Finding great seafood means different things to different people. To some, it’s only the freshest catch, and to others, it just means avoiding anything that’s been frozen. No matter your preference, you’ll want a place that feels special, not like you’re on a culinary quest. That’s why we’ve gathered these Almada spots where you can savor the ocean’s bounty without feeling like you’re on a deep-sea expedition.
Cova Funda
$$ | 218 852 095 | WEBSITE
Cova Funda has a handful of cozy tables and a few counter seats, along with a seafood stew you’ll actually be thinking about after you leave. The secret may well be in the fresh catch and spices that come with it, but that’s neither here nor there. It’s still seafood. The grilled fish and traditional dishes here are fresh and flavorful, and the bacalhau with tons of fresh herbs at lunch is one of the better ways to spend your afternoon.
Nevada by Mil & Tal
$$ | 212 750 521 | WEBSITE
If you happen to be looking for excellent seafood while exploring Almada, head over to Nevada by Mil & Tal for impressive fish and grilled dishes. You’ll take care of satisfying your craving for fresh, well-prepared seafood, and you’ll actually enjoy the colorful, relaxed atmosphere.
Escondidinho de Cacilhas
$$ | 212 750 198 | WEBSITE
Seafood comes straight from the Atlantic, so naturally it’s the freshest catch, and Escondidinho de Cacilhas across the river does some of our favorite work in Portugal with it. The octopus is tender (and generous in portion), the sardines are more of a grilled feast with a simple name, and the prawns are good enough to make you feel like you’re maybe in a coastal village for the evening.
O Novo Cais
$$$ | 212 757 836 | WEBSITE
O Novo Cais is a good choice for dinners when you want to have a glass of wine and eat something fresh, but you haven’t planned ahead. The small and unpretentious restaurant is low-key and easy, and while it feels slightly rustic, it also makes better seafood than your average Portuguese spot. The seafood platter and seafood rice are also exquisite, and if you can get there early, the generous portions offer great value for the price.
Vale do Rio
Enjoying fresh seafood is as much about the experience as the meal itself, and while simply ordering fish at any old spot might not fully capture that feeling, heading to Vale do Rio certainly puts you in the right frame of mind. Beyond this Portuguese restaurant serving some excellent dishes that are also wonderfully fresh, like the clams, crab, and seafood rice, it’s also known for its attentive service and tasty ginja liquor.
So if the food alone isn’t quite enough, you can treat a visit here as a little coastal getaway too.
Além Tejo
Seafood can be elegant when it’s the fresh, traditional, Portuguese-style dishes at Além Tejo. Definitely. Choose from the Arroz de Tamboril, ameijoas à bulhão pato, and vegetable soup – or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, get the monkfish with clams on the side, which is both satisfying and flavorful. Add some of the excellent bread for dipping, too. You’re eating seafood anyway. But if you want to make an even better choice, they have a solid fado night too.
A Nau
$$$ | 212 752 983 | WEBSITE
Sure, A Nau is primarily known for serving delicious snails, but this spot also offers Pica-Pau and fried cuttlefish that are both very fresh and not overly greasy. It’s an excellent choice for a casual meal, too – the fried cuttlefish is tasty, and the snails are one of the best things on a plate you can enjoy with friends.
The atmosphere is good, with simple wooden tables and warm lighting, and the staff is friendly and attentive, especially when accommodating late arrivals without reservations. However, there have been instances of poor communication from the owner, which may affect the overall experience. Despite this, the restaurant is recommended for the tasty food and friendly service.
Sushicome Almada
Sushicome Almada dishes out some seriously good sushi (or really, beautifully plated seafood delights). A few tables that look out on the Almada streetscape are all they have inside, so this is more of a casual family meal situation. But odds are, you’re grabbing this after a day out with the kids or a visit to the waterfront anyway, so why complicate things by expecting fancy service?
Ponto Final
$$ | 212 760 743 | WEBSITE
Not only is Ponto Final a pretty stunning option for lunch or dinner in Almada, it feels special enough to bring your date to, but it’s also reasonable enough for you to afford before you splurge on that boat ride. You could sit here and watch your way through waves for a while, but if you want something bigger, go for the monkfish stew and get some spicy shrimp if you’re really sticking to the whole seafood thing.
A Toca – Lopes & Carcoleiro, Lda.
$$$ | 212 764 459 | WEBSITE
This spot serves up fresh fish dishes that work great for a leisurely lunch or relaxed weeknight dinner. The menu is focused with only a few standout options that swap out monkfish skewers, octopus, sardinas, and modfish kebabs with shrimps, so it can be as indulgent as you want it to be, but we like the original monkfish skewer that remains a hit. The portions are pretty generous, especially considering a main dish only costs about €25.
The house wine is recommended, adding to the overall experience, and while street musicians can be loud, the atmosphere is enjoyable, making it a place worth returning to. It’s great for families and the service is friendly, with one waiter even speaking German fluently.
Rampa do Castelo
The fried fish at Rampa do Castelo are so crispy that speaking too loud around them might cause a crackle. But it would be a crackle from perfectly fried fish, so there is some culinary benefit. Aside from that, they serve consistently delicious traditional dishes that won’t make you feel conflicted for enjoying them in simple surroundings. This place gets a little pricey, especially if you order multiple dishes, but one of these and a to-go box will give you enough to eat for two meals.
O Mirrita
$$ | 210 809 075 | WEBSITE
This is one of our favorite spots after visiting Christ the King, because even though the Portuguese specialties are hearty enough to convincingly fill you up after a day of exploring, they won’t leave you feeling sluggish. What you order is up to you, but we like the sardines and the melon dessert.
Lagoa Azul Restaurante
If you’re a seafood enthusiast, you’ll appreciate Lagoa Azul Restaurante in Almada. This spot delivers exceptional cod, satisfying Alentejo pork, and a general ‘I’m indulging in something special’ atmosphere. No matter what you choose, pair it with the house white wine – it’s more delightful than you’d expect.
Faro de Cacilhas (Restaurante Farol de Cacilhas)
$$ | 212 765 248 | WEBSITE
There are a few seafood spots around the port, but Faro de Cacilhas has the option to sit with that incredible water view instead of just grabbing takeout, which makes it a good place to go on a random weeknight when cooking clams sounds more painful than actually waiting for the ferry. If you’re a little more hungry, start out with some seafood rice, but when it comes to mains, order the seafood platter.
Atira-te ao Rio
$$ | 212 751 380 | WEBSITE
This stunning waterfront restaurant serves exceptional and satisfying seafood dishes with standout options like the sea bass with polenta and mushroom risotto. We love the sea bass and the risotto, and while it’s not going to be your new go-to quick bite spot, it’s a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a special, memorable dining experience.