Top 5 Sao Martinho do Porto Food & Drink: A Local’s Guide

Sao Martinho do Porto, you see, it’s almost like this little gem tucked away on Portugal’s Silver Coast. It isn’t this overwhelming tourist magnet, and that is totally part of its appeal. Think of it as the kind of spot that offers that proper taste of Portuguese culture, away from some huge crowds. And when you are visiting somewhere that, while seemingly a hidden gem, has a big culinary appeal, there is usually one thing on your mind and it revolves around what grub to munch on. That bit, the tasty experience that only this cute area can supply, is a very crucial point of visiting for many who land on these shores.

A Marisqueira: Seafood Sensations

First, there’s A Marisqueira; now that name alone really suggests something right? It’s basically all about seafood. If, like your pal the author here, you’re someone who appreciates super-fresh catches, well, this could be your idea of paradise. A Marisqueira in a way specializes in serving up seafood so fresh, it still basically smells of the Atlantic. Try the grilled fish or even Cataplana; so that’s this sensational seafood stew. The location is good too, that’s for certain, sitting overlooking the bay, which might well enhance your eating experience. It does for me anyway! That seafood stew is pretty darn great, it usually includes a bunch of different shellfish and fish all cooked up together with some tasty tomatoes, onions and peppers.

Seafood is this cornerstone of the town’s eats, reflecting its coastal place, and so the restaurant scene understandably mirrors it. Loads of restaurants are dotted around that picturesque bay; that’s not surprising is it? These restaurants will boast dishes from grilled sardines to fancier seafood rice, so in essence there really is something there for everyone. In summer you will almost always see the grills outside absolutely roaring, pumping out the smells and sizzling noises that, basically, gets peoples taste buds flowing!

Read our full review: A Marisqueira Sao Martinho do Porto Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (A Marisqueira)

Restaurante Atlântico: A Blend of Flavors

Right next up, Restaurante Atlântico, basically offers a more varied type of menu that is, you see, it’s not only focusing on seafood but other bits of awesome Portuguese food too. Here, that’s the place where you can try traditional things so like arroz de marisco (so, that’s seafood rice) or even carne de porco à alentejana which features clams and pork so that’s a must-try combination right there. Now then, the ambience is more chilled so the location is also superb so sitting near that bay once again is so beautiful. This is often because in that summer period those guys put loads of tables outside so you, my friend, get to sit and eat right by that beach! It’s pretty idyllic, just the slight issue that tourists and natives all compete to nab these tables! In the winter it is usually cozy though as things turn to inside dining instead.

You are, of course, never far from seafood restaurants out there, and many will proudly exhibit fresh catches daily. The skill for chefs in places like these is very high so what that means is you might just be able to grab dishes, like grilled sea bass, squid or even some fresh prawns. So, if this sounds like your cup of tea you really are spoiled for choices; even I, Mr. Picky Eater, am quite content at mealtimes there.

Read our full review: Restarante Atlantico Sao Martinho do Porto Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Restaurante Atlântico)

Joe’s Bar: Cocktails and Sea Views

Now Joe’s Bar really mixes things up you see; it’s not just for your meal. I mean this is the place you visit for basically top notch cocktails that’s with the spectacular views so you can properly sit down and appreciate a cracking sun set. Joe’s Bar features a huge cocktail menu to sample; that’s some thing. They go from the super old classic choices right through to, so, more adventurous mixes. What really helps this location, just like other places in this place, it is location, so you get to stare at all this gorgeous scenery right there. It has a laid-back vibe so that means it is fab whether your relaxing during one afternoon; that is a way that most people get enjoyment, or you’re using the venue to get that party started with sunset sessions. You know what I mean. When the sun is dying it’s so damn golden and amazing!

Read our full review: Joe’s Bar Sao Martinho do Porto Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Joe’s Bar)

The central Coffee Spots and Cake Shops

There are several small café stops in this little Portuguese town too so now you should also get those on your list, especially for things just like morning coffee or you know, for a little afternoon pick me up. There, the Pastelarias and Cafés offer typical Portuguese pastries; so basically we mean Pastel de Nata, and very punchy coffee so that you get some delicious experience of something authentic when consuming. That means you can actually taste this thing and get something to properly chew on with it; some tourist places the quality just isn’t very up there. This also is like a social hub in a sense, and in that region, you are more likely to just basically see people stop by, and enjoy the sunlight whilst conversing amongst those family or locals.

Read our full review: Cafe’s in Sao Martinho do Porto Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Cafe’s in town)

Marginal Restaurants: Al Fresco Dining

Along that marginal (so it’s like the promenade next to the bay) you, my friend, might see a series of restaurants and cafes; some feature spots for alfresco dining that have a fantastic location and great for individuals who appreciate meals basically looking onto those sea sights. And from this location, restaurants are likely to feature meals of those classic meals for the place; for instance, grilled fish, various meat dishes, so really just catering toward several tastebuds and various choices from that region. With having those choices for outside seating this lets visitors properly chow on their food and taking into that picturesque bay landscape while kicking back.

Read our full review: Marginal Restaurants Sao Martinho do Porto Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Marginal Restaurants)