Torres Vedras travel guide for food lovers
Torres Vedras, just a short drive from Lisbon, offers a good glimpse into the diversity of Portuguese life. Far from being a mere satellite of the capital, it’s a town with a rich history where the verdant landscapes of the Oeste region include vineyards, ancient fortifications, and sandy beaches, which for many of us invite exploration.
Feat photo by Fundamental
Photo by Bucket List Portugal
The journey from Lisbon only takes about 40 minutes by car via the A8 motorway, or about an hour by public transport, which includes regular bus services. This accessibility makes Torres Vedras an attractive proposition for a day trip from Lisbon, for those looking to escape the hustle of the city for a day. If your time in Portugal won’t allow for travels much further than the capital, we believe Torres Vedras can give you a good glimpse into a different side of the country from the one you are likely to experience in our largest urban center.
Photo by Vitor Oliveira on Wikimedia
The town’s history dates back to prehistoric settlements, something which becomes evident in its notable archaeological sites. The Castro do Zambujal (Rua da Fonte 33), a significant Chalcolithic fortified village unearthed in the 1930s, is one of those sites that stands out. Here, artifacts from daily life such as metal foundry, weaving, and cattle rearing paint a vivid picture of early commerce and culture.
Photo by Vitor Oliveira on Wikimedia
The imposing castle of Torres Vedras, a sentinel over the town, narrates tales from Roman times through the Moorish era to the dramatic days of the Peninsular War. It was during the Napoleonic Wars that the town gained strategic importance with its fortifications playing an important role in protecting Lisbon. Another historical site of great importance is the eye-catching Aqueduct of Fonte dos Canos. This monumental water channel, which dates back to the 16th century, used to support the town’s water needs and is now part of the region’s architectural heritage.
Photo by Encanto do Portugal
Torres Vedras is also a beloved summer retreat for many Lisbonites. Places like Praia de Santa Cruz are often bustling with Portuguese families who either own summer homes in the area or make frequent day trips to escape the urban areas in search of leisure and the quintessential Portuguese summer. The extensive, clean beaches like Praia do Navio and Praia Azul are ideal for sunbathing, water sports such surfing, or simply enjoying the views of the Atlantic ocean and its big waves. On the southern end, you’ll find the dramatic cliffs of Ponta da Vigia and the iconic Penedo do Guincho. Praia de Porto Novo, historically significant as the landing site for British troops during the Napoleonic Wars, now welcomes visitors with its tranquil ambiance and proximity to Vimeiro’s thermal spa (Rua Fonte dos Frades, Maceira), where you can also book yourself for a thermal and wellness treatment.
The beaches around Torres Vedras are a favored destination for many from Lisbon, not only because of their natural beauty, but also because around here you can enjoy great food and wines too and, let’s be frank, all of these are part of a typical Portuguese day out at the beach.
Drinking wine in Torres Vedras
Photo by Diogo Winemaker
Torres Vedras is a central hub in the Lisboa wine region, which includes seven protected denominations of origin, Torres Vedras being precisely one of them. His region’s unique terroir, shaped by its proximity to the Atlantic and protected hilly terrain, produces grapes known for their acidic and aromatic wines. The reds from this region are robust, with deep color and high alcohol content, primarily featuring grape varieties such as Castelão, Aragonez, Tinta Miúda, and Touriga Nacional. The whites are light, fresh, and fruity, predominantly made from Arinto, Fernão Pires, Seara-Nova, and Vital.
The area around Torres Vedras is home to several wineries that open their doors to the public, offering more than just standard wine tastings. At AdegaMãe, for instance, visitors can immerse themselves in the culinary delights of its renowned restaurant – more info below. At Quinta da Almiara you can enjoy a curated picnic, which features a basket with regional delicacies paired with wines that showcase the best of what Torres Vedras has to offer. For a hands-on experience, Bonifácio Wines and Quinta da Boa Esperança allow enthusiasts to step into the shoes of a winemaker for a day, providing a deeper understanding of the wine production process. Furthermore, Quinta de São José Vale da Cachupa offers an in-depth course on viticulture and enology, interesting for those who truly want to understand the art of wine-making and may have the time for that. For a lighter and leisurely exploration, Quinta da Casaboa provides self-guided tours through its vineyards, allowing visitors to enjoy the landscape at their own pace.
