.
The daily menu at Taberna do Quinzena offers a culinary journey through Ribatejo with dishes like roasted salt cod with chestnuts, oven-roasted duck with offal rice, and traditional Portuguese stew, that is cozido à portuguesa, a robust dish which is most typically served in restaurants on wednesdays (and sometimes also sundays) for a yet unknown reason. The weekend brings novelties such as wine-marinated bull and the hearty traditional meat stew which we consider to be the national dish of Portugal. This is a great place to enjoy typical Portuguese food, with special focus on Ribatejan ingredients, and while enjoying those local flavors, get to people-watch and get a sense of the local community too.
📍Rua Pedro de Santarém 93 95, 2000-223 Santarém
Photo by Correio do Ribatejo
TasCÁ
TasCÁ cleverly plays on the words “tasca” (a traditional Portuguese tavern) and “cá” (meaning “here” in Portuguese), embodying a warm invitation: “Here, we have tapas, wine, and stories.” This charming eatery, which is open seven days a week in Santarém, marries the nostalgia of old-world taverns with contemporary flair, both in its decor and culinary offerings.
Since its opening in 2012, TasCÁ has become a beloved spot in the heart of Santarém, positioning itself as a haven for those who cherish good food and regional wines. The ambiance evokes the spirit of a bygone era, blending traditional elements with modern touches, creating a welcoming space for its customers.
At TasCÁ, the menu features a variety of petiscos (Portuguese tapas) that pay homage to the culinary traditions of the region, all served alongside a selection of fine local wines. The restaurant takes pride in its live fado performances, which occur every Thursday night, adding an authentic Portuguese cultural experience to the mix.
📍Rua Arco Manços nº8, 2000-076 Santarém
Photo by The Fork
Dois Petiscos
At Dois Petiscos, chef João Correia brings an interesting blend of regional and Mediterranean culinary traditions to the heart of Santarém. With a background that spans high-profile kitchens in Barcelona and Lisbon, chef Correia infuses local Portuguese cuisine with Catalan influences, creating a menu that’s both familiar and innovative. The restaurant itself has a lovely and cozy tavern-like ambiance.
Dois Petiscos’ menu features dishes that are both comforting and sophisticated. Starters like sardine torricado (Portugal’s answer to a bruschetta) and crispy beef croquettes set the stage for more substantial fare, such as the bacalhau ao quadrado, a layered dish of cod, cornbread, spinach, and farinheira sausage that melds the sea’s bounty with earthy flavors. Making justice to its name, the menu also offers a variety of petiscos, allowing diners to sample a wide range of flavors served in smaller portions, from tuna steak sandwiches on traditional bolo do caco bread to delicately fried goat cheese with onion jam.
Beyond its innovative dishes, Dois Petiscos prides itself on utilizing sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients, reflecting chef Correia’s dedication to ecological balance, specially by featuring river fish sourced nearby and regional meats. This approach not only supports local producers but also ensures that each dish served is of the highest freshness and quality, in this true gem of Santarém’s gastronomic scene.
📍Rua Cidade da Covilhã 4, 2005-244 Santarém
Photo by ITS Uruguay
Chapa 7
A restaurant that boldly stirred away from the city’s traditional focus on bull-related festivities and meat-heavy cuisine, Chapa 7 has made a name for itself since its opening in 2014 through its high quality seafood offerings. But while Chapa 7 is renowned for its seafood, the menu of the restaurant lead by Mr Carlos does not overlook meat dishes all together, providing a well-rounded selection for all tastes. Among its standout offerings are the seafood platters, an array of meticulously curated seafood that includes crab, barnacles, and various types of shrimp, each designed to satisfy groups of three or four. Other specialties feature clams Bulhão Pato, garlic shrimp, and national prawns from the Algarve. For those with a more exquisite taste and a budget to match, there are also things like scarlet shrimp (carabineiros), grilled tiger shrimp, and lobsters. One thing is for sure, and that is that there is no shortage of interesting seafood you can try in Portugal.
The restaurant also prepared good beef dishes, served only with the finest cuts. The menu includes their signature steak, bife à Chapa 7, and bife à portuguesa, which is a portuguese style steak with jus, ham and a fried egg. But, even if you had seafood as your main meal, following local tradition, the meal is traditionally rounded off with a garlic seasoned steak sandwich (prego no pão) – it may sound odd to some, but trust us when we say that your will feel much more satisfied after indulging in some meat and carbs after a Portuguese seafood feast.
