For travelers and newcomers, dining in Almada offers a distinct Portuguese flavor. We savor our seafood by the Tagus with dishes that would humble lesser towns, like grilled sardines kissed with sea salt, garlicky clams swimming in white wine, all essential before exploring our sun-drenched cliffs. (Even if that exploration is sipping espresso in a riverside café.)
Central Mar e Sol
When Central Mar e Sol opened its excellent terrace in recent years, it created the perfect spot for enjoying grilled specialties and tasty sangria in a calm, friendly atmosphere. You could go big with traditional cooked dishes or burger options done very well, but we suggest making a meal out of the simpler offerings, like the delicious grilled items and well-prepared desserts.
If you can’t find a seat in the pleasant space with plenty of room, take your order to the kid-friendly area where children can play, or visit during one of their karaoke nights for a fantastic atmosphere with family and friends.
Pérola do Cristo Rei
You don’t come to Pérola do Cristo Rei for a quick bite. No, you make your way here when you’re yearning for perfectly grilled squid, tender and charred just right, served with a side of rustic potatoes. Besides the seafood, they’ve got traditional Portuguese stews, hearty meat dishes, fresh salads, and, well, you get the idea—there’s plenty to satisfy. The warm, welcoming atmosphere is so inviting that you might want to linger over your meal for hours. And happily, you can.
The spot offers a full dinner service with attentive, friendly staff, and the moderate prices—starting around €13—make it a genuine value, especially given the generous portions.
Café do Rio – Craft Burgers
$ | 218 868 050 | WEBSITE
If this were any other burger joint, we’d never tell you to skip the sweet potato burger and double beef burger. But this is Café do Rio, and you’re here for the 100% beef burgers. The patties are juicy and flavorful, especially with options like gluten-free buns and dairy-free toppings, and we crave them pretty much year-round.
(Although the relaxed, calm atmosphere with old classics playing hits even better after a long day exploring Lisbon.) It’s way more thoughtful and accommodating than your typical burger spot, so consider yourself lucky if you can snag a table in the cozy dining area, which fills up fast with those seeking an alternative to traditional Portuguese cuisine.
Panda Cantina
$ | WEBSITE
Panda Cantina is the cozy ramen spot from the team behind Lisbon’s top noodle shops, bringing that same comforting vibe and quality bowls to this neighborhood. They serve up simple yet satisfying dishes like beef ramen with rich broth, pork ramen with tender slices, and crispy tofu options that even meat-lovers admire. There’s also a vegan choice available if you ask for no egg, and you can customize your spice level from mild to fiery—level 3 is pretty spicy but totally doable.
If that doesn’t warm you up, the cute outdoor seating under a canopy with heaters will, even in February. The mochi desserts provide a sweet finish, and the efficient service and reasonable prices make it a must-try for anyone craving a hearty, flavorful meal.
Vale do Rio
Vale do Rio might be the most polarizing restaurant in Almada. There are those who resent the seafood spot for the unexpected bread and cheese plate charge and octopus that some find a bit oily. But there are also fans who can’t get enough of their incredible clams, crab, and seafood rice that test the limits of the genre, with Basque Country visitors particularly praising the tasty ginja liquor and excellent service.
Yes, it still gets super busy on weekends—especially with the paid parking ranging from 50m to 500m away—but with attentive employees and fast service, you can enjoy that above-average seafood selection without the hassle.
Soul Sushi (Restaurante Japonês – SOUL SUSHI)
There are two types of sushi lovers in this world: the ones who seek out the most extravagant, luxurious rolls with every topping imaginable, and the purists who believe that simplicity and quality ingredients speak for themselves. Both camps can dine in harmony at Soul Sushi, where the nigiri and sashimi are among the best in the region. Just as impressive is the sleek, modern Japanese aesthetic, complete with minimalist wooden tables, soft ambient lighting, and traditional artwork on the walls.
(Remember that perfect piece of toro?)
Restaurante Cidade Do Mar
$$$ | 218 943 159 | WEBSITE
There should be a written law that any visitor to Almada must try the sushi at an all-you-can-eat buffet. We’re so into them that Portugal even has an official sushi day (it’s the second Friday in June). You’ll see spots serving these rolls along the waterfront, but walk past those and head straight to Restaurante Cidade Do Mar. When they ask if you’d like it fresh from the sushi bar, the answer is always yes.
Just don’t be confused if the cooked items aren’t piping hot: In this buffet, they’re sometimes lukewarm, thanks to the pre-cooked setup.
O Novo Cais
$$$ | 212 757 836 | WEBSITE
O Novo Cais makes us homesick for the Portuguese coast, even though we’re landlocked most of the year. The seafood spot does so many things well, like briny oysters, succulent prawns, and the generous seafood platter, which is probably why even after years in Almada, they still attract steady crowds, especially on weekends. Dining in the cozy, ground-floor space with its warm, welcoming atmosphere is an extra treat.
Atira-te ao Rio
$$ | 212 751 380 | WEBSITE
Atira-te ao Rio is a restaurant in the same way the Tagus River is a stream. It’s a destination, infused with flavors and views that capture the essence of Almada. You can feel it in the sea bass with polenta that sings of the Atlantic, see it in the panoramic windows framing the river and cityscape, and taste it in the mushroom risotto that balances earthiness with creaminess.
While the bar area might seem like a simple waiting spot, the magic is in the dining room, where the service is as warm as the lighting. Save the vegetarian options for later visits, and instead, head straight for the sea bass and that phenomenal risotto. Ironically, the drinks aren’t the main attraction, but definitely linger over coffee to soak in those cherished views.
Quanjude
Quanjude is the kind of place that’s remarkably good at everything it does, from the sushi selection that’s landed on pretty much every best-of list in town to the scrumptious meats. And while you could stay there all day and be well-fed for each meal, the best time to brave the line is dinner, where you’ll have to choose between the affordable buffet loaded with diverse options and the eloquent flavors of Chinese culinary tradition.
If you need more reasons to stop in, they have a friendly staff and use traditional Chinese décor for atmosphere.
Pregaria Fonte da Pipa
Don’t ask why Pregaria Fonte da Pipa serves their signature cocktails with a side of yet another small plate (albeit perfectly spiced and artfully presented). Instead, just be grateful. Also be grateful for the reasonably priced craft cocktails and menu of expertly mixed drinks, all of which are best enjoyed at one of the cozy bar-style tables inside.
You’ll feel like you’re in a lively Lisbon tavern—at least until the late-night crowd starts jockeying for Almada parking spots and quash your carefree Portuguese vibe.