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Top restaurants in Sintra | A local’s guide to the best tables in town

The food scene in Sintra is as enchanting as its fairy‐tale palaces. You’ll find everything from rustic Portuguese taverns to haute cuisine fine-dining venues. Whether you’re hunting for the best restaurants in Sintra or simply wondering where to eat in Sintra after sightseeing, there are delicious choices for every mood. From casual lunch stops on a terrace to elegant dinner experiences with views, exploring the town’s culinary side is a treat.

Best restaurants in Sintra

LAB by Sergi Arola

If you’re planning a special evening, this is one of the Sintra restaurants you’ll remember. Surrounded by the woods of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, the restaurant marries creativity, precision, and theatre. Chef Sergi Arola’s menus take you on a journey through Portugal’s flavours with a modern twist, all served in a chic space with a view over the golf course.

  • Cuisine: Modern European | Price range: €50+ upwards 
  • Menu (must-tries): Signature tasting menus such as “In Memory” and “Heritage”, and dishes like algarve prawns and bairrada suckling pig. 
  • Timings: Tuesday to Saturday, 7pm–10:30pm. Closed Sunday & Monday. 
  • Location: Quinta da Lagoa Azul, 2714-511 Sintra, Portugal | Find on Maps here
  • Booking: Required (and highly recommended)
  • Good for: A romantic dinner or special-occasion dinner in Sintra

Midori

Among the top Sintra restaurants with a view, you’ll find Midori, nestled at Penha Longa Resort and surrounded by lush forest. This restaurant brings a Japanese soul to Portuguese ingredients, striking a serene, elevated tone for an unforgettable evening.

  • Cuisine: Japanese–Portuguese Fusion | Price range: €50+ upwards
  • Menu (Must-tries): Tasting menus “Kiri” and “Yama” (8 – 9 courses) featuring dishes like roasted tomato nigiri, kakuni-style beef with scorched aubergine, and desserts that reference both nations. 
  • Timings: Tuesday to Saturday, typically 7pm – 10:30pm. Closed Sunday & Monday. 
  • Location: Quinta da Lagoa Azul, 2714-511 Sintra, Portugal | Find on Maps here
  • Booking: Required
  • Good for: A refined dinner in Sintra, ideal for those who want something unusual and elevated

Taj Palace

Looking for a reliable, flavour-packed option for lunch in Sintra or later? Taj Palace offers warm hospitality and vibrant Indian cuisine in the heart of town. It’s one of the more approachable spots among the recommended city restaurants.

  • Cuisine: Indian | Price range: €10–15 
  • Menu (must-tries): Butter chicken, lamb curry, aloo gobi, butter naan, and fragrant rice. 
  • Timings: Daily from 11:30am to 11pm
  • Location: Largo Afonso de Albuquerque 11, 2710-519 Sintra, Portugal | Find on Maps here
  • Booking: Recommended (especially for dinner)
  • Good for: Comfortable meal in Sintra, family-friendly, mixed group meals

Tascantiga

For a lively and sociable meal in Sintra, head to Tascantiga. Tucked in the old town stairs, this local favourite serves up traditional Portuguese “petiscos” with inventive touches, making it a great choice for a relaxed lunch in Sintra or an informal dinner.

  • Cuisine: Portuguese tapas (Petiscos) | Price range: €15–20 
  • Menu (must-tries): Fried cuttlefish with aioli, beef cubes, cheese with smoked ham & figs, pumpkin petit gâteau. 
  • Timings: 12:15pm to 4pm for lunch; extended hours on Friday & Saturday from 7pm to 10pm. Closed on Sundays. 
  • Location: Escadinhas da Fonte da Pipa 2, 2710-557 Sintra, Portugal | Find on Maps here
  • Booking: Recommended if you want a terrace table.
  • Good for: Casual lunch or early dinner in Sintra town centre, groups of friends. 

Tacho Real

One of the authentic local gems among the best restaurants in Sintra, Tacho Real sits in a charming back street of Sintra and serves hearty Portuguese fare without fuss. The setting is relaxed but well-rated, making it ideal for a comforting meal after exploring.

  • Cuisine: Traditional Portuguese | Price range: €15–25 
  • Menu (Must-tries): Bacalhau à Tacho Real (cod), beef fillet with shrimp, steak with mushroom cream, and homemade desserts. 
  • Timings: 12pm to 3:30pm and 7:30pm to 10pm. Closed on Wednesday. 
  • Location: R. Ferraria 4, 2710-616 Sintra, Portugal | Find on Maps here
  • Booking: Recommended (especially at dinner)
  • Good for: Families, a fine dining dinner in Sintra without the premium price tag. 

Adega do Cozinheiro

For a truly local dining option away from the heaviest tourist footfall, Adega do Cozinheiro offers rich traditional dishes in a warm, rustic setting. It’s a solid choice when you’re scanning where to eat in Sintra for something authentic and relaxed.

  • Cuisine: Rustic Portuguese | Price range: €15–20
  • Menu (must-tries): Seafood platters for two, chanfana (goat stew), grilled meats, and local cheese boards. 
  • Timings: 12pm to 3pm and 7pm to 10pm (only from Wednesday to Friday). Closed on Monday and Tuesday. 
  • Location: R. do Salão 16, Galamares, 2710-238 Sintra, Portugal | Find on Maps here
  • Booking: Recommended for weekends. 
  • Good for: Groups, families, anyone wanting a hearty traditional Portuguese meal in Sintra. 

Frequently asked questions about restaurants in Sintra

What are the best restaurants in Sintra for first-time visitors?

If it’s your first visit, start with places that blend great food and atmosphere. LAB by Sergi Arola and Midori for fine dining, or Tascantiga and Romaria de Baco for authentic Portuguese tapas. These are often listed among the best Sintra restaurants thanks to their creative menus and charming settings.

Are there Sintra restaurants with a view?

Yes, several Sintra restaurants with a view let you enjoy scenic hilltops and palace vistas while you dine. Miranda Restaurant & Terrace Bar and Midori inside Penha Longa Resort are popular picks for a sunset meal paired with local blends.

Where to eat in Sintra for traditional Portuguese food?

If you’re wondering where to eat in Sintra for something authentic, try Tacho Real or Adega do Cozinheiro. Both serve regional classics like Bacalhau, seafood platters, and local cheese boards in a cozy, rustic setting.

What’s the best place for lunch in Sintra?

For a quick but delicious lunch in Sintra, Cantinho Gourmet offers fresh salads, sandwiches, and local wine, while Villa 6 is perfect for tapas between sightseeing stops. Both spots are conveniently located near Sintra’s main attractions.

What are some good options for a Sintra dinner?

For an elegant Sintra dinner, consider LAB by Sergi Arola or Midori for a refined evening. If you prefer a laid-back vibe, Romaria de Baco and Tascantiga are top choices for cozy shared plates and Portuguese wine.

Do I need to book restaurants in advance in Sintra?

For high-end venues like LAB by Sergi Arola or Midori, reservations are essential, especially on weekends. For casual Sintra restaurants, you can usually walk in, though it’s smart to book ahead during peak tourist season.

Are there vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Sintra?

Yes, many Sintra restaurants cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. Villa 6 and Botica Saloia are well-reviewed for their creative meat-free dishes, from seitan sandwiches to mushroom tapas.

What time do restaurants typically open for meals in Sintra?

Most spots open for lunch around noon and close between 3 to 4pm, then reopen for dinner at 7pm. Fine-dining restaurants often serve only dinner and operate by reservation in the evening hours.