Setúbal travel guide for food lovers
Setúbal, located a brief journey south of Lisbon, is a captivating destination for those passionate about both cuisine and scenic views. Positioned at the serene estuary of the Sado River and close to the stunning Arrábida Natural Park, Setúbal presents a rich blend of natural beauty and a bustling culinary scene.
Besides being famous for its pristine landscapes, this town also serves as a lively center featuring one of the country’s most active fresh food markets, which showcases the deep relationship between the local community and the ocean.
Feat photo by Público
Photo by VisitSetubal
An easy day trip from Lisbon, reachable in approximately 50 minutes by car or train, Setúbal provides a refreshing break from the capital’s atmosphere. To travel to Setúbal by public transportation from Lisbon, you can catch a direct train from Lisbon’s Roma-Areeiro, Entrecampos, or Sete Rios stations. The trains, which are operated by Fertagus, run approximately every half hour – more information here. For those preferring bus travel, TST (Transportes Sul do Tejo) offers frequent services from Lisbon’s Praça de Espanha, taking a similar amount of time to reach Setúbal – schedule and tickets can be found here. Both modes of transportation offer a comfortable and scenic route to explore this charming coastal city efficiently.
What makes Setúbal a worthy visit are not only its scenic locations and famous beaches but also its historic city center, vibrant market life, and its culinary offerings, particularly its seafood.
Historically, Setúbal has been a center of the fishing and canning industry, whose heritage visitors can still explore today at places like the Michel Giacometti Labor Museum (Largo Defensores da República), housed in a former canning factory. This museum preserves the original architectural features while telling the poignant stories of the workers’ lives, supplemented by displays of old agricultural tools and a quaint old grocery store.
Photo by New in Setúbal
No visit to Setúbal would be complete without a stop at Mercado do Livramento (Av. Luísa Todi 163), which is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 7AM to 2PM. This incredible market is known for its high-quality products, particularly the seafood. Recognized internationally for its diversity and freshness, the market is a lively spot where locals and chefs gather daily to select the best offerings from the sea, while it’s also a perfect place to feel the energy of the city and its food heritage, as well as to purchase and sample local specialties like cheeses (namely Azeitão cheese), honey, wine, and regional bread alongside beautifully crafted local handicrafts.
Photo by Portugal.net
While food is a significant allure, Setúbal’s charms extend to its beaches, such as those at Comporta, and the breathtaking Serra da Arrábida – perfect for lovers of the great outdoors who like to stay active. For a dose of culture, take a stroll through the historical city center around Praça do Bocage, or visit the Casa da Cultura (Rua Detrás da Guarda 28) where exhibits and events take place regularly, as well as religious monuments like the Convent of Jesus (Rua Acácio Barradas 2) and the São Julião church (Praça de Bocage).
For a leisurely afternoon, enjoy a coffee or shop along Avenida Luísa Todi, or relax in one of the city’s green spaces, such as the Parque Urbano de Albarquel, which offers stunning views over the Sado Estuary towards the Peninsula of Troia.
Photo by Travel in Portugal
The imposing São Filipe castle (Estr. do Castelo de São Filipe) provides some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Setúbal and its bay, making it another must-visit for breathtaking scenery and a touch of history.
Photo by VisitSetubal
Setúbal is synonymous with fried cuttlefish (choco frito) – so much so that the city even has a statue dedicated to the mollusc! This dish was born out of an intriguing interaction between the local fishermen and the dolphins of the Sado River: The dolphins would eat only the tender parts of the cuttlefish, leaving the tougher parts floating, which the fishermen would then collect, cook, and eventually fry. Today, choco frito is a must-try in the city, traditionally served with French fries and a slice of lemon to be squeezed right before digging in, to accentuate the dish’s flavors and balance out the fat with a hint of acidity.
