Some people always order the cocktail. It could be that they just like drinking it, or that they don’t like drinking much else. Whatever the reason, cocktails have a gravitational pull on them, and they order one practically before they’ve even glanced at the menu. At these 11 bars, cocktails aren’t just token offerings for boring drinkers—they’re something the Chronic Cocktail Orderer in your life will be thinking about the next day, week, or year.
Brasão Salgueiros
Brasão Salgueiros is a Vila Nova de Gaia restaurant with the kind of beautiful sea views that are designed to appeal to a lot of people, yet never seem boring. Despite the excellent octopus rice, goat’s cheese salad, and desserts like lemon pie and wafer cake masquerading as must-orders, the Francesinha fan in your life is heading straight for that signature sandwich you-know-what.
But that’s OK, because it’s a delicious you-know-what, and its room-for-improvement sauce can keep them occupied while you eat everything else.
Iceberg Bar
$ | 969 447 068 | WEBSITE
Everyone worries about finding a lively spot by the beach that’s worth the trip, but what about the late-night crowd looking for more than just drinks? Won’t someone please think of the late-night crowd? Luckily Iceberg Bar in Vila Nova De Gaia not only has a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere with beautiful people, but their other offerings (including the fresh, quality food and, yes, the mini disco vibe) are consistently great too.
And there are plenty of classic bar-restaurant touches here, like friendly and excellent service and easy parking without needing a blue card, so you’ll still get the full experience, no matter your reason for visiting.
Salty – Shisha and Lounge
$$ | WEBSITE
Almost everything at Salty, a shisha lounge in Vila Nova De Gaia, is properly prepared and served like it snuck its way into a beachside paradise. But not to worry, the simply named “sangria” isn’t so overdone that the sunbather in your life won’t be able to enjoy it. The sangria is fruity and refreshing, and the overall atmosphere is more of a pleasant vibe than a chaotic scene. It comes with service that could be more consistent, but it’s a very nice experience nonetheless.
The Sea – Coffee Bar
Fresh oysters have the potential to be the most intimidating order on the menu. But this isn’t the case with the specialty at The Sea – Coffee Bar. Here, the oysters are served with a bottle of good Portuguese bubbly for 35€, and the result is one of the best deals at this seaside café.
Crepe wrap-sandwiches, a tasty meat & cheese board, and a selection of tapas options that include Portuguese and French dishes are also available, if the oysters have encouraged your appetite to stretch its (seafood) wings.
Mirone – Cachorrinhos do Morro
You can try anything on the Mirone menu—the francesinhas, the craft beer, the homemade potatoes—and it will be excellent. To the surprise of no one, this includes the potatoes with special sauce. While they used to only come as a side, now you can get them as a main, so the solo diner won’t need to share their potato-ordering plans. Just be aware that they also come with veggie hot dog options, in case that’s too adventurous and they need to stick with the classics.
BeachClub
BeachClub is a welcoming spot in Vila Nova De Gaia with outdoor seating and a straightforward menu: Burgers. Granted, you can get them with various toppings, and OK, there are other options too. But the classic burger is the correct move. The juicy patty has incredible flavor and comes with a pile of crispy fries and house-made sauce if your table wants to branch out. And if you want to chase burgers with more burgers, go on Wednesdays or Fridays when there’s a buy-one-get-one-free burger deal.
Vintage Beach Sushi
Given its name and breezy terrace overlooking the Atlantic, Vintage Beach Sushi comes with certain expectations for ocean views and fresh seafood. Luckily, this Vila Nova De Gaia spot does indeed treat sushi like a refined art form. Get the salmon or tuna tartare—the first has a buttery richness, while the latter has a more delicate flavor. Both are so good you might morph into a regular yourself.
The sangria pairs perfectly, and though service can be leisurely, the staff handles everything with such care that you won’t mind lingering over that famous sunset.
Café-Bar Mozart Piano
If the appeal of excellent cocktails and quality beers isn’t enough to draw you in, maybe the $12 price point will. At Café-Bar Mozart Piano, that gets you a perfectly crafted Bohemia Stout or a Heineken in a well-decorated space with comfortable seating and music at just the right volume.
The friendly staff and pleasant atmosphere are what most people are enjoying at this Vila Nova de Gaia bar, and you’ll often see groups of friends chatting easily in the warm lighting with tasteful musical decor. It’s all a great backdrop for the idea of those drinks coming face-to-face with good conversation.
Mucaba Bar – Pedras Amarelas
This Vila Nova de Gaia bar-restaurant is our go-to for a casual seaside lunch spot in the area. And if your afternoon plans involve soaking up some sun, Mucaba Bar has a great salmon salad on the menu that comes with fresh greens, giving the dish some brightness and texture and making it feel refreshing at the same time.
Since the rest of the menu can be pretty hearty (with options like the prego em pão de caco and sandwich americano), this might be the best choice for both of you, depending on what post-lunch strolls you had planned along the coast.
A Copo
$ | 223 204 525 | WEBSITE
The flamed sausage at A Copo is so spectacular you’ll be hesitant to share even a single bite. But this Portuguese specialty is more than just its fiery presentation. It has a smoky casing so crisp you’ll want to savor each piece like a delicate cracker, and juicy meat you should use to mop up every last drop of the rich, savory sauce it arrives bathed in.
We’re not sure which local vineyard produced the port they paired it with, but we’re pretty sure your taste buds will be thanking them profusely.
Grão d’Areia
Grão d’Areia in Vila Nova De Gaia is one of our favorite spots along the entire Portuguese coast, and the best thing at this beachfront restaurant is their signature noodles with shrimp. It’s a perfectly cooked bowl of noodles topped with plump, flavorful shrimp in a light garlic sauce, all served with a basket of fresh bread and a glass of crisp orange juice for €18.
Poseidon himself would have traded his trident for this meal, or he would have gotten swept away by the stunning terrace views while he dined. Either way, a tough dish to beat.