Alpendurada e Matos, where the journey begins before the main course arrives. That first taste of bacalhau, that warm slice of broa. Nothing prepares you better. These restaurants turn appetizers into declarations—proof that Portugal’s most thrilling flavors often arrive first. You might just order seconds before the entrée. This is a celebration of Northern Portugal’s most captivating opening acts.
Restaurante O Malhadoura Snack-bar Lda
The generous portion of cod at Restaurante O Malhadoura comes dripping in flavor, which might raise a few eyebrows. Consider our eyebrows fully relaxed, though: the perfectly cooked cod is what makes this our favorite dish at this beloved local spot. The reasonable prices add a jolt of value, and the tasty preparation seeps into every bite like a nice memory. As much as we love sharing meals with our friends at Malhadoura, we tend to keep this beautiful cod dish to ourselves.
(It’s hard to share, anyway.)
Monja
Much like other beloved spots in Penafiel, Monja will forever be known as The House That Beer Built. But the tasty, diverse food available at this restaurant is just as famous, too. At Monja, it comes with excellent service, a cozy atmosphere, and friendly staff that turns the visit into an impromptu social event that’s fun to share with friends. We wish you luck trying to save a few bites to eat with your drink.
O Farela
$$ | 255 212 196 | WEBSITE
Meat dishes are often reserved for special occasions and celebratory dinners you’ve been planning for weeks. The Gerês meat at O Farela, however, is on another level. Served in a rustic ceramic dish, it features a generous portion of perfectly cooked meat with savory bean rice that has an incredible depth of flavor from slow cooking. It’ll also feel like a brilliant choice after enjoying their octopus fillets and cheese puffs earlier.
McDonald’s – Penafiel
Burger options dominate the menu at this fast-food standout McDonald’s – Penafiel and the classic cheeseburger showcases the Portuguese patties at their finest: big, juicy, and topped with sauces that are so flavorful and well-balanced it makes our mouth water merely describing them. The only drawback is the sometimes soft fries that lack crispness. Enjoy it with a side of those sauces (or even better, extra napkins) until the tray is empty.
Café Ramos
Café Ramos is a cozy and familiar restaurant in Alpendurada e Matos where you can relax with a glass of wine or tea and enjoy everyday meals with family and friends. It’s the seemingly simple vegetarian sandwiches that people (us included) won’t shut up about, though. The hearty sandwiches are more satisfying than a home-cooked meal and made with fresh ingredients so they feel wholesome and comforting.
We love the good value for money on the appetizers and snacks, too, with most dishes ringing in under €10.
Casa Benfica Paredes
Each one of Casa Benfica’s grilled sardines are 80% ocean, which means they taste like a sea-flavored revelation on your plate. That’s a telltale sign of good Portuguese seafood, as is the atmosphere of this vibrant space. They arrive with a warm, welcoming vibe that reminds us of the one that comes with a true football family gathering. We mean that as the highest compliment.
Churrasqueira Quintela
A cross between rustic Portuguese grilling and cozy neighborhood charm, this hidden gem is a Churrasqueira Quintela signature that feels as good as it tastes. Well-seasoned and beautifully presented meals are laid out family style, then complemented by the pleasant space, good facilities, and service which makes the whole experience feel like a warm welcome home.
Pasta & Basta
$$ | WEBSITE
Every visit to Pasta & Basta should start with the welcoming atmosphere that greets you at the door. The best part of the experience is the friendly and attentive staff, who make customers feel at home from the moment they arrive. This service has been consistent since we first discovered the place—it was impressive then, and it’s impressive now. For around $15-25 per person, you get a refined dining experience that feels both spectacular and accessible.
If you’re in Penafiel and looking for good service in a nice setting, this is the spot to consider.
Tongobriga Restaurante Gastrobar (Tongobriga Restaurante)
$$ | 255 536 216 | WEBSITE
Let’s set the scene: You just snagged a cozy table at Tongobriga’s warm, rustic gastrobar, a crisp glass of Portuguese vinho verde is on the way, and the soft hum of conversation and clinking glasses fills the air. Pure contentment. All you need now is a plate of their beautifully presented salmon taquitos. They come with a side of surprising, complementary sauce that’ll disappear fast, so ask for extra. Maybe double.
Suki Sushi
If you’re at Suki Sushi, you’re hopefully with a group. This modern Japanese spot in Alpendurada e Matos is built for friends to pass around plates of fresh sushi, miso soup, and other Japanese favorites. The freestyle selection is particularly good for sharing, because each piece comes carefully prepared on its own little plate. They’re also a handy way to count how many more pieces your friend has had than everyone else.
D’Alma (Food & Drinks by Fabi)
The standard tapas platter from your typical Portuguese eatery? They have a photo of the cheese plate at D’Alma framed in their kitchen. Each delicate bite of oriental mushrooms at this cozy spot near Alpendurada e Matos comes infused with a sweet and sour glaze that harmonizes beautifully with the creamy walnut and pear accompaniment. Even if you’re someone who doesn’t usually get excited about mushrooms, they will make you a believer.
RESTAURANTE Videira
You might not expect the standout at this rustic restaurant with a cozy fireplace in its dining room to be a simple meat dish, but here we are. This hearty and satisfying plate arrives promptly and vanishes just as quickly: generous portions of perfectly grilled pork, served with homemade potatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, plus a scattering of fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Casa do FC Porto de Penafiel
Casa do FC Porto de Penafiel is a modern and beautiful space that embodies the true spirit of Portism, so it’s essential to show up to this award-winning restaurant with a plan. And that plan should include starting with one of their great meals while watching an FC Porto match. The atmosphere is so welcoming and tasteful it acts (and looks) like a perfect socializing space, soaking up the friendly energy of the caring staff around you.
You’re going to experience a lot of excellent food and football at Casa do FC Porto de Penafiel and this is a pleasantly eccentric way to kick things off.
ArteCafé
ArteCafé’s menu is ostensibly a café, but that label might undersell the level of creativity going on at this bright Alpendurada spot. Take their chicken with cheese and spinach: tender chicken layered with melted cheese and fresh spinach, all presented with artistic flair. Have we visited ArteCafé solely to enjoy this dish by the sunlit window? Yes. Will we do it again? It’s already on our calendar.
Janela da Lelé
Venturing beyond your usual haunts? For casual drinks and conversation? Only if the destination is Janela da Lelé. The pleasant terrace spot in that interesting square next to the church and museum serves refreshing drinks and good company, but your first order of business should be finding a seat on that nice terrace. We’ve tried multiple times to fully appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and excellent service, but have never wanted to leave. Some experiences just linger that long.