Yet, Setúbal’s culinary scene is diverse, with a variety of other local delicacies waiting to be discovered, particularly when you visit some of the best places to eat in Setúbal:
Best restaurants for Portuguese food in Setúbal
O Batareo
Like most popular restaurants in Setúbal, O Batareo is known for its fresh grilled fish and seafood. At the entrance, a showcase allows guests to select their fish, which is then expertly grilled. The menu keeps changing according to availability, featuring daily catches like butterfish, mullet, sea bream, sea bass, and sole, all line-caught. Notable dishes include small squids and hake roe, with occasional specialties like tuna belly or scaled squid. The restaurant’s interior is very cozy, but on a sunny day, if available, we’d highly recommend asking for a table outside. There is no sight of meat on the menu whatsoever, as the restaurant focuses on what it does best: seafood. The house wine, sourced from nearby Palmela, is served by the liter. For dessert, the orange cake is a must-try. This spot, a favorite among native locals, often sees a queue forming by midday, something that speaks volumes of the delicious quality meals one can enjoy here.
📍Rua Fontaínhas 64, 2910-082 Setúbal
www.facebook.com/p/O-Batareo-100057085915195
Photo by Alberto_Eme on Tripadvisor
Casa Santiago
Also known as “O Rei do Choco Frito” (The King of Fried Cuttlefish), this restaurant holds a prime spot in Setúbal’s culinary scene. Established in 1974 by Virgílio Santiago, it began as a simple tavern and has since evolved, blending traditional charm with modern comfort. Located on the bustling Avenida Luísa Todi near the waterfront, Casa Santiago is renowned for its exceptional fried cuttlefish (choco frito), a local delicacy that draws both locals and tourists and that inspires many of us to take a foodie day trip from Lisbon every so often. Despite its popularity and the inevitable wait, the service remains friendly, quick, and efficient. The concise menu caters to hearty appetites with offerings like beef and pork steaks, roasted meats, various omelets, and typical sides like fries and salads. Yet, it’s the impeccably fried cuttlefish that people come here for, making Casa Santiago a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic flavors of Setúbal’s most popular dish.
📍Av. Luísa Todi 92, 2900-450 Setúbal
www.facebook.com/ReiDoChocoFrito
Photo by Mygon
O Tavira
O Tavira, guided by the expertise of father-son duo João Tavira Sr. and Jr., has carved a niche in Setúbal’s dining landscape with its focus on top-notch seafood. While João Sr. continues to helm their original restaurant, Bombordo, known for its mastery in grilled fish, João Jr. leads O Tavira, showcasing an impressive live seafood aquarium that feeds into their à la carte seafood feasts (mariscadas). The restaurant’s favorites include rich seafood dishes like pasta stews with grouper (massada de garoupa) or crab (massada de sapateira), and monkfish rice (arroz de tamboril), which are comforting, hearty meals that are perfect for the coastal setting. For those looking for something to share, the fried cuttlefish platter with spiced mayonnaise is a standout. Meat lovers aren’t left out, with options like matured meats and the specialty of succulent suckling pig belly. Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy dishes like chickpea curry with mango, providing a tasty, albeit non-traditional, alternative. Complement any meal with their homemade sangria, available in red fruit or passion fruit flavors, and don’t skip the impressive desserts to round off a sumptuous meal at O Tavira!
📍Av. Luísa Todi 510, 2900-456 Setúbal
www.facebook.com/p/O-Tavira-Restaurante-100057641161570
Photo by Open Kloset by Carina
De Pedra e Sal
De Pedra e Sal combines a restaurant and hostel in the heart of Setúbal, housed in a beautifully restored building with lots of character. Opened in late 2016, it’s known for its bife na pedra, that is a beef steak served sizzling on a hot stone, allowing diners to finish cooking it to their preference at the table. The menu also features a diverse range of meat and seafood dishes, highlighting the local culinary traditions. The restaurant’s decor features nautical elements reflecting Setúbal’s fishing heritage, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Located in a central and happening area of the city, its outdoor terrace is perfect for enjoying the lively local scene. Despite its prime setting, De Pedra e Sal is accessible, with facilities for wheelchair users and even a Braille menu, which is something we can only hope to see more of!
