Carcavelos travel guide for food lovers
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Invitingly located near Lisbon, Carcavelos is an attractive coastal town that, together with Costa da Caparica, has become synonymous with beach culture near Lisbon.
Even though most people, international tourists and locals alike, make it to Carcavelos to enjoy the beach, we think it is also a place with plenty of cultural and culinary appeal. Offering an alternative vibe to Lisbon’s urban buzz, Carcavelos is indeed perfect for travelers eager to explore a lively beach setting while also indulging in genuine Portuguese flavors.
Reaching Carcavelos from downtown Lisbon is very straightforward. The most efficient way is by train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station – see the full schedule here. Trains run regularly along the Cascais line, dropping visitors right in the center of Carcavelos in about 20 minutes. This route not only offers a quick escape from the city but also provides scenic views along the Tagus River as you approach the coast and start getting acquainted with the Atlantic ocean.
Feat photo by A Pastorinha
Photo by Beach Searcher
Carcavelos Beach is the heart of local leisure activities, renowned for its excellent surf conditions, particularly for beginners (as pros are more known to hit up places like Nazaré or Ericeira, to the north of Lisbon). At Carcavelos visitors can dive into the action by renting a board or enrolling in lessons at local surf schools, including Boogie Chicks, a bodyboard school focused on empowering women and girls through the sport. For those who prefer a slower pace, the expansive sands provide space for sunbathing, or you can unwind at one of the many beach bars. There, you can relax with a drink and enjoy fresh local cuisine while the scenic views and gentle breezes wave your hair and might just make you feel like you’re in an 80s music video.
Not far from the main Carcavelos beach, Praia do Moinho offers a quieter alternative for those seeking a more private set-up. This lesser-known spot provides a more peaceful retreat, ideal for visitors looking to escape the more crowded areas and enjoy a tranquil day by the sea.
Photo by Juntas on Wikimedia
Overlooking the mouth of the Tagus River, right next to Praia do Moinho, the imposing Forte São Julião da Barra (Av. Marginal 10, Cruz Quebrada) marks a historical landmark. While the interior of the fort is not generally open to the public, its exterior and the surrounding grounds offer opportunity for exploration and provide stunning coastal views, making it a worthwhile visit not only for history enthusiasts but also for those eager to click some truly Instagrammable photos.
Photo by U.F. Carcavelos
For those who love to shop, the Feira de Carcavelos, located near the train station, is a bustling market held every Thursday. It’s a vibrant spot to pick up clothing and accessories, offering a taste of local life and the chance to find unique items at bargain prices.
Photo by Portugal Virtual
If you were to ask us, when in Carcavelos, dining out is one of the best things to do, especially after a day at the beach. While many beachside establishments might lean towards international fare like burgers, pizza, and fusion cuisines such as Tex-Mex or Hawaiian/Japanese-inspired dishes, finding authentic Portuguese cuisine is still very much an option. The key is knowing the right places to explore that offer traditional local flavors:
Best Portuguese restaurants in Carcavelos
(where you can also grab a drink!)
A Pastorinha
Situated on the picturesque Carcavelos Beach, A Pastorinha is the oldest restaurant by the waterfront. It is celebrated for its exceptional seafood and unparalleled sea views. This establishment specializes in rare seafood varieties, offering diners an exquisite array of fresh catches like Alaskan king crab, Espinho shrimp, and Azorean crabs, all displayed in an eye-catching aquarium. The menu at A Pastorinha features dishes such as Portuguese seafood rice (here with all the seafood peeled so that you can dig in without fork work), grouper rice with prawns, and a unique seafood curry, all prepared with the fresh quality ingredients. When it comes to desserts, you can choose from the roaming cart which presents an array of homemade sweets, including traditional Portuguese confections and other internationally inspired decadent treats. If you want to impress a date with a meal out in Carcavelos, A Pastorinha is definitely a good option.
📍Avenida Marginal, Praia de Carcavelos, 2775-604 Carcavelos
Photo by A Pastorinha on TripAdvisor
Taverna D’s Pereiras
Taverna D’s Pereiras stands as a quintessential Portuguese churrascaria, known for serving a variety of traditional grilled dishes, including fishes like monkfish and hake, but also skewered meats (espetadas). Dessert is an essential part of the meal at Taverna D’s Pereiras, with tempting offerings such as a flavorful queijada, Portugal’s take on cheesecake, and an irresistible chocolate mousse. To complement the meal, the restaurant offers a selection of beverages including refreshing home-made sangria and wines, including crisp Vinho Verde, often a go-to option to wash down a seafood meal. The friendly staff at Taverna D’s Pereiras contribute significantly to its success, providing great service in a cozy atmosphere. The friendly prices also help to ensure diners leave fully satisfied.
