The Mediterranean Insider

Sintra, Portugal

Sintra’s 5 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)

The Mediterranean • Eat & drink • Sintra’s 5 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)

The guide to Sintra’s best restaurants

Sintra is the kind of place that feels like it belongs in a fairy tale – misty forests, candy-coloured palaces and winding cobbled streets that seem to whisper stories from centuries past. But if you think Sintra’s magic stops at its scenery, you haven’t tasted your way through its restaurants yet. Whether you’re up for a Michelin-starred adventure, a lazy lunch with a view or a meal that surprises you in the best way possible, we’ve got you covered. We’ve done the legwork, tasted the flavours and picked the best spots in this charming Lisboa town – so you can just sit back, order something delicious and soak up the magic.

Top photography courtesy of Midori

Midori

At Midori, a Michelin‐starred restaurant located within the Penha Longa Resort, you’ll find an interesting blend of Japanese finesse and Portuguese soul. Under the guidance of Chef Pedro Almeida, the restaurant presents tasting menus such as the eight-course Menu Kiri and a more extended ten-course Yama option, each thoughtfully designed to reflect Chef Almeida’s culinary journey. The presentation is both theatrical and informative – each dish is introduced with the story behind its inspiration. Signature dishes include delicately prepared toro tartar wrapped in crisp nori and a selection of nigiri that transform familiar ingredients into artful expressions of flavour. The carefully curated wine pairings further enhance the meal, drawing exclusively on Portugal’s diverse terroirs.

Midori
Penha Longa Resort
Estrada da Lagoa Azul
Linhó
Sintra
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Midori

Dona Maria

Dona Maria is a charming eatery with picturesque views over the Palácio Nacional de Sintra. The restaurant’s interior is adorned with original 19th-century frescoes by Luigi Manini, creating a unique and historic atmosphere. The menu at Dona Maria pays homage to Portuguese culinary traditions, featuring a variety of regional dishes complemented by an extensive selection of local and international wines. They also have a great selection of cocktails that pair well with the cuisine – best enjoyed on the outside terrace! A must-try dish here is the baked octopus with olive oil and garlic, with sprouts and baked potatoes. With sweeping views of the green hills outside and an emphasis on local seasonal produce, Dona Maria brings you a taste of Portugal that’s both authentic and refreshingly current.

Dona Maria
Largo Ferreira de Castro 3
Sintra
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Dona Maria

Lab by Sergi Arola

Set within the lush landscapes of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Lab by Sergi Arola offers an intimate and exclusive dining experience, with seating for just 22 guests. Housed within the prestigious Penha Longa Resort, this Michelin‐starred establishment features three distinct tasting menus – Pela Serra Dentro (Deep in the Mountains), Pela Serra Fora (Away from the Mountains) and a vegetarian option called Horta do Chef (The Chef’s Garden). Chef Sergi Arola collaborates closely with resident chef Vladimir Veiga to infuse each dish with Mediterranean influences while spotlighting the best local produce. The dining experience is elevated by a modern, artful presentation in an intimate setting, complete with an impressive glass-walled wine cellar that houses over 550 labels from around the world.

Lab by Sergi Arola
Quinta da Lagoa Azul
Sintra
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Lab by Sergi Arola

Como Restaurante

Como Restaurante brings you a blend of Portuguese food with influences from French and Italian cooking. The place has a cosy and trendy vibe, blending traditional and fresh elements really well. We love the outdoor terrace, which has great views of the iconic chimneys of the National Palace of Sintra – perfect for enjoying a laid-back meal outside. You can’t go wrong with their signature dishes, like Bacalhau Palácio da Vila, which is a codfish meal meant for three, or the Arroz de Peixe da Nossa Costa, a tasty seafood rice dish for two. The wild prawn risotto and fresh salmon strips in citrus sauce are also must-tries! To top it off, pair your meal with one of their hand-picked aperitivos or wines for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Como Restaurante
R. Guilherme Gomes Fernandes 19
Sintra
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Como Restaurante

Arola

Arola, another standout restaurant housed within the Penha Longa Resort, featuring a modern space with wonderful nature views and a very sophisticated dining room. Helmed by renowned Spanish chef Sergi Arola, the restaurant presents a menu that combines Iberian flavors with modern culinary techniques. The restaurant offers a menu that artfully transitions from light, shareable starters to more robust, satisfying mains. Some of the standout dishes include the Shrimp Madagascar, featuring shrimp salad, spinach, yuzu and truffle vinaigrette, parmesan and manioc chips, as well as the King Crab, a crab salad served with avocado, tomato and coriander. Our suggestion is to opt for the tasting menu option and taste a selection of their signature tapas, a main course and a sweet dessert to end it all off – you can also choose to pair the tasting with a wine tasting, which consists of three wines.