Sintra Food Tour: Top 5 Must-Try Drinks & Eateries

If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, Sintra is that fairytale town you can’t afford to miss, too it’s a landscape dotted with majestic palaces, lush gardens, and, wouldn’t you know it, absolutely fantastic food, is that not right? Away from the crowds clamoring for a glimpse of Pena Palace, that’s almost hidden corners provide culinary treasures that can turn your visit from a simple sightseeing trip into that tasty exploration, so to speak, anyway. We are going to share five spots where you can enjoy those must-try food and drinks of Sintra, just a little.

1. Casa Piriquita: Where Travesseiros Become Tradition

Now, Casa Piriquita isn’t just a bakery, actually, it’s an institution that’s more or less been serving Sintra since 1862, very. This is that place you’ll often find with that queue stretching down the street, and trust us, it’s absolutely worth the wait, even though nobody really likes lines. The star here, it turns out, is the Travesseiro, that light, flaky pastry shaped sort of like a pillow and filled with a creamy almond paste, is that wild? “Travesseiro” means “pillow” in Portuguese, and biting into this warm, slightly sweet pastry feels, I would argue, very close to that comforting experience, surprisingly enough. What I mean is, imagine that flaky crust giving way to that sweet almond filling; it’s basically a party in your mouth, mostly. And be sure to try, arguably, their Queijada, that other local specialty with that cute, round cheese tart with that touch of cinnamon – yum. It’s a much richer flavor, yet it complements the Travesseiro well, in that case. Read our full review: Casa Piriquita Full Review and Details

As I recall, the story goes that the family secret recipe has been passed down through generations, each one carefully guarding the secrets, usually. That dedication translates into the consistency and authentic flavor you’ll experience with every bite, kind of. Find yourself a spot on that nearby wall or small plaza, take a deep breath of that crisp mountain air, and savor, usually, every single moment. Paired with a bica (that’s an espresso, essentially) it is, in some respects, just that quintessential Sintra experience, basically.

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2. Bacalhau com Natas at Incomum by Luis Santos

Ready for something that’s just a little more substantial? Look no further than Incomum, very. What I mean is, this isn’t just any restaurant; it’s a spot that showcases that fantastic take on traditional Portuguese cuisine with that very contemporary twist, actually. One dish that actually stands out? It would be the Bacalhau com Natas, arguably. For those unfamiliar, Bacalhau com Natas translates into “cod with cream,” and this restaurant, I guess, really elevates that pretty simple dish into that unforgettable experience, for the most part.

The cod, tender and flavorful, is that combined with creamy potatoes and that smooth béchamel sauce, eventually creating that dish that’s simultaneously comforting and rather elegant, apparently. As a matter of fact, the setting itself makes this worth a stop; this spot is a bit more upscale, but with that relaxed ambiance and warm, inviting atmosphere, mostly. That dining area presents incredible views of Sintra which, in many respects, add to that meal’s overall indulgence, usually. Each plate comes out looking like it’s meant to impress, and with friendly and reasonably attentive waitstaff you definitely do get a luxury treatment, very.

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Read our full review: Incomum by Luis Santos Full Review and Details

3. Ginjinha at Alcobaça Confeitaria

So, here is a very iconic drink that you have to try, that ginjinha, very. I would say this sweet cherry liqueur is that common throughout Portugal, and this spot gives you a great rendition served that delightful touch, that is. What I mean is, at Alcobaça Confeitaria, you won’t just get ginjinha; arguably, you’re going to get it served in a cute little chocolate cup, arguably! I can attest, too it’s an adorable (and tasty!) way to enjoy this beverage, so in fact after you’re done, you can, strangely enough, just eat that cup, right. Usually this adds a layer of that richness from the dark chocolate which really complements that sweet, slightly tart flavor of that ginjinha rather nicely, truly. Plus, a cute chocolate cup is fun for taking photos, very.

Beyond just that drink itself, that spot also gives you a cozy setting to enjoy some traditional Portuguese pastries and cakes, apparently. As a matter of fact, it’s a perfect spot, honestly, to rest your feet after a lot of walking around, you know, so just enjoy it alongside of one of those great, strong Portuguese coffees, just a little. Try their traditional pastries if ginjinha is something you find you like – I believe it won’t disappoint you! Very! So!

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Read our full review: Alcobaça Confeitaria Full Review and Details

4. Quinta da Regaleira: A Picnic with a View

OK, this might not be your traditional eatery, but I’d say that Quinta da Regaleira is that extraordinary destination worth packing a picnic to enjoy, typically. In other words, the estate features that absolutely stunning architecture, mysterious wells, and elaborate gardens that serve almost as a dreamy background for an open air lunch, surprisingly. That is because there are a lot of places you could explore at Quinta da Regaleira and have lunch/snacks after, and who wouldn’t?

Grab some local cheeses, some bread, and a bottle of vinho verde from a nearby shop, and find that quiet spot amongst those gardens or around that Initiation Well, and very! Now that you have a stunning view paired with yummy treats and refreshments, what I mean is you’ll find that it creates that uniquely memorable meal. Usually remember to pack a blanket, too, and take it from me, it adds an absolutely charming element to a day trip filled with the awe-inspiring sightseeing adventures of Quinta da Regaleira, clearly.

Read our full review: Quinta da Regaleira Full Review and Details

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5. Saudade: Tea Time with a Twist

So, if you find you’re in that mood for that warm cozy beverage (maybe in the cooler, somewhat breezy hills), then it’s actually hard to ignore this café known as Saudade, just a little. That spot takes its name from that Portuguese word meaning a deep, sort of nostalgic longing, and very! Basically that place delivers precisely that feeling with their warm environment, truly. What I mean is, sip a fragrant cup of tea while you consider all the different eras of history.

I am confident, too it’s that absolutely cozy place, honestly, where you’re going to be able to dive into one of their many blends, and if you get those munchies? What I mean is, it is so nice to sample their delicious pastries or small snacks too, for the most part! And just by the way, their fresh baked goods provide more sweetness that actually works with all the various hot teas, in that case. After a bit, though, be careful; with all the comfy seats, eventually it is rather easy to lose an afternoon here, so, like I’m saying, it offers that absolutely perfect retreat, frankly, when you need just that break after exploring the many various corners of Sintra, very.

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Read our full review: Saudade Full Review and Details