12 best restaurants in Sintra: Where to eat near Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira & More

Cuisine: Modern European (Fine Dining)

Price per person: €50+

If you’re celebrating something special while visiting Sintra or simply in the mood for world-class dining then LAB by Sergi Arola is where you’ll want to be. Tucked within a luxurious setting, this Michelin-starred gem is all about precision, creativity, and flair. You’ll dine in an elegant space with views of the kitchen from the Chef’s Table, turning your meal into a performance.

Recommended dishes: Spinach and shrimp salad, chicken wings, beef carpaccio, lobster risotto, apple tart, French fries

Cuisine: Japanese–Portuguese Fusion

Price per person: €50+

Located within the serene Penha Longa Resort, Midori is a must-visit for foodies who love innovation on a plate. The setting is tranquil with garden views, and the dining experience feels both indulgent and grounded in tradition. Here, local Portuguese ingredients are reimagined through Japanese techniques like codfish in miso soup or Iberian pork in sukiyaki form. The creativity extends to dessert too, cause have you heard of snow crab as a sweet course?

Recommended dishes: Katsusando, Iberic pork sukiyaki, codfish misoshiro, snow crab dessert, olive oil gummies

Cuisine: Indian

Price per person: €10–15

Craving something bold, spicy, and comforting after a long day of castle hopping? Taj Palace is known for some of the most flavorful Indian food in Sintra. The restaurant is clean and inviting, the staff genuinely warm, and the curries are rich and layered with taste.

Recommended dishes: Chicken jalfrezi, lamb curry, aloo gobi, butter naan, rice

Cuisine: Portuguese Tapas

Price per person: €15–20

A local favorite that’s ideal before or after your hike to the Moorish Castle, Tascantiga serves generous portions of traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern twist. The casual ambiance, friendly service, and flexible menu (great for vegetarians!) make it a hit for all types of travelers. The outdoor seating is perfect for a relaxing breather between sightseeing stops.

Recommended dishes: Fried cuttlefish with aioli, beef cubes, cheese with smoked ham and figs, pumpkin petit gâteau, apple crumble

Cuisine: Traditional Portuguese

Price per person: €20–25

Nestled in the charming backstreets of Sintra, Tacho Real is a place where you’ll feel both welcome and well-fed. Their dishes, like the creamy Bacalhau or the famed Beef Wellington, bring together freshness and flavor in a comforting, unpretentious way. Opt for the outdoor terrace if you love people-watching while sipping sangria.

Recommended dishes: Beef Wellington, grilled sea bass, Bacalhau à Tacho Real, cream steak, sangria

Cuisine: Rustic Portuguese

Price per person: €15–20

For a genuine local dining experience far from tourist-heavy eateries, Adega do Cozinheiro hits the mark. This rustic Portuguese spot is known for serving freshly boiled meats seasoned only with salt, seafood platters cooked to perfection, and bread with local cheese that tastes like home. It’s warm, authentic, and all about the soul of Portuguese cuisine.

Recommended dishes: Seafood plate for two, chanfana (goat stew), cheese, prosciutto, melon, sangria

Cuisine: Portuguese + Tapas

Price per person: €10–20

Right on the path between Moorish Castle and Sintra town, Villa 6 is a cozy stop to unwind after hours of walking. With a laid-back atmosphere, attentive staff, and delicious small plates, it’s a great choice for a light lunch or early dinner. The portions are generous, the seitan sandwich is a vegetarian win, and their fried cod creations are addictive.

Recommended dishes: Seitan sandwich, Bacalhau à Brás, patatas bravas, cod croquettes, caramelised cream cheese

Cuisine: Light Fare, Salads, Sandwiches

Price per person: €10–20

Hidden on a quiet pedestrian alley in Sintra’s old town, Cantinho Gourmet is a delightful lunch spot offering fresh, unfussy meals. It doubles as a wine and charcuterie shop, so you can expect quality meats, cheeses, and a great fig jam. The outdoor bistro tables are a hit for a laid-back meal in the sun. If you’re after something light before heading to Pena Palace, this is a great pitstop.

Recommended dishes: Duck salad, smoked salmon toast, cheese and meat board, shrimp salad, grilled ham and cheese toast

Cuisine: Portuguese Bistro

Price per person: €15–20

Just a short walk from the National Palace, Tasca Saloia is one of those under-the-radar gems that ends up being a highlight of your Sintra day. Don’t miss their standout Woodpecker steak or the ultra-tender octopus. If you're lucky, you might even catch live music spilling into the street while locals and tourists alike share a dance.

Recommended dishes: Woodpecker steak, octopus, shrimp açorda, jamón & cheese toast, chicken pastry, house wine

Cuisine: Modern Portuguese, Tapas & Wine

Price per person: €20–25

Tucked away just off Sintra’s main drag, Romaria de Baco is a small, soulful spot that feels like a delicious secret. With just six tables inside and a charming rustic-modern ambiance, this cozy wine bar serves up some of the best small plates in town. Expect beautifully plated Portuguese classics like pork belly, local sausage, shrimp curry, and black pork.

Recommended dishes: Pork belly, shrimp curry, croquettes, mushrooms, black pork with mash, local cheese and sausage, house wine

Cuisine: Tapas, Pizza, Wine Bar

Price per person: €10–15

A delightful hidden gem just a short walk from Quinta da Regaleira, Botica Saloia stands out with its relaxed vibe, affordable three-course menus, and surprising culinary variety. This cozy spot shares a terrace with a vegan eatery and a craft beer bar, making it ideal for mixed-group meals.

Recommended dishes: Margarita pizza, mackerel bruschetta, morcilla (black pudding), fries, vegetarian mushrooms, house wines from Ramiro

Cuisine: Modern Portuguese, Mediterranean

Price per person: €20–30

Perched on a quiet slope with sweeping views of Sintra’s lush hills, Miranda Restaurant & Terrace Bar offers a stylish yet relaxed escape from the busier tourist zones. The ambiance is both chic and welcoming, with a beautiful terrace that’s perfect for sunset drinks or a slow afternoon lunch.

Recommended dishes: Grilled octopus, lamb shank, seafood risotto, house cocktails, local white wines