The wine list at Chapa 7 also deserves a mention as it is quite extensive. It includes over 300 references, many from the local region, and an impressive collection of 48 varieties of Port wine.
📍Rua Sociedade Jardim de Cima, 2005 Santarém
www.instagram.com/chapa7_marisqueira
Photo by Expresso
O Micas
O Micas is all about charcoal grilling, a method of cooking that is taken quite seriously here in Portugal, both to prepare fresh fish and cuts of meat. Some folks around Santarém go as far as saying that O Micas serves some of the best meats in the region. There’s no doubt that the restaurant serves generous portions, the service is quite rapid, the staff is attentive and, overall, this translates into a great experience.
Patrons of O Micas can look forward to a variety of daily specials (pratos do dia), which include a wide range of meat and fish dishes, complemented by a daily soup. So, besides grilled specialities, they also prepare home-style Portuguese dishes, offering comfort food staples like roasted meats, oven roasted cod with cream and potatoes (bacalhau com natas), fava beans with pork ribs and cured meats (favas com entrecosto), and fried pork cubes with clams and potatoes (carne de porco à Alentejana). For those unfamiliar, one of the less common dishes served is cação de cebolada, a traditional Portuguese dish that involves stewing a type of small shark in a copious amount of softly sauteed onions, resulting in a truly delicious dish, reminiscent of the flavors of the Alentejo region of Portugal.
📍O Micas Av. António dos Santos 3, 2000-074 Santarém
www.facebook.com/restauranteomicas
Photo by CM Santarém
Dom Nunes
Dom Nunes serves authentic Portuguese cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This venue is perfect for any meal, whether it’s a leisurely lunch, a cozy dinner, or just a simple coffee break.
The restaurant offers a delightful variety of daily specials, featuring traditional and regional recipes that cater to a variety of tastes. Guests can expect generous portions of classic Portuguese dishes such as beef steak with fries and egg (bitoque) and various other steak preparations, alheira sausage, and pan fried liver with potatoes (iscas com elas). The menu also includes hearty options like a traditional Portuguese stew known as cozido à portuguesa, as well as several salt cod dishes.
At Dom Nunes, the focus on affordability does not compromise the quality or the authenticity of the food, making it an ideal spot for enjoying the true flavors of Portugal without stretching the budget!
📍Av. Marquês de Pombal 7, 2005-170 Santarém
www.facebook.com/DOMNUNESSANTAREM
Photo by GastroRanking
Brazão
Brazão is known for its traditional Portuguese fare, particularly grilled dishes and old time comfort recipes most Portuguese folks know and love. This is the kind of establishment which has become a neighborhood favorite, where both the patrons and owners are on a first-name basis.
As the establishment has various dining spaces, it can cater to both larger gatherings and more private meals. Their weekly rotating menu features daily specials that include Portuguese classics like shredded cod with potatoes and eggs (bacalhau à Brás), pan fried liver with potatoes (iscas com elas), stewed lamb (borrego estufado), cuttlefish stew (feijoada de choco), and fried pork with pickles (carne de porco à portuguesa), offering a taste of authentic local cuisine at reasonable prices. A beautiful choice of place to savor genuine Portuguese dishes in the heart of Santarém.
📍Avenida dos Combatentes 25, 2005-361 Santarém
www.instagram.com/brazaorestaurante
Photo by Brazão on TripAdvisor
Casa dos Torricados
Casa dos Torricados, established in 2018 near Santarém’s bustling Mercado Municipal, offers a true Ribatejan experience at the table. The restaurant specializes in a local favorite, torricado, a dish born from the practical meals of field workers who carried ingredients like salted cod, olive oil, garlic, and salt to prepare over an open flame.
At Casa dos Torricados, this simple yet delicious dish is reimagined with a variety of toppings beyond the traditional salted cod, including options like shrimp, black pork, veal, octopus, and alheira sausage. Each variation remains true to the rustic essence of torricado, highlighting the quality of local ingredients. The bread, toasted directly over coals, is rubbed with garlic and soaked with olive oil, crisped to perfection, creating a flavorful base for the rich toppings.