📍Largo do Dr. Francisco Soveral 10, 2900-214 Setúbal
Photo by De Pedra e Sal
Tasca do Xico da Cana
Tasca do Xico da Cana in Setúbal is all about tradition and local flavors, so no wonder it is a culinary landmark for over a century. Named after Francisco José Batista, a local fishing legend and musician known as Xico da Cana, the restaurant does a wonderful job at celebrating Setúbal’s maritime heritage. Located near the bustling Avenida Luísa Todi, this restaurant is renowned for its fresh seafood and grilled meats. A standout dish is the turbot with clams (pregado com amêijoas), freshly prepared with a house sauce. Paula and Vítor Coelho, who have been managing the restaurant for the past five years, continue to honor the establishment’s roots while offering a menu that includes seasonal fish, fried cuttlefish, and spider crab pasta. For meat lovers, there are dishes like the Xico da Cana steak topped with Azeitão cheese and steak in beer sauce.. The Tasca started as a tavern, evolved into a snack bar, and finally became the respected restaurant it is today, never losing its familial and welcoming essence.
📍Tv. do Seixal 12, 2900-231 Setúbal
www.facebook.com/p/Tasca-xico-da-cana-100063818302729
Photo by Casagan2 on Tripadvisor
Peixoco
Peixoco, situated near Mercado do Livramento in Setúbal, skillfully blends traditional flavors with modern twists. It’s named after the local specialties (peixe for fish and choco for cuttlefish), and offers a menu that emphasizes local and seasonal ingredients. Highlights include innovative dishes like cuttlefish croquettes with smoked mayonnaise and paprika, and white fish ceviche with leche de tigre. The restaurant also offers traditional seafood selections alongside creative dishes like squid ink rice with cuttlefish and prawns. Managed by Constance, who infuses her Franco-Portuguese heritage into the cuisine, and André, who curates an impressive selection of Portuguese wines, Peixoco provides a delightful dining experience with both traditional and contemporary offerings. For dessert, the chocolate mousse with peanut praliné is highly recommended.
📍Av. José Mourinho 28, 2900-633 Setúbal
Photo by Peixoco on Facebook
Pérola da Mourisca
Pérola da Mourisca, positioned near the historic Mourisca Estate by the Sado Estuary, is celebrated for its delicious assortment of tapas that fuse Alentejan flavors with the fresh bounty of the river and sea. A staple in the local dining scene for nearly four decades, this place first opened as a café and mini-market before evolving into a renowned restaurant under the stewardship of Maria dos Anjos and her sons, Amândio and Miguel Almeida. The menu features favorites like stuffed peppers with crab or tuna, and a selection of seafood including oysters and shrimp. Meat dishes and specialty orders like crab pasta and seafood rice are also available, ensuring a robust dining experience. The ambiance, highlighted by rustic touches and views of the sprawling estuary, makes Pérola da Mourisca a stellar destination for anyone looking to indulge in regional cuisine with various twists.
📍Rua da Baía do Sado 9, 2910-014 Setúbal
Photo by Revista Business Portugal
O Miguel
Right by the fishermen’s dock in Setúbal, O Miguel offers a dining experience punctuated by the freshness of the sea. With a splendid terrace overlooking Troia, this restaurant is a standout destination for those who appreciate fine seafood and fish. The menu varies from traditional fried cuttlefish to specialties such as tuna steak, razor clam rice, and rich cataplanas. The fish roe bread soup (açorda de ovas) and turbot rice showcase their skill in blending local flavors with sophisticated techniques. The seafood offerings are always based on the catch of the day, ensuring peak freshness. O Miguel is a hallmark for those seeking the freshest seafood in Setúbal.
📍Av. José Mourinho 16, 2900-633 Setúbal
Photo by Antonio Correia on Tripadvisor
Adega Leo do Petisco
Adega Leo do Petisco, also known as Manuel do Choco, is a staple in Setúbal for those seeking the quintessential local delicacy, fried cuttlefish. Located in the heart of the city, the restaurant specializes in this dish, offering it both as a traditional plate or as a unique sandwich option (sandes de choco frito), ideal as a snack or quick meal. While the service might be noted for its lack of warmth, the quality of the cuttlefish makes up for it. During the summer, an outdoor seating area is set up, popular with beachgoers looking to enjoy a casual meal outdoors. Founded in 1987 by Leonel Santiago, younger brother to Virgílio Santiago of Casa Santiago, Adega Leo do Petisco quickly became a contender for serving the best fried cuttlefish in town, a debate that continues among locals to this day… so nothing like going and trying for yourself, so that you can also have your own opinion on the matter!