Photo by Associação de Turismo Militar Português
In Torres Vedras, a few more wine estates offer a variety of wine tourism experiences, from grape harvesting and wine tasting to pairing sessions. These are definitely worth checking out:
Quinta da Folgorosa (pictured above)
📍Rua Principal 16, 2565-171 Dois Portos
Adega São Mamede da Ventosa
📍Av. 10 de Junho N8, 2565-831 Torres Vedras
Fonte das Moças / Quinta de São Domingos
📍Rua do Poço 1, 2565-116 São Domingos de Carmões
Adega Cooperativa de Carvoeira
📍Estrada Nacional 9, n5, Curvel, 2565-138 Carvoeira
Best restaurants for Portuguese food in Torres Vedras
Sal na Adega
Sal na Adega is the restaurant at winery AdegaMãe, by far one of the most popular in the region. Here, the dining experience is all about perfectly pairing traditional Portuguese cuisine with the crisp, mineral-rich wines born from the Atlantic terroir. Opened in 2020 amidst the pandemic, it quickly established itself as one of the finest culinary destinations in the region. Located on the rooftop of the AdegaMãe building, the space, designed to offer sublime gastronomic and wine experiences, seats 52 guests and includes a wine bar and a shop, all overlooking the vast vineyard landscape. Cod, a cornerstone of Portuguese cuisine, takes center stage on their menu, complemented by other seasonal local produce from land and sea. Before sitting down for a meal, we’d suggest beginning your culinary journey with a tour of the AdegaMãe winery to immerse yourself in the philosophy behind this unique establishment. Beyond dining, Sal na Adega offers a variety of enotourism experiences, from the famed AdegaMãe Flavors Brunch to tailored tastings and pairings, always highlighting the distinctive elegance, freshness, and salinity of their Atlantic wines.
📍Estrada Municipal 554, 2565-841 Ventosa, Torres Vedras
https://adegamae.pt/restaurante-sal-na-adega
Photo by Portugal By Wine
Páteo do Faustino
Páteo do Faustino, run by António Faustino, began as a humble tavern known for its água-pé, a type of watery and less alcoholic young wine hard to come by these days, and codfish cakes, quickly growing popular enough to require expansion from a simple wine cellar into a full-scale restaurant. Today, it sprawls across five distinct areas: the central room, the cellar, a smokers’ lounge, a terrace, and a group dining area, accommodating up to 600 patrons. The restaurant now offers a diverse menu featuring specialties like bean soup, cream of carrot soup, grilled perch, grilled sea bream, grilled cuttlefish, and Faustino’s octopus skewer, alongside a variety of meat dishes including steaks, grilled pork cheeks, and Iberian pork chops. The terrace offers a nature-filled dining experience, while the central room provides a more family-friendly atmosphere, and the cellar keeps the rustic, traditional vibe alive – take your pick and have a wonderful meal!
📍Rua Maria Pereira, 2560-616 Torres Vedras
Photo by Páteo do Faustino
Roots
Roots revitalizes a longstanding family business, initially Restaurante Bar Saborear. Located in Parque Verde da Várzea in Torres Vedras, Roots offers a dining experience that merges traditional Portuguese cuisine with historical influences, focusing on the era of the Peninsular War. Managed by chef Tia Sofia, the menu features traditional dishes often prepared in a wood-fired oven. The wine bar enhances meals with a broad selection of wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails. Additionally, Roots includes a small grocery section where customers can purchase local products like olive oil, honey, and even non food items like artisanal soaps. This combination of dining and local commerce focusing on Portuguese tradition, can take you from a gastronomic outting to a more comprehensive cultural experience.
📍Parque Verde da Várzea, 2560-683 Torres Vedras
Photo by The Fork
Midi
Since January 2009, Midi delights its guests with a menu that respects traditional culinary arts while embracing modern creativity. For starters, the menu features standout dishes like saucy beef strips (pica pau de novilho) and green bean tempura (peixinhos da horta), here served with sriracha mayonnaise. Main courses highlight traditional favorites such as baked cod with cornbread (bacalhau com broa) and duck rice (arroz de pato). For dessert, patrons can indulge in Portuguese classics like sweet rice pudding (arroz doce), Portugal’s take on on crème brûlée (leite creme), homemade egg flan (pudim de ovos caseiro), or Midi’s unique twist on the pastel de nata, consisting of puff pastry filled with cinnamon foam, banana, and ice cream.