📍Tv. Paulo Jorge 167, 2775-613 Carcavelos
www.facebook.com/p/Taverna-Ds-Pereiras-100068732796448
Photo by Ricardo Santos on TripAdvisor
Brasa de Carcavelos
Away from the beachfront’s hustle, Brasa de Carcavelos offers a hearty slice of traditional Portuguese dining. This restaurant prides itself on its expertly grilled dishes, cooked over charcoal “na brasa”. The menu features a range of options, from the iconic peri peri chicken (frango de churrasco) to an assortment of meats and even fish, with the monkfish (tamboril) receiving particular acclaim. Beyond the grills, Brasa de Carcavelos also delights with its comida de tacho, that is, a variety of stews and home style dishes that change regularly. The restaurant is lovingly run by Sabrina and Fernando, whose family-friendly approach has created a warm and inviting atmosphere. For over five years, this family-run establishment has been a favorite among locals who seek a more authentic and less touristy dining experience compared to that offered in beach-front establishments.
📍Rua 5 de Outubro 2 lj2, 2775-562 Carcavelos
www.facebook.com/p/Brasa-de-Carcavelos-100055657219537
Photo by Restaurant Guru
Brasa de Sassoeiros
Brasa de Sassoeiros has firmly established itself as a successful brand with three locations in Algés and Carcavelos. Specializing in a variety of seafood and rice dishes, the restaurant’s menu features specialities such as lobster rice (arroz de lavagante), grouper rice (arroz de garoupa), razor clam rice (arroz de lingueirão), and savory bread puddings with grouper (açorda de garoupa) or shrimp (açorda de camarão). The massada de garoupa, a traditional Portuguese fish pasta, is another must-try. Additionally, the restaurant offers a range of typically Portuguese seafood dishes, aged meats, and fresh fish, including rare finds you may want to use the opportunity to try, like blackspot seabream (goraz), blackbelly rosefish (cantarilI), and striped red mullet (salmonete). Undoubtedly, a place for a true feast!
📍Rua Gonçalo Velho Cabral 90, 2775-797 Carcavelos
Photo by Brasa de Sassoeiros
Alkimia Madeirense
Alkimia Madeirense offers a fresh take on traditional Madeiran cuisine, infusing classic dishes with contemporary flair in an atmosphere inspired by the typical colors of Madeira. Known for its exquisite wine pairings, Alkimia hosts wine-tasting dinners that complement its menu, featuring both Madeiran and broader Portuguese culinary influences. Highlights from the menu include limpets with garlic butter and the black scabbard fish filet served with fried banana, as well as signature dishes like the francesinha à pescador, a seafood version of the classic Porto sandwich, here featuring a fresh tuna steak and shrimp instead of the customary steak and sausages; as well as the carne de vinha d’alhos, a typical meal from Madeira featuring meat cubes marinated with wine and garlic, and which is a recipe at the origin of what later came to be known in India as vindaloo. In typical island style, at Alkimia Madeirense, the meats are served with milho frito, which is a fried cornmeal preparation akin to polenta. Dessert is also not to be missed, and we would recommend passion fruit pudding (pudim de maracujá), which is one of the most iconic sweets from Madeira.
📍Rua Júlio Moreira Nº9, 2775-596 Carcavelos
Photo by Alkimia Madeirense on TripAdvisor
Taberna Oporto
If an innovative seafood francesinha doesn’t call your name, while in Carcavelos, you can always dig into a more classical meat loaded francesinha at this Porto themed restaurant. Taberna Oporto brings the rich flavors of northern Portugal to Carcavelos, specializing in comfort food with robust flavors. A standout on the menu is indeed the typical francesinha, a Porto staple that combines layers of meat, cheese, and a thick tomato-beer sauce in a sandwich form, usually served with fries. For meat lovers, there are also other options like steaks and alheira, as well as kidney beak rice (arroz de feijão malandro) which is honestly to die for. The food at Taberna Oporto is prepared by chefs from the north, ensuring an authentic dining experience complemented by excellent service. The dishes are reasonably priced and you may want to end up in northern style, finishing your meal with a glass of fine Porto wine.
📍Rua Cândido dos Reis 4, 2775-558 Carcavelos
www.instagram.com/taberna.oporto
Photo by Taberna Oporto on Facebook
Spot do Zé
At Spot do Zé, you can indulge in one of Portugal’s beloved summer snacks: caracóis. These are snails, typically simmered in a broth of garlic, olive oil, oregano, and sometimes a bit of chili, creating a savory and aromatic dish. Eaten with a toothpick to extract the snails from their shells, this delicacy is often accompanied by fresh bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, making it a popular choice during the warm summer months. Spot do Zé is not only a seasonal favorite but also a year-round destination for authentic Portuguese cuisine. The menu includes a variety of traditional dishes including several cured cod recipes, as well as hearty dishes like lamb stew Alentejo style (ensopado de borrego à alentejana), the rich stew of various meats, sausages, and vegetables known as cozido à Portuguesa, and duck rice (arroz de pato). One of our favorite things to order at Spot do Zé is the ligueirão à Bulhão Pato. This dish is a creative twist on the classic clams Bulhão Pato, which is typically made with clams cooked in a simple yet delicious sauce of garlic, cilantro, olive oil, and lemon. In this variation, razor clams replace the traditional clams, which for us is the perfect appetizer for a summer meal.
