The best restaurants Portugal

Timetable

The majority of restaurants are open at the same times as in France, with perhaps slightly longer opening hours: from 12:00 to 15:30 and from 19:00 to 22:30 on average. Most restaurants close once a week, usually on Sundays or Mondays, and also on public holidays.

Some restaurants (in the broadest sense) serve breakfast from 8am onwards most of the time. In the evenings, the successful establishments are full, so it's a good idea to book the same day or the day before to be sure of a place, and it costs nothing.

Budget & Tips

Count between 15 and 25 € for a good meal. But depending on the restaurant, prices can be lower or higher.

What costs extra

Tipping in restaurants is not obligatory in Portugal. In some tourist restaurants, it may be included as an option in the bill, but it's up to the individual. Be careful, however, as small hors d'oeuvres placed on the table, or bread, are very often subject to a charge, something that waiters say little about and that only locals, not necessarily tourists, know. The same applies to water: if you ask for it, they'll automatically bring you a bottle not included in the price, as carafes of water are not common practice in Portuguese restaurants.

Smokers

If since 2008 it was forbidden to smoke in closed public places, except bars and restaurants, the latter joined the ban in 2015, electronic cigarette included. Previously restaurants had smoking and non-smoking areas, as it was known in France before the anti-smoking law of 2006, which came into force on¹ January 2008.

Tourist traps

In tourist areas, beware of touts in front of restaurants, as this is often a bad sign for the quality of the food served. It never hurts to check the bill.