Loures travel guide for food lovers
Feat photo by Chão do Prado on Facebook
Known predominantly as a residential hub for folks working mostly in Lisbon, the city of Loures has much more to offer than its usual label as a commuter town might suggest. With a population of over 200,000 people, this municipality combines the convenience of urban living with the charm of its rich historical and cultural heritage, surrounded by lots of countryside. We believe it is well worth it for a day trip from Lisbon, particularly for the curious enough traveler.
Getting to Loures from downtown Lisbon is really straightforward. By car, the journey via the A8 or A12 motorway takes approximately 20 minutes. Public transport options are equally convenient, with regular buses departing from Lisbon’s Campo Grande station (see all the bus options by Carris Metropolitana here) that reach Loures in under half an hour. This accessibility makes Loures an attractive option for those looking to explore the Lisbon Metropolitan Area’s lesser-known facets.
Photo by Vitor Oliveira on Wikimedia
Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the expansive Parque da Cidade de Loures. This sprawling park, over four hectares in size, is not just a green retreat but also a cultural venue. It houses the Galeria Municipal Vieira da Silva (Rua Alfredo Duarte Pinto) in a building that was once part of the Expo 98 in Lisbon. The park’s facilities include everything from picnic areas and children’s playgrounds to a fitness circuit and a multi-sports pavilion, making it a perfect spot for families and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Photo by Paula Fragoso
For those inclined towards history and the arts, Loures does not disappoint. The Sacavém Ceramic Museum (Praça Manuel Joaquim Afonso) offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s industrial past, situated on the site of the former ceramic factory known as Fábrica de Loiça de Sacavém. This museum focuses on the area’s ceramic production past while also being a cultural institution that keeps receiving numerous national and international accolades.
Another significant cultural landmark is the Museu Municipal de Loures (Quinta do Conventinho), located in the historic town of Santo António dos Cavaleiros. Housed in a beautifully restored Franciscan convent, the museum showcases extensive collections that narrate tales of Loures’ history, ethnography, and archaeology.
Photo by Paulo Juntas on Wikipedia
Loures is also home to some of the region’s most impressive architectural landmarks. The Palácio do Correio-Mor, designed by the Italian architect António Canevari, is a magnificent 18th-century palace that was once the postal headquarters of Portugal. This palatial structure is renowned for its grand façade, featuring large archways and a historic fountain used by postal carriage horses. Not far from the palace, the Largo Monumental in Santo Antão do Tojal presents an ensemble of baroque splendor. This area includes the Palácio dos Arcebispos and the adjoining church, alongside a monumental fountain and an extensive aqueduct, all designed by Canevari.
For those drawn to religious heritage, the Igreja de Santa Maria de Loures (Rua Fria 1) and the Convento de Nossa Senhora dos Mártires da Conceição in Sacavém may offer profound spiritual and artistic experiences. These sites, rich with history, feature remarkable art and architecture from the Templar times to the Baroque period.
Photo by MARL
Loures is also a prime shopping destination. LoureShopping (Av. Descobertas 90) offers a vast array of retail options, from high-street brands to local specialties.
For a unique experience, head to MARL – Mercado Abastecedor da Região de Lisboa (Lugar do Quintanilho, São Julião do Tojal), a vast supply market just a short drive away. Although it’s more accessible by car due to limited public transport options, it’s worth the trip for anyone interested in seeing a bustling market that operates on a grand scale. You may not be interested in purchasing an extra large box of tomatoes or a ton of watermelon, but there’s no denying that it is fascinating to see a sort of version of a farmers’ market on steroids.
Photo by Vitor Oliveira on Wikimedia
Before exploring the local dining scene of Loures, a visit to the Museu do Vinho e da Vinha in Bucelas (Rua Dom Afonso Henriques 4) can provide insights into the region’s winemaking traditions. This museum celebrates the renowned Arinto grape variety, which is native to Bucelas, offering visitors a chance to learn about local viticulture and taste some of the area’s exquisite wines.