📍Av. Portugal 182, 2775-396 Carcavelos
www.facebook.com/p/Spot-do-Zé-100083338151380
Photo by Spot do Zé on Facebook
Caseiro
In the area of Arneiro right by Carcavelos, Caseiro is a peculiar establishment with three unique dining rooms, each designed to cater to different dining experiences: familial, intimate, and business. Stepping into Caseiro is like taking a step back in time, perfect for those who cherish a classic dining experience reminiscent of the 1980s. The restaurant’s decor adds a touch of nostalgic charm that might seem overwhelming to some but certainly makes the space memorable. This is a place where tradition reigns, from the pre-set appetizers that greet you at the table, including Portuguese regional cheeses and cured meats (enchidos), to the retro presentation of most dishes, a nod to the old-school ways of dining in Portugal. The menu at Caseiro features robust Portuguese meat favorites such as steaks and skewered meats, but also seafood specialities, with particular highlight going to the polvo à lagareiro, that is, the octopus here prepared in a truly generous amount of olive oil. This is a restaurant for those who value a classic service style.
📍Largo do Chafariz 42, 2775-504 Carcavelos
Photo by Caseiro on Facebook
Grande Onda
Grande Onda is one of the bars and restaurants which stands out the most along the happening Carcavelos coastline. This eclectic has a beach-themed interior and a kaleidoscope of colors that create an inviting atmosphere. They serve a menu with lots of international options, including global favorites like pizzas, burgers and fresh salads. However, the true essence of the restaurant shines through in its local offerings, which include various styles of steak such as the traditional Portuguese bitoque, daily fresh catches, and several salted cod (bacalhau) recipes. The restaurant’s terrace offers stunning ocean views, making it an ideal spot to unwind from the daily grind, for example after a busy day in Lisbon. While Grande Onda may not promise the most exquisite meal in Carcavelos, it guarantees a pleasant dining experience with good food in a cool, laid-back setting.
📍Av. Marginal, 2775-604 Carcavelos
Photo by Federação Portuguesa de Concessionários de Praia
Tricana de Carcavelos
Tricana de Carcavelos, formerly known as Tricana da Barra, is a beach bar with a remarkably extensive menu. The options range from fresh salads and açaí bowls preferred by the more health-conscious clientele, to an assortment of heartier Portuguese petiscos and dishes. The setting of Tricana de Carcavelos enhances its appeal, featuring a welcoming ground floor and a delightful rooftop area with stunning views of the ocean. The rooftop occasionally hosts live evening events, particularly during the summer season. While Tricana does serve a variety of delicious food, its primary appeal is as a go-to place for drinks in a friendly and relaxed environment. It’s the kind of place where you come to enjoy beachside vibes, with a cool drink in hand.
📍Av. Marginal, 2775-604 Carcavelos
Photo by Tricana on TripAdvisor
Bar dos Gémeos
Near Fortaleza de São Julião da Barra, Bar dos Gémeos is an establishment run by twin brothers (that’s what gémeos literally means in Portuguese). The space has a charming tavern-like ambiance, complete with wooden stools and tables. Despite its rustic decor, the cuisine at Bar dos Gémeos leans towards lighter fare, including an array of fresh salads, grilled sandwiches with rustic bread (tostas), and a selection of burgers and hot dogs, offered ordered alongside fresh fruit juices. For those with a sweet tooth, the queijadas (traditional Portuguese pastries made with cottage cheese) are a must-try. Bar dos Gémeos is also a great spot for beverage lovers, featuring an excellent selection of gin, sangria, and beers. If you prefer to sip something non-alcoholic, the bar also serves great coffee, rich hot chocolate, and refreshing smoothies.
📍Av. Marginal, 2775-604 Carcavelos
www.instagram.com/explore/locations/720552/bar-dos-gemeos
Photo by Wikinight
Castiço Wine Bar
Castiço is a wine bar spot that celebrates the diversity of Portugal’s wine regions. Although the wine list is select, with just over a dozen choices, it thoughtfully includes local specialties such as the renowned fortified Villa Oeiras from Carcavelos itself. This curated selection highlights wines from across Portugal, featuring lesser-known producers from the Douro, Beiras, the islands, Estremadura, and the Algarve. To complement its wine offerings, Castiço provides a delightful assortment of traditional Portuguese appetizers. Guests can enjoy well-curated cheese and charcuterie boards, freshly grilled chouriço, and artisanal bread paired with Portuguese canned seafood. Castiço Wine Bar, which is located inside the bustling Mercado de Carcavelos, also frequently hosts live music events, creating a happening atmosphere that’s perfect for an evening out in Carcavelos, whether you had come here to enjoy a beach day or not.
