Sintra: best restaurants of the Portuguese city of kings
June 11, 2025
Sintra, a charming Portuguese town, is known not only for its fairy-tale palaces and lush gardens, but also for its rich culinary offerings. It's a place where history intertwines with modernity, and the traditional flavors of Portugal meet the innovative ideas of chefs. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through Sintra's best restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious dishes in a unique atmosphere. From cozy tavernas serving local specialties to elegant establishments offering sophisticated tasting menus, Sintra has something to offer for every palate. Get ready for a culinary adventure that will leave you with unforgettable impressions and make you fall in love not only with the architecture, but also with the flavors of this magical city.
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Tradition and innovation on Sintra plates
Let's start our culinary journey with the Incomum restaurant, which is a true gem on the gastronomic map of Sintra. Led by acclaimed chef Luís Santos, this restaurant offers an unforgettable taste experience, combining traditional Portuguese ingredients with modern culinary techniques. Incomum is famous for its tasting menu, which is a true feast for the senses. Guests praise not only the culinary artistry, but also the friendly and professional service. The restaurant enjoys a high rating of 4.6 stars, a testament to its undeniable quality.
Another place worth noting is Romaria de Baco, which attracts guests with its atmospheric decor and authentic Portuguese cuisine. This restaurant, with a rating of 4.3, offers traditional dishes at affordable prices. Particularly recommended is the grilled octopus, which is 'delicious,' according to guest reviews. However, it's worth noting that opinions on portion sizes are divided - some guests find them inadequate for the price.
For those who want to try a variety of Portuguese flavors in tapas form, Tascantiga is the ideal choice. This restaurant, rated 4.5 stars, is known for its cozy atmosphere and wide selection of small snacks. Guests especially praise the caldo verde soup and original appetizers, such as mushrooms with cheese. Tascantiga also offers excellent wines, making it the perfect place for an evening out with friends.
All three restaurants share a love of local products and traditional recipes, but each has its own unique character. Incomum stands out for its elegance and innovative approach to cuisine, Romaria de Baco focuses on homey atmosphere and classic flavors, and Tascantiga offers variety in the form of tapas. Prices at these establishments are moderate, making them accessible to a wide range of guests.
It is worth noting that all three restaurants are located in the center of Sintra, making them easily accessible to tourists visiting the city's main attractions. However, due to their popularity, advance reservations are recommended, especially during the tourist season. Each of these restaurants offers a unique culinary experience that will give you a deeper appreciation of the flavors and aromas of Portuguese cuisine, while enjoying the unique atmosphere of this magical city.
Culinary gems in the heart of Sintra
Continuing our culinary tour of Sintra, we can't leave out Taberna Criativa, which, with a rating of 4.7 stars, is one of the highest rated establishments in the city. This restaurant, as the name suggests, focuses on creative approaches to traditional Portuguese cuisine. Guests especially praise the fish dishes, such as corvina (corbel) or the excellent verde wine Soalheiro, which pairs perfectly with seafood. Taberna Criativa also offers an attractive lunch menu for €16, which is excellent value for money.
Another place worth noting is COMO Restaurante, which, with a 4.6-star rating, attracts guests with its elegant decor and refined cuisine. The restaurant is famous for its perfectly prepared fish dishes, as well as its professional service, including a sommelier who will help select the perfect wine to go with the meal. COMO Restaurante is the perfect choice for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
For those who want to try authentic Portuguese tapas in a cozy atmosphere, the ideal choice would be Tasca - Boutique das Tapas. This small restaurant, rated at an impressive 4.8 stars, offers a wide selection of traditional snacks at very affordable prices. Guests especially praise the chorizo in honey, shrimp with guacamole and pastelitos de bacalhau (codfish biscuits).
Also worth mentioning is Nau Palatina, which, with a rating of 4.8 stars, is one of the best-rated restaurants in Sintra. The restaurant is famous for its authentic Portuguese cuisine served in tapas form. Guests praise not only the excellent food, but also the friendly, family atmosphere and the professional staff, who passionately talk about each dish.
Comparing these restaurants, we can see that each has its own unique character. Taberna Criativa stands out for its creative approach to traditional dishes, COMO Restaurante focuses on elegance and sophistication, Tasca - Boutique das Tapas offers authentic flavors in a cozy atmosphere, and Nau Palatina combines tradition with family hospitality.
As for prices, all of these restaurants are in the moderate range, although COMO Restaurante may be slightly more expensive than the others. However, it is worth remembering that prices in Sintra are generally higher than in less touristy places in Portugal.
The location of these restaurants is also a plus - they are all located in the center of Sintra, within walking distance of the main tourist attractions. However, due to their popularity, advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the summer season.
Each of these restaurants offers a unique culinary experience that will give you a deeper appreciation of the rich flavors of Portuguese cuisine. Whether you're looking for an elegant dinner or a more casual meal, Sintra has something to offer for every palate.
Summary of the culinary journey in Sintra
Our culinary tour of Sintra has come to an end, but the taste of Portuguese delicacies will live long in the memory. Each of the restaurants described here offers a unique experience that allows you to discover the richness of local cuisine in different guises.
Incomum, with its innovative approach to traditional ingredients, is the ideal place for those looking for a top-notch culinary experience. The tasting menu of this restaurant is a true journey through the flavors of Portugal, served in a modern form.
Romaria de Baco attracts guests with its authentic atmosphere and classic dishes. It is an ideal place for those who want to experience a true taste of Portuguese cuisine in a cozy environment.
Tascantiga is a paradise for tapas lovers. The variety of small snacks allows you to experiment and discover new flavors, all accompanied by excellent wine.
Taberna Criativa impresses with its creative approach to traditional dishes. It's a place where classic meets modern, creating unforgettable flavor compositions.
COMO Restaurante is all about elegance and sophistication. The perfect place for special occasions, where professional service and exquisite dishes create an unforgettable culinary experience.
Tasca - Boutique das Tapas is the essence of Portuguese hospitality. The cozy atmosphere and authentic flavors make guests feel like they are in their Portuguese grandmother's home.
Nau Palatina combines the best of Portuguese cuisine - fresh ingredients, traditional recipes and a family atmosphere. It's a place where you can feel the true spirit of Sintra.
When choosing a restaurant in Sintra, there are several factors to consider. First, location - all the described establishments are located in the city center, making them easily accessible to tourists. Second, prices - most restaurants offer moderate prices, although some, such as COMO Restaurante, can be a bit more expensive. Third, the atmosphere - from the elegant Incomum to the cozy Tasca - Boutique das Tapas, there is a place to suit everyone's preferences.
Whichever restaurant you choose, one thing is certain - your culinary journey in Sintra will be an unforgettable experience. Each dish is not just a meal, but a story about the history, culture and traditions of this unique place.
Remember that due to the popularity of these restaurants, especially during the tourist season, it is advisable to book a table in advance. This will avoid disappointment and ensure that your culinary adventure in Sintra goes off without a hitch.
Sintra is not only fairy-tale palaces and charming gardens - it is also a paradise for lovers of fine dining. Each of the described restaurants is a window into the world of Portuguese flavors, smells and traditions. Whether you're a lover of seafood, traditional meat dishes or looking for vegetarian options, there's something for you in Sintra.
Let the culinary magic of Sintra seduce your senses and become an integral part of your Portuguese adventure. Enjoy!
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