Best restaurants for Portuguese food in Loures
Ruacaná
Ruacaná is a quite simple and unassuming place, where you are bound to be surprised with exceptionally well-prepared homemade dishes. This traditional neighborhood eatery is full of local charm, with regular clientele which you can mix with, to get a feeling of what daily life in Loures is like. As it will be difficult to choose from the menu full of traditional Portuguese options, we recommend starting with their pratinho maluco, which is a mixed appetizer platter that varies daily, and may include things like small mackerel in a vinegary marinade (carapauzinhos em escabeche), chickpea salad with tuna (salada de grão com atum), pork slices in coriander (febras de coentrada), garlic shrimp, and more. For the main course, Ruacaná offers unique dishes that are hard to find elsewhere, especially in urban restaurants. Some of the highlights include fried quail (codornizes fritas), rice with cod tongues (arroz de línguas de bacalhau) or stewed chicken rice with peas (arroz de frango guisado com ervilhas). End your meal on a classic sweet note with fluffy meringues poached in sweet milk (farófias) or Portuguese-style crème brûlée (leite creme), ensuring a deliciously traditional Portuguese culinary experience that will for sure hit the spot.
📍Rua Câmara de Lobos 1, 2670-489 Loures
www.facebook.com/SnackTascaRuacana
Photo by Ruacaná on Facebook
Entascate
This beer and petiscos house (known in Portuguese as cervejaria petiscaria) was envisioned by João Bastos, a seasoned restaurateur who moved from Ermesinde to Lisbon to study at the School of Hospitality and Tourism and later interned at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz. His journey through various kitchens in Lisbon culminated in the creation of Entascate right in his neighborhood, filling a gap he noticed in local dining options for unique tapas-style bites paired with evening beers. At Entascate, the menu, is concise but carefully curated to offer standout dishes like the Francesinha (pictured here), other typical Portuguese meat sandwiches like the one with Azorean beef steak tucked in a bijou bread roll (prego) or marinated pork (bifana), saucy chunks of meat (pica-pau), stewed chicken gizzards in a special sauce (moelas), and more. While things sound like “the usual”, they are mostly presented with a unique creative twist that makes them stand out, while showcasing the chef’s personality. In Loures, Entascate is a local favorite for both casual snacks and more substantial dishes and we think it is a wonderful option for an uncomplicated yet hit-the-spot meal.
📍Rua Manuel Francisco Soromenho 57, 2670-453 Loures
Photo by Gastroranking
Salero
Salero is a restaurant within a guest house of the same name. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but it is also known as a place for larger celebrations, accommodating up to 80 people. The regular menu at Salero showcases traditional Portuguese flavors with international touches. Expect grilled fresh fish, the iconic Portuguese sandwich Francesinha, and the traditional smoked sausage known as alheira. Steaks here are a must-try, while those in the mood for something different can enjoy well-crafted pastas and risottos. If you are at least two people, we recommend trying some of Salero’s best dishes, including a medley of seafood stewed in a traditional copper cookware (cataplana de peixe), grouper fish pasta Portuguese style (massinha de garoupa) or a hearty monkfish rice (arroz de tamboril). The food is fairly straightforward but it is well executed and the presentation is as cared for as the service – a great option for a nice meal out in Loures.
📍Rua Manuel Francisco Soromenho 61, 2670-454 Loures
Photo by Casamentos.pt
Apolo 78
This establishment in Loures is a favorite among locals for its diverse offerings, but mostly to enjoy classic petiscos and a casual bear with friends. The true highlight of Apolo 78 is its snails (caracóis), a specialty that has garnered acclaim, particularly during the Festival do Caracol Saloio that takes place every summer, where their recipe triumphed. Guests can enjoy caracóis prepared in the traditional manner, simply braised with garlic, oregano, and meat stock, or opt for more inventive variations like caracol à Bulhão Pato (with garlic and cilantro), caracol à Andaluza, and caracol à St Germain. For those seeking a unique twist, the fried caracoleta and fusilli de caracoleta, being that caracoletas are a larger and meatier version of snails, are great options. While snails might be an acquired taste, trying them while in Portugal, and particularly at quaint spots like Apolo 78, provides a quintessential Portuguese culinary experience that’s definitely worth exploring for anyone visiting the Greater Lisbon area.