📍 Av. da Liberdade, 2, Cruz do Barro, 2560-271 Torres Vedras
Photo by Uber Eats
Taberna 22
Taberna 22 brings an original vibe to the dining scene of Torres Vedras, featuring a menu rich with traditional Portuguese cuisine served in a relaxed setting. Known for its excellent petiscos and wines from the Oeste region, this restaurant serves specialities like the unmissable deep-fried breaded octopus with rice and fried beans (polvo panado com arroz de feijão frito). Besides this star dish, Taberna 22’s menu includes a variety of small dishes perfect for sharing, including codfish fritters, clams Bulhão Pato style, and other more internationally inspired options like bruschetta or chicken wings. For mains, we’d recommend their roasted octopus with olive oil (polvo à lagareiro) or their more inventive turkey strudel with cream sauce. For wine lovers, the restaurant offers a vast wine list featuring selections from all over Portugal. But if you’ve visited local wineries (like the ones we recommend above!) and purchased your own bottles, Taberna 22 welcomes you to enjoy them with your meal for a small corkage fee.
📍Rua Alm. Gago Coutinho 5, 2560-302 Torres Vedras
Photo by Taberna 22
Taskinha do Chef
Taskinha do Chef, right in the historic center of Torres Vedras, is a testament to chef Rodrigo Mota’s philosophy: “Good wines, good friends, good times.” This intimate eatery is a gem for those seeking to indulge in authentic Portuguese cuisine paired with excellent service. The menu is a celebration of Portuguese comfort foods, showcasing dishes like duck rice, grilled pata negra chops, and traditional codfish with cornbread. Other highlights include tuna steak lagareiro style, fried sole with cilantro bread stew, oxtail stew, and the classic Portuguese liver dish, iscas à portuguesa. Renowned for its execution of bold, traditional flavors, Taskinha do Chef is the place to settle in for a leisurely meal (certainly not a quick light meal!), surrounded by good vibes!
📍Rua António França Borges 22, 2560-382 Torres Vedras
www.instagram.com/taskinhadochef
Photo by Taskinha do Chef on Facebook
Barracão
Barracão has been a cornerstone of traditional Portuguese cuisine in the west zone for over 30 years, priding itself on affordability without sacrificing quality. Known for being great at charcoal grilling, the restaurant prepares specialties like picanha skewers, lamb, veal chops, and grilled cod. Its wine list thoughtfully highlights selections from the Oeste and Alentejo regions. Daily specials keep the menu exciting from Monday to Friday, as well as with standout a la carte dishes such as eel stew (caldeirada de enguias), lamb chanfana, escabeche fried eels (enguias fritas de escabeche), and a super indulgent veal with Serra da Estrela cheese and tiger shrimp. This place is ideal for a leisurely Sunday lunch where the afternoon can be spent savoring every bite and moment, with no rush at all.
📍Rua António Pereira Cabaço 5, 2560-232 Torres Vedras
Photo by Cardapio
D’ Encantar
D’ Encantar delivers a truly Portuguese dining experience, from the cordial service to the comfortable ambiance and the beautifully presented, mouthwatering dishes. Known for its traditional Portuguese menu, the restaurant offers both a la carte options and daily specials that showcase the staples of Portugal’s everyday cuisine. Diners can look forward to hearty portions of classics like bitoque, alheira, grilled fish, and various roasts. For those with a hearty appetite, the naco d’Encantar, a generous cut of beef cooked in the restaurant’s signature style, comes highly recommended.
📍Av. Gen. Humberto Delgado nº26, 2560-272 Torres Vedras
www.instagram.com/dencantar_restaurante
Photo by Restaurant Guru
Napoleão Taberna
Housed on the ground floor of a century-old building in the historical center of Torres Vedras, Napoleão Taberna offers a blend of simple, unpretentious food and a lively atmosphere that invites diners to share dishes and wines. Despite its central location, it remains a bit of a hidden gem, boasting friendly service and sensibly priced offerings. The menu, though not long, is filled with delightful choices, from traditional dishes like ribs with green peas (entrecosto com ervilhas) and baked cod tail with roasted potatoes (rabo de bacalhau no forno com batata assada), to unique offerings like game meat pie (tarte de caça) and pork cheeks stew (bochecha de porco estufada). Don’t miss out on this lovely spot that perfectly captures the essence of Torres Vedras’s rustic dining.