📍Rua da Cordoaria 33, 2900-333 Setúbal
www.instagram.com/adega_leo_do_petisco
Photo by Sabe Mais
Âncora Azul
Âncora Azul, within the Setúbal Naval Club, is popular for its all-you-can-eat fish grill (rodízio de peixe). This restaurant offers an exceptional deal where, for around €12 on weekdays, diners can indulge in unlimited freshly grilled fish, accompanied by a beverage, dessert, and coffee, all included in the price. On weekends, the price slightly increases to around €17, reflecting the higher demand but maintaining the same unlimited dining experience. Âncora Azul offers an excellent way (both from a taste as well as value for money perspective) to enjoy Setúbal’s renowned seafood in a lively atmosphere, where you’ll certainly be dining amongst locals.
📍Clube Naval Setubalense, Av. Jaime Rebelo 41, 2904-503 Setúbal
www.instagram.com/restaurante_ancora_azul
Photo by Rogerio C on Tripadvisor
Pinga Amor
Pinga Amor Marisqueira in Setúbal is renowned for its diverse seafood options and traditional dishes. The restaurant entices with a seafood display at the entrance and a menu featuring an array of delicacies from the ocean. Highlights include Bulhão Pato clams, boiled and garlic shrimp, and stuffed crab, with specialties like stuffed bell peppers with crabmeat and razor clam rice. For those who like to share, the seafood platter includes various shellfish and crab. Not limited to seafood, Pinga Amor also serves meat dishes, adhering to the tradition of a comprehensive marisqueira. Chef Susana Pinho’s recommendations for couples or friends include mixed seafood or meat platters. For a playful dining experience, try the unique petiscos such as cuttlefish roe (ovas de choco), quail (codornizes), and fried eels (enguias fritas), not to forget the exquisite oysters from the Sado, served with vinaigrette.
📍Rua Morgado Setúbal 61, 2910-672 Setúbal
www.facebook.com/p/Pinga-Amor-Marisqueira-100063653614485
Photo by Evasões
Verde e Branco
Verde e Branco is a family-run restaurant renowned for its grilled fish, located near Setúbal’s bullring plaza. Known since 1974 for its warm, informal setting, it attracts a loyal clientele who come for the fresh fish delivered daily from the local market. Managed by Dina, a figure as commanding as she is caring, the restaurant embodies the heart of Setúbal’s culinary scene. This spot maintains a focus on simplicity and quality, with popular dishes like grilled sea bream served with salad and perfectly seasoned boiled potatoes. While the decor is modest, the authentic flavors and Dina’s attentive service ensure a memorable dining experience. Verde e Branco operates as a lunchtime restaurant only, open from noon until 3 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. Come here for lunch not only to enjoy a great meal but also to get a feel of what local life is all about.
📍Rua Dona Maria Baptista 33, 2910-464 Setúbal
www.facebook.com/p/Restaurante-Verde-e-Branco-100057658141074
Photo by Evasões
O Alface
O Alface offers a family-friendly dining experience with an inviting terrace overlooking the sea. This no-frills restaurant stands out for its character and speedy service, providing a menu that celebrates typical Portuguese cuisine with an emphasis on freshly caught fish and seafood. Known for its excellent set-price meals that include an appetizer, main course, dessert, and beverage, O Alface ensures a satisfying dining experience without breaking the bank. The ambiance on the terrace, paired with superbly prepared seafood and the house’s excellent moscatel grape white wine served in pitchers, makes it a prime spot for a relaxing meal by the coast.
📍Av. José Mourinho, 2900-572 Setúbal
www.facebook.com/restauranteoalface
Photo by O Alface on Facebook
Casa do Mar
Casa do Mar, opened in 2012, is a bright and welcoming restaurant in Setúbal, renowned, as one would expect around here, for its seafood dishes. Situated directly across from the dock, the restaurant features a glazed terrace that allows guests to observe the harbor’s activities, which are particularly mesmerizing outside of the typical lunch hours. Before stepping inside, diners can preview the day’s offerings of fresh fish displayed in a street-facing showcase. The menu at Casa do Mar goes beyond seafood, offering a variety of snacks and meat dishes. Notable selections include clam broth, steak with Azeitão cheese, and for dessert, an indulgent white chocolate soup. This establishment is a perfect spot for enjoying a maritime meal or simply savoring a late afternoon petisco while watching the boats come and go.