📍Rua Dili 3, 2670-430 Loures
Photo by NIT
Pátio de Santa Maria
Located near the central church square in Loures, Pátio de Santa Maria, established in 2003, breathes new life into the site of the old “O Madeirense” restaurant. This cozy, family-friendly eatery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and it offers lunch and dinner, with live music enhancing the dinner atmosphere on Fridays and Saturdays. The menu at Pátio de Santa Maria showcases a selection of the national meats and seafood. Expect typical dishes like roasted cod with punch potatoes, monkfish rice with prawns, and traditional Madeiran skewers (espetadas). This is the type of place local families go during the weekend, so a lively atmosphere is certainly guaranteed around here.
📍Rua Dr. Adolfo Cunha Mota, 2670-417 Loures
Photo by Pátio de Santa Maria on Facebook
Tulipa
Tucked in the heart of Loures, Tulipa is a foodie’s delight with a bonus: a hidden garden! This charming establishment is quite elegant yet with a down-to-earth ambiance. It’s a great spot for a casual brunch, but their a la carte menu is full of options for a more robust Portuguese dining experience. Get started with light appetizers like crispy rissóis, garlic shrimp or a variety of regional Portuguese cheeses and charcuterie. Make way for heartier fare such as grilled fish, Iberian black pork with migas or, if you’re truly hungry, for their Tulipa trilogy, featuring a trio of exquisite steaks each with a unique twist: traditional Portuguese, zesty mustard, and a daring Mexican flavor. Tulipa’s outdoor terrace is an inviting place to enjoy their fairly priced wine list alongside a meal, served by consistently friendly staff.
📍Rua Antero de Quental 7, 2670-412 Loures
www.instagram.com/tuliparestaurante__
Photo by Uber Eats
Mercearia do Fanqueiro – Restaurante Mercearia by Vitor Palmilha
Established in 2016 as a quaint grocery store, Mercearia do Fanqueiro eventually transformed into a “culinary sanctuary dedicated to meat lovers”. It all began with a passionate quest throughout Portugal, covering thousands of kilometers in search of the finest cheeses, sausages, wines, traditional cornbreads, and fresh produce in order to satisfy a discerning clientele. Now-a-days, the grandson and son of the founders reimagines childhood flavors with a personal twist, often crafting spontaneous petiscos based on the freshest ingredients available on the grocery shelves. What started as a small adventure has now evolved into a professional team led by a chef who delights everyone who walks through their doors. At Mercearia do Fanqueiro, the quality and freshness of the products define their essence, while the seasoning draws from Algarvian and Alentejan roots. The menu of Mercearia do Fanqueiro features Portuguese seafood like goose barnacles, tiny and super flavorful Algarvian shrimp, limpets with local pepper and lemon, and female crabs available only seasonally, from September to January. The star of the menu is the matured meat, aged up to 50 days, which is the reason most regular customers keep coming back.
📍Rua Francisco Canas 23, 2660-500 Santo Antão do Tojal, Loures
https://merceariadofanqueiro.pt
Photo by Mercearia do Fanqueiro
Chão do Prado
Bucelas is a part of the municipality of Loures and it is known as the “capital of Arinto”, known for its distinct wines. Over there, Chão do Prado stands out as an excellent dining and wining destination. This picturesque spot combines outstanding food, marvelous views over the lush vineyards, where they produce the wines they serve at the restaurant, namely their white with denomination of origin Chão do Prado Bucelas DOC Branco, their PDO sparkling Chão do Prado Espumante DOP and even a late harvest named Chão do Prado Colheita Tardia. Their menu has exquisite options for a wonderful tasting experience, including specialties like cod loin baked with onions, greens, chickpeas and cornbread (bacalhau à Chão do Prado) or deboned rabbit (fatiota de coelho). If you are looking to immerse yourself in the wine culture of this region, while also having a wonderful meal, definitely go to Chão do Prado, where the rustic ambiance is welcoming and down to earth, but the food is elegant yet without forgetting the essence of Portuguese tradition.