📍Rua Paiva de Andrada 9A R/C, 2560-357 Torres Vedras
www.instagram.com/napoleao.taberna.tv
Photo by Napoleão Taberna on Facebook
Cervejaria O Gordo
In the center of Torres Vedras, O Gordo offers a diverse menu featuring typical Portuguese seafood and traditional recipes. However, the standout dish at this eatery is their roast chicken, a favorite among locals and tourists who do make it around here. Piri-piri chicken is a staple in Portuguese cuisine, with its roots tracing back to the influence of African spices brought over during the Age of Discovery. The spicy, tangy piri-piri sauce made from crushed chilies and various other seasonings makes this dish irresistibly flavorful. At Cervejaria O Gordo, the chicken is known for being exceptionally juicy and perfectly cooked. Hearty portions of home style cooked food, reasonable prices, and friendly service – what’s there not to like?
📍Rua Alm. Gago Coutinho, 7A, 2560-303 Torres Vedras
www.facebook.com/cervejariaogordo
Photo by Restaurant Guru
Restaurante Patanisca
Patanisca has a great menu of petiscos, that is, small dishes perfect for sharing, as you make your way through another bottle of Torres Vedras wine. Among the must-try items are the flat codfish cakes (pataniscas de bacalhau), which are the namesake of the restaurant, mushroom and chorizo sauté (salteado de cogumelos com chouriço), and scrambled eggs with smoked sausage (ovos mexidos com farinheira). The menu also features an array of regional cheeses from across Portugal. Patanisca also prepares changing daily specials during weekdays, served in a casual but very inviting setting.
📍Rua 9 de Abril 27A, 2560-301 Torres Vedras
Photo by Uber Eats
O Santinhos
This straightforward yet exceptional spot in Turcifal is a haven for seafood lovers, offering a vast array of fresh fish expertly prepared on the grill or in traditional cataplana dishes. For those who prefer meat, the menu includes skewers (espetadas) and steaks. Beyond seafood and meat, diners can enjoy starters like clam soup and unique dishes like flambéed salmon, monkfish medallions, and various delightful fish specials. Known for its excellent value, O Santinhos provides a reasonably priced daily menu, and you can even visit with your pet if you ask for a table at the terrace.
📍Estrada Nacional 4, 2565-781 Torres Vedras
www.facebook.com/p/Restaurante-O-Santinhos-100054674640260
Photo by Best Guide
Uma Casa Portugueza
This gem in Torres Vedras offers an array of traditional Portuguese dishes in a setting that feels like home. The menu, though not extensive, features a thoughtful selection of wines from the Lisbon region, complementing dishes like grouper rice with shrimp and a meat platter served with orange sweet potato purée and grilled vegetables. For vegetarians, the mushroom risotto is a good option. Other notable dishes include the black pudding bundle with Port wine and butter flavored with roasted peppers. If you’d like to enjoy a straightforward yet hit-the-spot meal in Torres Vedras, make sure to stop by Uma Casa Portugueza.
📍Rua Raimundo Porta 12B rés chão esquerdo, 2560-692 Torres Vedras
www.instagram.com/umacasaportugueza
Photo by Uma Casa Portugueza on Instagram
Cervejaria Boca Santa
Cervejaria Boca Santa offers a cozy dining experience complemented by a magnificent terrace with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean at Santa Cruz beach. This restaurant is an ideal spot to enjoy the best seafood and traditional dishes while admiring the famous Santa Cruz sunset. The interior is thoughtfully decorated with charming, modern touches and rustic details, creating a warm atmosphere. Additionally, the pleasant outdoor terrace allows guests to enjoy their meal overlooking the sea. Boca Santa features a diverse menu that includes fish, seafood, meats, and even vegan options. Some of the menu highlights include the octopus cooked with copious amounts of olive oil (polvo à Lagareiro), tender baby squid, as well as seafood stew (cataplana). If you’re finishing a day at the beach, Cervejaria Boca Santa in Santa Cruz is the perfect place to indulge in a great meal by the sea!
📍Esplanada Poeta Antero de Quental, 2560-455 Silveira
Photo by Boca Santa
Where to eat pastel de feijão in Torres Vedras
Photo by Pastéis Brasão
For us Portuguese, Torres Vedras is synonymous with pastel de feijão, a traditional pastry which is a part of Portugal’s repertoire of conventual sweets, and that combines a surprising ingredient, white beans, with sugar, egg yolks, and almonds. Despite its name which literally translates as bean tart, the truth is that the beans don’t impart a typical bean flavor. Instead, they add a smooth buttery texture that enhances the pastry’s rich feel.