📍Praça Dr. Manuel Rebello de Andrade 3, 2775-596 Carcavelos
www.instagram.com/casticowinebar
Photo by Castiço Wine Bar on Instagram
Where to satisfy your sweet tooth in Carcavelos
Santini
Santini is one of Lisbon’s, and arguably Portugal’s, most renowned artisanal ice cream brands, established back in 1949. Known for its high-quality gelato. The main factory, located in Carcavelos, not only produces the brand’s famous ice creams but also serves as a unique attraction along the Cascais coastline. Visitors to the Santini factory in Carcavelos have a unique opportunity to explore the facilities where these frozen treats are crafted. The site also features a shop where you can sample and purchase a wide array of flavors, which keep changing as the brand tends to incorporate seasonal and local fruits into their ice creams. We confess that we are partial to the zesty tangerine or lemon from Western Portugal, but also like marabunta, which is a flavor similar to stracciatella, with a base of cream and chocolate chips. This brand has earned a place in the hearts of locals, so we definitely think it is a place ice-cream lovers visiting Carcavelos should visit for at least one scoop.
📍Estrada da Torre, 2775-687 Carcavelos
Photo by Gelados Santini
A Chaleira
This charming tea room in Carcavelos, offers a cozy escape not just for the cooler months but also for the warm summer days. While a traditional tea house might not be the first choice on a hot summer day, A Chaleira provides great alternatives that suit the season perfectly, such as the refreshing iced tea of the day and a variety of fruity sangrias. This quaint establishment is best known for its exceptional homemade cakes and desserts. On the savory side of things, they also serve options like salads and hearty toasts. This is a lovely place for a post-beach snack or a leisurely afternoon tea. The venue features a small outdoor terrace that’s perfect for sunny days, but stepping inside reveals a warmly decorated interior that invites guests to unwind. A Chaleira’s welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for those winter afternoons when comfort is craved, providing a warm environment to enjoy a hot beverage and a delicious treat.
📍Praça Do Junqueiro 12, 2775-597 Carcavelos
Photo by Time Out Lisboa
Sol da Manhã
Sol da Manhã is a quintessential Portuguese pastelaria. You can stop here for a coffee and a sweet bite any time of the day, but this is also a local favorite for a Portuguese style breakfast, featuring freshly baked bread, strong coffee and pastries such as pastel de nata, coconut-topped pão de deus or dense brioche style croissants. Because of its variety, quality and freshness, Sol da Manhã is often highlighted as one of the best pastry shops in the Carcavelos and Oeiras area.
📍Rua Gil Vicente 368, 2775-368 Carcavelos
www.facebook.com/CafeSolDaManha
Photo by Sol da Manhã on Facebook
Saquinho Dourado
Saquinho Dourado serves as a pastry store (pastelaria), bakery (padaria), and restaurant with locations in Carcavelos and Caxias. Renowned for making everything in-house, it is open every single day of the week. It is famed for its Condes de Praia (pictured here), a traditional Azorean tart from Praia da Vitória, crafted from a recipe by the legendary confectioner Anita since 1863. Beyond classic sweets and savories typical of Portuguese pastelarias, Saquinho Dourado also offers a modern menu featuring pizzas, burgers, and local tostas, which are grilled sandwiches generally with cheese and ham. For heartier meals, options like steaks and alheira with fries are available, along with a daily special that provides excellent value for money.
📍Rua Ilha das Flores 47, 2775-802 Carcavelos
Photo by Saquinho Dourado on Facebook
Café São Jorge
Café São Jorge stands out in the local café scene, not only for its typical Portuguese pastries but also for its array of original cakes that make it a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. The café prides itself on its fabrico próprio, meaning all its offerings are made in-house. Located in a charming part of town, Café São Jorge offers an inviting atmosphere complemented by a friendly staff always ready to serve with a smile. This makes the café a perfect spot for any time of the day, whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory. The food, known for its excellent quality and reasonable prices, includes fantastic pastries and amazing coffee, which can be enjoyed in a delightful outdoor seating area.
📍Praça da República 4 4, 2775-599 Carcavelos
www.facebook.com/cafesaojorge.pt
Photo by Café São Jorge on Facebook
Carcavelos is perfect for a day out near Lisbon. Follow Taste of Lisboa on Instagram for more insider tips, and make the most of your travels around our beautiful city: #tasteoflisboa
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