📍Rua Alm. Gago Coutinho 155, 2670-641 Bucelas
Photo by Chão do Prado on Facebook
Solar dos Pintor
If you fancy enjoying the rural landscape of Loures while having a great meal, head to Solar dos Pintor. This family-run restaurant, situated in a simple two-story house that has been in the Pintor family for generations, provides a homely atmosphere where guests can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine at very reasonable prices. The menu, crafted by Luís Pintor and his wife Áurea, draws inspiration from regional cuisine and relies on fresh local ingredients for hearty and flavor-packed dishes like goat stewed in red wine (chanfana), lamb stew with a hint of mint and apple cream sauce (ensopado de borrego) and their signature pork cheeks stewed in a garlicky cilantro sauce (burras à Pintor). Solar dos Pintor is also known for its fixed daily specials, including beloved recipes like codfish with chickpeas (bacalhau com grão) or roast duck, complemented by a selection of fried fish and seafood stews throughout the week. Desserts range from traditional rice pudding (arroz doce) to orange torte (torta de laranja), always staying true to the repertoire of traditional Portuguese cuisine. Here you can enjoy a memorable rustic meal, while still being so close to Lisbon.
📍Rua da República 37, 2660-455 Santo Antão do Tojal
Photo by Time Out Lisboa
Barrete Saloio
This restaurant was originally a tavern and inn established by Frutuoso Inácio in 1929, later evolving under the loving care of the Inácio family into a destination renowned for its authentic Portuguese fare. The current owner, known affectionately as Avó Fernanda, and her husband João Maria Viola have transformed this space into a charming eatery that combines the rustic ambiance of old-world Portugal with the comforts of modern hospitality. The menu at Barrete Saloio focuses on hearty Portuguese comfort food, featuring robust and satisfying dishes like golden fried cod dish enveloped in onions and drizzled with olive oil (bacalhau à Inácio), succulent oven-roasted kid goat accompanied by roasted potatoes (cabrito assado à padeiro) and their version of beans and meats stew (feijoada à Saloia). It is worth saving space for desserts when you eat at Barrete Saloio. The restaurant showcases some of the best of Portuguese sweets, including their version of Alentejo’s moist cake with almonds (toucinho do céu d’Avó Fernanda), almond cakes with a crunchy exterior and a moist center (delícias de amêndoa), alongside the house’s secret recipe arrepiados, that perfectly complement a cup of coffee to end your meal like most Portuguese folks would.
📍Rua Luís de Camões 30, 2670-662 Bucelas
Photo by Turismo de Loures
O Tarro
A short drive from Loures city center, in Santo Antão do Tojal, O Tarro is all about the rich flavors of Alentejo’s traditional cuisine. Their signature dish is polvo à Alentejana, a creative twist on the classic carne de porco à Alentejana which, instead of the usual pork, features tender octopus paired with clams, seasoned with cilantro, garlic, and served alongside crispy fried potatoes. Being an ode to Alentejo’s gastronomy, the menu also showcases other staples from the region, such as ribs with savory bread pudding (entrecosto com migas), comforting slowly cooked pork (carne no alguidar), grilled pig cheeks (burras na grelha), amongst others. Desserts at O Tarro are not to be overlooked, with options like the very traditional sericá com ameixa de Elvas, which is a soft egg-based cake served with preserved plums or, in their more unique version, with pennyroyal liqueur (sericá com licor de poêjo). Other sweet treats include the heavenly toucinho do céu, a rich almond and egg yolk cake, originally from the convents of Portugal, and doce do vigário, made with eggs, cinnamon, and bread crumbs. Enjoy a true taste of the Alentejo without leaving the Lisbon area!