Photo by Evasões
Currently, the pastry is on its way to receiving a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), emphasizing its significance in the local culture. Today, about 30 producers in the region keep this tradition thriving. You can ask for a pastel de feijão in any given pastry shop, not only in Torres Vedras but basically all over Portugal, or you can visit a specialized bakery focusing on sweet bean tarts in Torres Vedras itself – these are some of the most popular:
Pastéis Brasão (pictured above)
📍Rua da Pena Seca, 5 Bonabal, 2565-835 Torres Vedras
Casa Benjamim
📍Rua Alm. Gago Coutinho 4, 2560-303 Torres Vedras
www.instagram.com/casabenjamim
Fábrica Coroa
📍Praça 25 de Abril 11 A, 2560-286 Torres Vedras
www.facebook.com/p/F%C3%A1brica-Coroa-100063488682845
Pastéis Serra Vila
📍Azinhaga das Fontes 3, 2560-581 Torres Vedras
www.facebook.com/p/Past%C3%A9is-Feij%C3%A3o-Serra-Vila-100057686371484
More bakeries and pastelarias in Torres Vedras
Pastelaria Império
Pastelaria Império, one of the most iconic bakeries in Torres Vedras, celebrates over 60 years in business. The founder, historically noted for his stint at the famous Pastéis de Belém (Rua de Belém 84-92, Lisbon), established a reputation with their sought-after pastéis de nata. Beyond these custard tarts, the bakery is celebrated for its cartucho de amêndoa from Cernache do Bonjardim (pictured here), a rich blend of egg yolks, almonds, and sugar, rooted in conventual tradition. Maintaining the balance between traditional recipes and modern standards, Pastelaria Império has evolved to emphasize food safety and customer well-being, earning numerous national accolades. A visit here offers an irresistible sweet taste of local history!
📍Praça 25 de Abril MB, 2560-285 Torres Vedras
Photo by Pastelaria Império
Pastelaria Paloma Blanca
Founded in 2000, Pastelaria Paloma Blanca quickly established itself by focusing on quality products and good customer service. It offers a wide range of daily-made bakery items, from various breads to exquisite cakes and pastries, always ensuring top quality. The bakery is particularly renowned for its pastéis de feijão, the regional specialty of Torres Vedras, as well as custom cakes for special occasions like birthdays and weddings, showcasing their expertise in cake design. Beside special celebration cakes, here you’ll also find the usual range of pastries Portuguese pastelarias normally sell, including Berliners, croissants, various confections with egg jam, as well as seasonal cakes such as bolo rei for Christmas and folar during Easter.
📍Rua Dr. José de Bastos 7B R/C E, 2560-332 Torres Vedras
Photo by Paloma Blanca on Facebook
Pãozinho da Avenida
Pãozinho da Avenida excels in a variety of baked goods, from the traditional pastéis de feijão to a wide assortment of cakes and pastries, including the parra, a flaky puff pastry filled with egg cream and topped with caramelized sugar, and the guardanapo, a soft cake enveloped in sugar, folded into a triangle resembling a napkin (that’s what guardanapo literally translates as). This cafe is known for its excellent coffee and quick friendly service, making it a great spot for a Portuguese-style breakfast or a quick light lunch. Besides the stand out pastries, the spacious and welcoming atmosphere is complemented by a selection of homemade ice creams, fresh juices, and even daily soup options.
📍Edif. Avenida, Loja 4, Av. 5 de Outubro, 2560-270 Torres Vedras
Photo by Pãozinho da Avenida
Flor – Pastéis de Feijão
Flor is a road-side pastry shop located at the entrance of the parish of Campelos. As the business’ name clearly anticipates, this spot is particularly noted for its pastéis de feijão, a favorite among those who appreciate regional sweets. But, beyond that, it also serves as a full-fledged bakery and pastry shop with its own in-house production. They also offer pear tarts, a clever nod to the local pera Rocha from the Oeste region. Additionally, we recommend also trying their Galitos, a tasty chickpea pastry, that once again showcases how Torres Vedras is amazing at creating pastries based on legumes!
📍Silva Eira Velha, R. da Cruz, 2565-037 Campelos
www.instagram.com/flor_pasteisfeijao
Photo by Pastelaria Flor on Facebook
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