📍Av. José Mourinho 74, 2900-633 Setúbal
www.facebook.com/p/CASA-do-MAR-100063709020535
Photo by Lifecooler
O Ramila
O Ramila combines homely ambiance with a fresh menu. Known for its variety of baked fish, the restaurant introduces a novel twist with its signature dish: salted cod served on a clay roof tile (bacalhau na telha), a concept inspired by the owners’ travels to Mexico. The space, adorned with light blue decor and nautical motifs like boats and anchors, was opened by Diogo Marques in 2014, continuing a family legacy in the seafood business. Noteworthy dishes include choco frito à Ramila, various preparations of tuna, and pasta with seafood like shrimp and clams. The beef steak with fries (pictured here) is also a simple but high-quality satisfying option. For dessert, patrons can enjoy sweets such as Azeitão cheesecake and coconut quindim. The wine list features selections from Setúbal, Alentejo, and Douro, perfectly complementing the flavors.
📍Avenida José Mourinho, 22, 2900-558 Setúbal
www.facebook.com/O.Ramila.Restaurante
Photo by Dorival Jr on Tripadvisor
Xtoria
Xtoria stands out for its contemporary approach to local cuisine, infusing traditional dishes with a hint of modernity, especially the well-known regional staple cuttlefish. Here, the cuttlefish is uniquely prepared with ponzu, black potato, sriracha mayonnaise, and lumpfish caviar, offering a distinctive culinary experience at reasonable prices. Other must-try dishes include the Mertolenga beef loin with tuna sabayon and eryngii mushrooms in Port wine sauce; and to finish, a cardamom cream served with a ginger cookie and mango chutney. Xtoria is more than just a destination for excellent fish and fried cuttlefish. Its menu has been designed to reflect the soul of the Arrábida Mountains, the salty breeze of the Sado River, and the adventurous spirit of the local fishermen that inspired the restaurant to be different. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the restaurant offers a five-course tasting menu. For those interested in exploring more independently, the à la carte menu includes other intriguing dishes such as Berliners with beef tongue, alheira emulsion, chayote pickles, prickly pear gel, and fish roe; mackerel marinated in fermented garlic honey and soy, served with tomato, cucumber, watermelon, strawberry, and yogurt; and a combination of cuttlefish and monkfish with mussels, fish velouté, fish oil, and burnt cherry tomatoes. Such a treat!
📍Rua Guilherme Gomes Fernandes 17, 2900-558 Setúbal
Photo by Michelin Guide
Tasca do Toninho
Tasca do Toninho, located in Setúbal’s Santos Nicolau neighborhood, is a quintessential Portuguese fish grill. Run by António Oliveira and his wife Bela, this establishment transformed from a family tavern into a popular local dining spot specializing in grilled fish. Famous for serving what has been dubbed the “best red mullet (salmonete) in Portuguese TV, its uniqueness stems from the freshly caught fish from the nearby Sado River, known for its exceptional taste. The menu offers a variety of seafood, including fried cuttlefish and a selection of fresh clams and prawns. This is a great spot for seafood enthusiasts who actually enjoy a no frills ambiance, where most of the energy goes directly towards preparing down-to-earth good food.
📍Rua D. Pedro Fernando Sardinha 81, 2910-634 Setúbal
www.facebook.com/tascadotoninho
Photo by New in Setúbal
A Vela Branca
A Vela Branca offers one of Setúbal’s finest dining views from its prime location in the Parque Urbano de Albarquel, nestled between the Serra da Arrábida and the Sado River. Since its opening in February 2018, it has become known for grilled dishes, boasting a prime selection of meats and fish. Managed by David Pena, a French native with Setubalense roots, the restaurant was born from fond vacation memories and a desire to revive a beloved local spot. The menu at A Vela Branca varies according to market availability, ensuring fresh offerings daily sourced from the nearby Mercado do Livramento. While it lacks a fixed menu, there are always standard dishes available, including appetizers, fish, meats, and stewed dishes. For those who enjoy light bites, options such as scrambled eggs with asparagus, razor clams “à vela”, whelk salad, fried cuttlefish, garlic shrimp, clams à Bulhão Pato are standout choices. Whether you’re settling in for a meal or just stopping by for a cocktail, A Vela Branca’s terrace, with its views over to Tróia, offers the perfect backdrop at any time of day.