📍Rua da Liberdade 52, 2660-181 Santo Antão do Tojal, Loures
Photo by Restaurant Guru
A Tina
Located along the bustling national road in Loures, A Tina stands out with its unassuming exterior but opens up to a world of rich flavors and genuine hospitality inside. This restaurant, with a history spanning over 40 years, is a treasure for lovers of traditional Portuguese cuisine, offering hearty portions at reasonable prices. A Tina is particularly renowned for its meat dishes. Amongst a variety of cuts, for a true feast we recommend their costeletão na tábua, which is a thick steak served on a wooden board, and which comes with Dijon mustard and coarse salt on the side, allowing customers to season to their taste. The meat’s quality is top-notch, nearly melting in the mouth. Don’t forget to get the party started with meat centered appetizers like their meat fritters (bolinhas de carne), or picapau, featuring tender pieces of meat in a savory sauce, perfect for sopping up with crusty bread. A Tina also offers a varied menu that changes between weekdays and weekends, featuring Portuguese comfort food classics such as the assorted boiled meats dish known as cozido à portuguesa, oven-roasted goatling (cabrito assado no forno), and braised chicken with rice and blood (arroz de cabidela). To top things even more, browse their extraordinary wine list, offering very good selections at truly fair prices.
📍Rua Combatentes do Ultramar 203, 2670-379 Loures
www.instagram.com/atinarestaurante
Photo by Gastroranking
Marisqueira Ímpar
We wouldn’t tell you to go to Loures on purpose to enjoy seafood, as that is something that can be nicely achieved in Lisbon itself or other nearby areas such as Cacilhas and even Ericeira, if you are willing to go a little further as, let’s face it, seafood closer to the ocean always taste best. However, if you are in the area and craving flavors from the sea, Marisqueira Ímpar is quite probably your best bet. Here you can expect the usual fare most Portuguese marisqueiras serve, from appetizers like octopus salad (salada de polvo), clams in Bulhão Pato sauce, and stuffed crab shells, so assorted platters with mostly steamed varieties of seafood. Besides sea products, the menu also embraces traditional Portuguese comfort foods, including hearty steaks, the ever-satisfying cozido, a Portuguese stew of mixed meats and vegetables, and various cod dishes.
📍Rua Dr. Teófilo Braga 17 A, 2670-480 Loures
www.facebook.com/RestauranteMariqueiraImpar
Photo by Bussola PT
Where to buy bread and pastries in Loures
Padeirinha do Infantado
Since opening its doors back in 1995, Padeirinha do Infantado has become a staple in Loures for anyone seeking authentic Portuguese bakery and pastry delights. Located in the Infantado area, this is the go-to spot for a Portuguese-style breakfast, offering a variety of freshly baked goods that are hard to resist, especially when served warm throughout the day. During the festive season, Padeirinha do Infantado is particularly renowned for having the best bolo rei, a traditional Portuguese Christmas cake, in the area. Whether you’re living in or just visiting the greater Lisbon area around December, this bakery is a perfect destination for holiday desserts if you are looking to celebrate Christmas Portuguese style.
📍Rua Pedro Álvares Cabral 44, 2670-391 Loures
https://padeirinhadoinfantado.com
Photo by Padeirinha do Infantado
Pastelaria Divina
Pastelaria Divina is located in the charming village of Vouzela, just a stone’s throw from LoureShopping. It is the typical Portuguese pastry shop, with the extensive array of traditional pastries one can usually find in pastelarias across Portugal, as well as more elaborate celebration cakes. They also sell fresh bread, which is particularly irresistible for breakfast or a mid morning pick-me-up snack, along with coffee or a freshly squeezed juice. Not just a place for sweet treats, Pastelaria Divina also offers a menu of simple meals such as burgers and grilled sandwiches, making it a versatile spot for a quick lunch any time of the day.
📍Rua Dr. Manuel de Arriaga 1c, 2670-451 Loures
www.facebook.com/people/Pastelaria-Divina/100063809432364
Photo by Flor de Sal
Now that you know where to savor the best of Portuguese cuisine in Loures, make sure to follow us on Instagram for more insider tips on Lisbon’s food scene and other lesser known gems that make great day trips from the city! #tasteoflisboa
Feed your curiosity on Portuguese food culture:
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