Many visitors to Matosinhos may arrive for the crashing Atlantic waves, the bustling fish market, or quietly hoping to catch a glimpse of Portugal’s famed surf culture. We’re here for the drinks and the plates. Sure, it’s easy to stick to the classic grilled sardines and vinho verde, but this vibrant coastal town has more to offer, including petiscos and craft cocktails that may be more coveted than a perfect sunset.
We raised our glasses and filled our bellies to find the best spots where the atmosphere is as intoxicating as the pours.
A Cozinha Do Mariz
Matosinhos’s Portuguese take-away spot A Cozinha Do Mariz never disappoints us, and their barbecue chicken is no exception. If you order the barbecue chicken here, you’ll be handed a container filled with juicy and flavorful chicken, perfectly fried fries that are dry and crisp, and a side of grilled cod gently laid beside it. The whole meal is hearty and satisfying, but it’s not something we recommend having in your hands if you’re in a rush to get somewhere.
A Badalhoca Do Fredo
If wandering Matosinhos leaves you craving something simple and satisfying, there’s comfort in this classic bifana sandwich. We love tearing into the spicy beef and tender cured ham tucked inside a fresh, crusty roll. And the house espadal here is mainly great. Besides a few bites that taste like they’ve been sitting a bit too long, it has a nice sharp flavor and is a solid alternative to the bland cheese options at most places.
As Marias
Grab some scrambled eggs and bacon sandwiches at As Marias, which we’re pleased to report do live up to the praise that keeps the local community coming back. The eggs are perfectly fluffy, bacon strips are crispy with caramelized edges, and buttery bread makes up for the unavailable tapas menu. As delightful as these sandwiches are, the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed—show up with time to spare if you’re set on enjoying shisha with your good wine or beer.
Café Lua – Crispim & Silva, Lda. (Café Lua)
$$$ | 229 381 707 | WEBSITE
Café Lua’s breakfast operation is right there in their main dining area, making it convenient to grab an outstanding croissant as Part Two of a morning coffee ritual. They specialize in homemade food—imagine a regular café kitchen with fresh ingredients prepared daily, creating, well, delicious homemade dishes. You get it. Anyway, there’s nothing quite like buttery warm pastry with a pleasant atmosphere of terrace seating and football matches.
Lais de Guia
$$ | 229 381 428 | WEBSITE
While this charming beachside restaurant offers the perfect spot for a relaxing day, the location right by the sand is far better. Their light and delicious menu options are a lovely little departure from the heavy fare you often find elsewhere—and they work as a perfect meal whether you’re planning a full beach day or not. Don’t forget to rent one of their comfortable sunbeds and umbrellas, creating an enjoyable atmosphere that makes the whole experience dangerously easy to extend for hours.
Gaivota Snack-Bar
If you’re going to chase a sunset with seafood and wine, this is the place to do it. Yes, the lamb dish is a must-try and yes it’s around $32 before tax—but it’s also the best I’ve ever tasted. A beautiful view makes its way to every table, and the meal comes with mounds of fresh seafood and what feels like an entire ocean of flavor. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, providing a fantastic dining experience—just book early, since they close at 8:30.
Terminal 4450 (Restaurante Terminal 4450 | Steakhouse)
$$$ | 919 851 933 | WEBSITE
The standout dish here is undoubtedly the picanha, named for the cut that defines Brazilian churrascaria. It’s rich and deeply savory from the careful grilling, with garlic butter and sea salt enhancing the natural beefy flavor. The other steaks are more affordable than the $48 you’ll invest for this one, but they’re also less memorable.
Bar do Titan
If your eyes have become 80% ocean view by mid-afternoon, nothing complements the scenery quite like the fresh fish dishes at this beachside spot. They may not be impressive at times, but that shouldn’t stop you from savoring these tender seafood plates while watching sports on the TV. The well-tapped beer flows freely as friendly staff keep your glass full on the popular terrace, though the outdoor sofas could use some improvement.
Parents relax while kids play in the nearby park, creating that perfect casual atmosphere where the burger is described as amazing despite other notes. Just be aware the women’s toilets have had cleanliness issues, but the decent sanitary facilities and good service make this a fantastic location to soak up both sun and suds.
Munchie
This is total burger joint simplicity, but it’s great simplicity (and basically every hungry person’s dream come true). One well-made hamburger, served with unique chips and friendly service, comes with a relaxed atmosphere that has warmth while staying casual for all those meals. Sure, we wish there were more dessert options, but we devoured every bite.
And if you’re not into the whole burger-and-chips situation, you can go classic with just the tasty burger itself, courtesy of the friendly staff at this Matosinhos spot.
Leixões Bilharista – Academia de Bilhares
We’re not huge fans of pool halls in general, but within the confines of this casual spot, it does the job for those seeking fun besides just drinks. The many tables and local tournaments perform most of the heavy lifting here, but the spectacular service and delicious francesinha sauce make it solid nonetheless.
Fonteluz Caffe
This popular Matosinhos-based cafe has a small indoor space that often gets noisy on weekends due to its cozy size. While the menu isn’t as extensive as some larger restaurants, there are still plenty of great dishes to choose from, including the dog with francesinha sauce and alheira made with high-quality products. You may need to grab a spot on the outdoor terrace on warm days, though—it’s a pleasant place to enjoy your meal or a casual drink with their wide selection of beers.