📍Parque Urbano de Albarquel, EN 10-4, 2900-633 Setúbal
Photo by The Fork
490 Taberna STB
490 Taberna STB is a relaxed and informal tapas and wine bar located on the main avenue of Setúbal, where the Sado River meets the Atlantic. While the area is famed for its fish restaurants, 490 Taberna STB stands out with a diverse menu that highlights tapas and snacks using fresh, regional ingredients. The interior is thoughtfully decorated, and the occasional live fado performances add a magical touch to the dining experience. Beyond traditional dishes, the menu creatively includes cuttlefish in various forms such as croquettes and stew. A standout dish is the arroz à careca, a rich rice dish with razor clams, shrimp, and fried cuttlefish, perfect for sharing between two.
📍Av. Luísa Todi 490, 2900-456 Setúbal
www.facebook.com/490tabernastb
Photo by Sergio C on Tripadvisor
Casa Morena
Casa Morena is open every day except Monday, which is the day after when the fishermen didn’t go to sea. It offers a range of freshly caught seafood, including red mullet (salmonete), small bream (massacotes), and small seabream (alcorrazes), which are a treat at the right time of year. Starting with grilled roe (ovas gralhadas) as an appetizer is highly recommended. Complement your meal with a glass of local white wine from the Sado region and a side salad with roasted peppers. The restaurant features just 20 indoor seats, but the best experience is on the terrace beside the communal grill, immersing diners in the art of fish grilling. Seating involves plastic chairs and dining on paper tablecloths, yet the quality of the food and the charm of the atmosphere ensure you’ll leave satisfied and, quite possibly, even planning your next visit!
📍Praça Machado dos Santos 18, 2900-178 Setúbal
Photo by Carminda P on Tripadvisor
Adega dos Garrafões
Adega dos Garrafões offers a delightful mix of rustic charm and a bustling atmosphere, featuring a menu filled with traditional Portuguese dishes and snacks. This tavern is adorned with decorations that nod to tauromachy, enhancing its local vibe, even if this is a subject that clearly divides passions. Among a variety of dishes, patrons can enjoy specialties such as fried jumbo pompano fish with escabeche sauce, salads, and pickled mackerel. As usual, not to miss is Setúbal’s traditional dish, choco frito, which is indeed a highlight on their menu.
📍Rua de Arronches Junqueiro 103, 2900-229 Setúbal
www.facebook.com/p/Adega-Dos-Garraf%C3%B5es-100047308405889
Photo by Jesus Solero on Tripadvisor
Baked goods and sweet treats in Setúbal
Tortas de Azeitão
Tortas de Azeitão are a celebrated Portuguese specialty, originating from the small town of Azeitão within the Setúbal district. These soft, sweet egg rolls are a delight, known for their rich flavor and pillowy texture. In Setúbal, there’s a charming store dedicated to these tortes, providing an authentic taste of the region even if you don’t have the chance to make it to Azeitão itself. It’s recommended to pair Tortas de Azeitão with Moscatel de Setúbal, a renowned fortified wine from the region. Moscatel de Setúbal’s aromatic, rich, and sweet qualities make it one of Portugal’s finest fortified wines. Besides the famed tortes, the store also offers other regional specialties like the biscuit Areias de Azeitão and a variety of typical Portuguese pastries, creating a comprehensive local sweets experience.
📍Av. Luísa Todi 15, 2900-460 Setúbal
Photo by Uber Eats
Confeitaria d’Arrábida
Confeitaria d’Arrábida, a beloved staple for sweet treats in Setúbal, is renowned for its expert blend of traditional and modern pastries. Founded by Tânia and Ricardo Amante in 2013, this pastry shop has become a city favorite for its distinctive offerings like the walnut-covered marlenes and the pé-de-salsa, a cake filled with soft egg yolk cream. For over a decade they have been delighting customers with these specialties, alongside a variety of freshly baked breads and custom-made birthday cakes available in numerous flavors and fillings. The shop’s commitment to quality is reflected in every bite, whether it’s their crispy croissants or intricate cakes, making it a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. They operate daily, offering a warm space where guests are treated like friends.