This restaurant not only pays homage to the region’s culinary heritage through its signature dishes but also elevates the experience with meats expertly sourced and prepared by the local butcher Talho El Galego, to make sure meals here reflect the authentic taste of the Ribatejo region.
📍Rua Dr. Jaime Figueiredo 25, 2005-139 Santarém
Photo by Casa dos Torricados on TripAdvisor
Recommended bakeries and pastry shops in Santarém
Pastelaria Bijou
Founded in 1946 by a local entrepreneur, Bijou quickly became a staple in the community for its quality confections. The business was acquired in 1952 by the current owner’s family, marking the beginning of a longstanding tradition of excellent pastry makking. Known initially for offering regional treats like the celestes cakes from the Convent of Santa Clara and the arrepiados from Almoster, both examples of Portugal’s conventual sweets repertoire, Bijou’s reputation for quality was well established by the 1970s.
During that decade, the business sought to expand its manufacturing capabilities, leading to the creation of the pampilho. The shape of the pampilho is inspired by the iconic figures of the Ribatejo region who herd cattle with their long sticks, known locally as pampilhos. Despite the widespread imitation of the pampilho around the city and a little all across Portugal, Bijou remains the original and registered trademark holder since 1984, a fact that fills the owners with pride. The quality that distinguishes their pampilho continues to set them apart from those who came after.
Bijou has grown beyond its original location at Largo do Seminário, adding two more establishments in the city and a cake factory in the industrial area. If you are indeed a food lover on the hunt for local specialities, a visit to Santarém won’t certainly be complete without trying pampilhos, even more so if you do so here – visiting Santarém and not going to Bijou is like going to Lisbon and not stopping for a custard tart at Pastéis de Belém.
📍Bijou: Rua Capelo e Ivens 135, 2005-155 Santarém
📍Bijou 2: Rua Dr. António José de Almeida 3, 2005-142 Santarém
📍Bijou 3: Av. Me. Andaluz 1A, 2000-181 Santarém
Photo by Mais Ribatejo
Pastelaria Rei
Pastelaria Rei stands as one of Santarém’s oldest pastelarias, but like many Portuguese style pastry shops, they serve both cakes and pastries, as well as light meals and savory options. Throughout the day, this charming establishment welcomes guests with freshly brewed coffee and a selection of pastries, making it a perfect spot for a Portuguese style breakfast or an afternoon break with a much needed kick of caffeine. As the day winds down, the atmosphere at Pastelaria Rei shifts to a more casual vibe where customers can enjoy a cold beer paired with a hearty meat sandwich.
A highlight of Pastelaria Rei is their offering of the best traditional confectionery in Santarém, particularly famous for their pampilhos. Pampilhos are a specialty pastry from the region, resembling elongated, soft pastries typically filled with doces de ovos, that is egg jam.
📍Praça Visc. Serra do Pilar 29, 2000-115 Santarém
www.instagram.com/pastelaria.rei
Photo by Pastelaria Rei on Facebook
Pastelaria Panitejo
Panitejo, located in both Santarém and Almeirim, is a great bakery and pastry shop where visitors can enjoy a genuinely Portuguese breakfast. Known for its extensive selection of both sweet and savory options, Panitejo offers everything from sandwiches to croissants, including the much beloved by Portuguese people brioche croissant (as pictured here). A highlight at this pastelaria is their pastel de nata, whose quality easily mirrors that of any of the more famous pastel de nata stores in Lisbon.
Freshly baked goods line the shelves, featuring a wide array of Portuguese breads that make Panitejo a favorite among locals. It’s also an ideal spot for those looking to unwind after exploring Santarém, and savor a cup of coffee paired with the traditional local pastry pampilho. Panitejo provides a cozy atmosphere perfect for leisurely enjoying the sweet flavors of Portugal.
📍Av. Dom Afonso Henriques 51, 2000-179 Santarém
Photo by Panitejo on Facebook
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Feed your curiosity on Portuguese food culture:
Torres Vedras travel guide for food lovers
Vila Franca de Xira travel guide for food lovers
Day trips from Lisbon that we locals also enjoy
Chefs who have made a mark on Lisbon’s culinary scene – Part 3
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