Give humans some fresh seafood and a decent place to eat it, and we tend to have a good time. Give us some seafood, a good place to eat it, and the Atlantic’s bounty thrown in, and things can escalate deliciously. Whether it’s grilled sardines, cataplana stew, or just your old-fashioned bacalhau, Setubal restaurants have no problem providing additional flavor for when you’re tired of the same old fish market. Here are 12 great seafood spots to turn to for tastes beyond the ordinary.
A Casa do Peixe
A Casa do Peixe in Setubal bills itself as a seafood restaurant, but it’s really just an excellent local fish house that happens to serve incredibly fresh, well-prepared dishes. There’s a homely atmosphere here that doesn’t feel forced, and an excellent selection of daily catches. It’s a cozy crowd, but you can still feel completely at ease here without any pretense. Order the grilled sea bass of the day, and savor that mackerel with garlic and olive oil you’ve been eyeing on the menu.
Xico da Cana (Tasca Xico Da Cana)
Great seafood isn’t hard to find in Setúbal. But for anyone overwhelmed by the options, just head to Xico da Cana. The Portuguese staple is not your typical tourist trap—it’s a cozy tasca with regular diners and everyone clamoring to get a table before the sardines run out. If the notion of navigating a foreign menu terrifies you to your core, don’t worry. You can sit, enjoy grilled fish all night, and watch everyone else savor the perfectly grilled red mullets and fried cuttlefish.
Improvisos do Mar
Setubal’s Improvisos do Mar is a picturesque seafood spot where you’re immediately embraced by that warm family atmosphere. There’s a wide variety of homemade dishes, from fresh fish to traditional Portuguese classics, all served by the extremely friendly and helpful staff. Their excellent service and friendly prices are also reasons to spend an evening here with family, or book a table for their meat menu options.
It’s a worthwhile visit that will give you plenty to savor for the rest of your trip.
Casa Japonesa
One of the best Japanese spots in Setubal, Casa Japonesa has a cozy dining room up front. It’s not the place to come for a quick, rushed meal, but it is an excellent place to come on a weekend evening to share a couple bottles of wine, and chat with the welcoming staff about their recommendations. If you get hungry, order everyone some takoyaki and a bowl of fish soup.
Casa Lagarto
Casa Lagarto in Setúbal is the kind of seafood spot where you might find yourself lingering over a generous plate of fried choco on a random Thursday evening. Right in the heart of the city, this welcoming restaurant has been a consistent choice for over 30 years, serving up well-prepared dishes like cod and meats with friendly service.
It’s the sort of place where you can settle into a cozy corner with a glass of wine, share a variety of delicious desserts at normal prices, and enjoy the owner’s kindness. On most nights, you’ll want to arrive before 10pm when they close. But even if you show up just before last call, a table is usually available.
Sushicome Setúbal
Tucked away in Setúbal, Sushicome Setúbal is part sushi haven, part serene retreat. The dining experience is a casual affair (no reservations needed), with prices running about €12-€18 for rolls that deliver serious freshness. If you’re not in the mood for some expertly crafted nigiri and some vibrant maki rolls, skip the sushi and grab a quick bite from their delivery menu.
It sort of feels like eating inside of a more polished neighborhood spot, plus you can enjoy a variety of flavors, from delicate sashimi to rich tempura, while you appreciate the peaceful atmosphere.
Solar do Marquês de Setubal
Trends come and go, but this seafood spot in Setubal is forever faithful to its coastal roots. Extremely on brand for its name, Solar do Marquês de Setubal is a real Portuguese restaurant where people come to savor fresh fish and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. There’s spectacular sea bream to try if you’re adventurous enough, friendly staff like Joana and Elder who provide excellent service, and some delicious grilled meat and pork.
Mainly, you should come here to dine with family in a room full of well-prepared meals and revisit the menu worth exploring.
Adega Leo do Petisco Manuel do choco (Adega Leo do Petisco)
If you need a place to eat that’s simple but also serves more than just basic seafood, you want Adega Leo do Petisco. It’s a no-frills restaurant in Setubal that specializes in fried cuttlefish, served with a piece of lemon and no sauce. There’s a focus on straightforward, good-quality food, especially the cuttlefish, though it was a little spicy. They charge for mayonnaise, but prices are reasonable overall.
The friendly staff make the dining experience pleasant, but due to its popularity, there might be a long wait to get a table. The restaurant has limited seating. They don’t serve fancy sides—the fries were hard, and the salad was weak—but when you get hungry for something authentic, it’s worth the visit for the delicious cuttlefish.
Petisqueira do Manel
Eating and drinking go together like Setúbal and the sea. Petisqueira do Manel is a beloved local spot that still serves the best Choco Frito in town, all at amazing prices with large portions. After a couple of delicious sangrias, even the most seafood-wary diner will be happy they’re here.
Tasca da Avenida
$$$ | 964 269 599 | WEBSITE
Tasca da Avenida is as charming as it is delicious. Equal parts cozy eatery, seafood haven, and culinary discovery, this welcoming restaurant in Setúbal is home to memorable dishes where you can savor more than just a good meal. Each visit is enhanced by waiters who provide excellent advice on menu choices, guiding you through options like shrimp linguine and gluten-free fried cuttlefish.
The chef, Hélio, doesn’t fail to impress with the best cuttlefish in Setúbal and surrounding areas, but there’s a good chance you’ll also try the unique chocolate mousse with salt flakes and olive oil out of curiosity. If seafood isn’t your only thing, you can also enjoy desserts like almond cake and drinks like white sangria, all providing a good quality-price ratio.
Despite some tense moments, the staff remains kind and patient, making it a mandatory stop and an excellent experience in the center of Setúbal.
O Bote Gonçalves
Back before every coastal town had a dozen spots claiming to serve the freshest catch, there was O Bote Gonçalves. The Setúbal staple has been around for years, and while it’s not the most polished seafood restaurant in town, it’s definitely the most authentic. There are tons of traditional Portuguese dishes, sardines, ligueirao rice, fried fish with tomatoe rice, and even enough room for a tranquil outdoor seating area that fills up in a hurry. Cash only.
Casa Santiago – O Rei Do Choco Frito
$$$ | 265 221 688 | WEBSITE
At Casa Santiago, the question isn’t whether you should order the fried cuttlefish, it’s how many people you can share it with. This seafood institution in Setubal specializes in that famous fried cuttlefish dish, perfect for passing around the table. You’ll find ocean squid rather than ringed, served in generous portions that satisfy even the heartiest appetites. And if you save room, the homemade sweets provide a delicious finish.
If you can’t find something to enjoy at Casa Santiago, it’s time to look elsewhere. Just be prepared to wait a bit for a table and bring your patience for the occasional service hiccup.