📍Av. São Francisco Xavier 8 Loja 2A, 2900-616 Setúbal
Photo by Confeitaria d’Arrábida on Facebook
Doces Suspiros
Pastelaria Doces Suspiros is a beloved local café in Setúbal, celebrated for its in-house production (fabrico próprio) of regional sweets and pastries. After the success of the original establishment, they expanded with Doces Suspiros II, conveniently located across from the bus station. This café is a popular spot for enjoying a traditional Portuguese breakfast or a coffee break accompanied by freshly made pastries. The interior design adds to the charm of the place, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating options. Besides the sweet treats, the café also offers a selection of savory items like sandwiches and toasties. In the summer, they serve braised snails (caracóis), which are a seasonal favorite, perfectly paired with a cold beer.
📍Av. dos Ciprestes 23A, 2900-285 Setúbal
www.facebook.com/doces.suspiros15
www.facebook.com/p/Pastelaria-Doces-Suspiros-2-100067229203425
Photo by Diretório de Pastelarias em Portugal
Castanha Dourada
Castanha Dourada is a standout bakery and pastry shop in Setúbal, known for its high-quality homemade goods and friendly service. Conveniently located on Rua António José Batista, it sells a wide variety of birthday cakes and diverse desserts. During the Christmas season, the bakery offers a stunning array of holiday treats like bolo rei, and various versions of escangalhado, a version of bolo rei which abandons the crown shape in lieu of a more rustic appearance, featuring dried fruits, crystallized fruits, and a chocolate and nuts combination.
📍Av. António José Baptista 3A, 2910-448 Setúbal
www.facebook.com/castanhadourada
Photo by Castanha Dourada on Facebook
Doce Arte
Doce Arte is a typical Portuguese bakery in Setúbal, which produces a wide variety of cakes and pastries. They proudly accept orders for all types of cakes, catering to special occasions with daily promotions that sweeten the deal. Known for excellent service, Doce Arte is a favored spot for delightful breakfasts and any time of the day treats. Among their offerings, traditional Portuguese pastries like the famous pastel de nata and Berliners stand out. They also feature other more unique specialties such as pata de veado, a pastry filled with egg cream and covered in a soft, cake-like dough, and guardanapo, which translates to “napkin” in English. This is a soft, rolled cake filled with a sweet egg cream, suggesting its name from the way it’s folded resembling a napkin. Doce Arte is a great spot for those looking to indulge in authentic Portuguese pastries beyond the most obvious options.
📍Rua Mormugão 22, 2900-590 Setúbal
www.facebook.com/p/Pastelaria-Doce-Arte-100063753845336/
Photo by Doce Arte on Facebook
Pastelaria Capri
Pastelaria Capri is renowned for two specialties: its signature house bread and an array of daily specials. The bread, known for its fresh, crusty exterior and soft interior, epitomizes traditional Portuguese baking craft. Daily dishes vary, featuring fresh, local ingredients that span from classic Portuguese favorites to inventive new tastes, ensuring a fresh culinary experience with each visit. Renowned for consistent quality and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Capri draws patrons back time and again, making it a staple of Setúbal’s food scene.
📍Largo da Misericórdia 38, 2900-502 Setúbal
www.facebook.com/p/Pastelaria-Capri-100057414851016/
Photo by Destination Eat Drink
Gelados Valenciana
Gelados Valenciana has been a sweet staple in Setúbal for over eight decades, making it one of the oldest ice cream shops in Portugal, alongside A Veneziana in Lisbon (Praça dos Restauradores 8). Opened in 1938 by a Spanish couple fleeing the Civil War, it continues to thrive under the stewardship of Célia Soares. Located in Largo da Misericórdia, Valenciana offers an extensive list of flavors served in cones, cups, or tempting sundae combinations. They also feature sugar-free options and even crepes topped with their creamy gelato. Known for its long-standing reputation and traditional values, Valenciana’s success is sustained by word-of-mouth, celebrating its rich history and continued popularity among locals.
📍Largo da Misericórdia 4, 2900-502 Setúbal
www.facebook.com/geladosvalenciana
Photo by Gelados Valenciana on Facebook
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