Where to Eat the Best Bacalhau in Portugal: Restaurants Worth the Journey
July 23, 2026
Portugal's love affair with bacalhau runs deep.
From traditional taverns in the Minho countryside to contemporary restaurants overlooking the canals of Aveiro, codfish remains one of the country's most beloved ingredients. In fact, many Portuguese people will happily drive several hours just to enjoy a favourite bacalhau dish at a particular restaurant.
If you're curious about how bacalhau became Portugal's national dish and why there are said to be more than a thousand ways to cook it, read our complete guide to Bacalhau in Portugal.
This guide focuses on where to enjoy some of Portugal's finest bacalhau.
The restaurants below were selected for their reputation, authenticity, history, and dedication to one of Portugal's most iconic ingredients. Whether you're planning a road trip through the country or simply looking for unforgettable Portuguese food experiences, these are some of the best places to enjoy bacalhau in Portugal.
Northern Portugal
Taberna Afonso (Poiares, Ponte de Lima)
Located in the beautiful Minho countryside near Ponte de Lima, Taberna Afonso has become a pilgrimage site for bacalhau lovers.
Since opening in 1997, the restaurant has built a reputation for its exceptional charcoal-roasted codfish, prepared in a wood-fired oven and finished over glowing embers. The result is beautifully textured fish with a smoky character that keeps visitors returning year after year.
Before the main course, many guests begin with codfish butter, codfish nuggets, or a delicate brandade. Pair your meal with the house Vinho Verde and you'll quickly understand why this restaurant is considered one of Portugal's great bacalhau destinations.
Signature dishes: Bacalhau Assado na Brasa, Brandade de Bacalhau, Nuggets de Bacalhau, Manteiga de Bacalhau.
Taberna Afonso has earned a national reputation for its charcoal-roasted bacalhau, one of the Minho region's most celebrated traditional codfish dishes.
O Lagar de Valinhas (Vitorino dos Piães, Ponte de Lima)
Opened in 2018 inside a beautifully restored former olive oil mill, O Lagar de Valinhas offers the kind of authentic Portuguese dining experience that many travellers hope to discover.
Its menu features several excellent codfish preparations, including Bacalhau com Broa, Bacalhau à Chefe, Bacalhau à Lagar, and the seasonal Bacalhau de Outono served with chickpeas and chestnuts.
The combination of rustic surroundings and generous portions has quickly made it one of the Minho region's hidden culinary gems.
Bacalhau à Narcisa (Braga)
Few restaurants can claim to have created a dish that became part of a nation's culinary identity.
The recipe was born in 1930 at a small Braga tasca, and its fame spread so widely that it's now known throughout Portugal as Bacalhau à Braga or Bacalhau à Minhota.
The original tasca has since closed, but a restaurant carrying the Bacalhau à Narcisa name continues to serve the dish today, alongside other classics such as Bacalhau na Brasa, Bacalhau com Broa, and Bacalhau à Zé do Pipo.
For anyone interested in Portuguese food history, this is an essential stop.
Created in Braga in 1930, Bacalhau à Narcisa became one of Portugal's best-known codfish recipes and remains a landmark of the country's culinary heritage.
O Victor (Póvoa de Lanhoso)
For more than fifty years, O Victor has been serving some of Northern Portugal's most respected bacalhau dishes.
The restaurant remains closely associated with its founder, Sr. Victor, now approaching 90 years old, while his daughters gradually continue the family tradition that made the restaurant famous.
The speciality is beautifully roasted codfish served with batatas a murro and generous amounts of olive oil, prepared with the simplicity and confidence that characterises Portugal's best traditional cooking.
The restaurant is also well known for its codfish fritters, homemade desserts, and warm family atmosphere.
Porto
Solar Moinho de Vento (Porto)
Located near Porto's historic centre, Solar Moinho de Vento combines more than a century of history with traditional Portuguese cuisine.
Regulars also appreciate the restaurant's traditional weekday specials, which feature classic codfish dishes on different days of the week. The menu frequently features codfish classics such as Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, Pataniscas de Bacalhau, Bacalhau com Arroz, and the house speciality Bacalhau à Moinho de Vento.
Its warm atmosphere and consistent quality have made it a favourite among both locals and visitors.
With more than a century of history, Solar Moinho de Vento continues to serve classic Portuguese bacalhau recipes in the heart of Porto.
Culto ao Bacalhau (Mercado do Bolhão)
Situated inside Porto's iconic Mercado do Bolhão, Culto ao Bacalhau is dedicated entirely to the celebration of codfish.
Working with Icelandic bacalhau matured for at least 24 months, the restaurant explores different cuts, textures, and preparations with remarkable attention to detail.
Standout dishes include Bacalhau à Zé do Pipo, Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, Bacalhau Gratinado com Gambas, and Arroz de Bacalhau com Ostras e Algas.
The menu also highlights lesser-known parts of the cod, allowing visitors to discover preparations rarely found in traditional Portuguese restaurants.
Restaurante Bacalhau (Ribeira)
Located at number 154 on Porto's historic Muro dos Bacalhoeiros, Restaurante Bacalhau pays tribute to the city's centuries-old connection with the codfish trade.
The street itself recalls Porto's maritime and commercial heritage and sits close to the area associated with José Luís Gomes de Sá, creator of the famous Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá recipe.
The menu celebrates lesser-known cuts and preparations, including cod tongues, cod skin chips, codfish rice, and codfish loin served with traditional Porto-style cod tripe.
The restaurant does not accept reservations and is open daily for lunch and dinner. Given its location in one of Porto's most atmospheric riverside streets, arriving early is often a good idea.
Located on Porto's historic Muro dos Bacalhoeiros, Restaurante Bacalhau celebrates the city's centuries-old connection with Portugal's codfish tradition.
Central Portugal
Salpoente (Aveiro)
Set inside two beautifully restored salt warehouses overlooking Aveiro's canals, Salpoente offers one of Portugal's most refined codfish experiences.
Traditional flavours are reinterpreted through contemporary techniques and elegant presentation.
Highlights include the celebrated Bacalhau à Brás Salpoente and the house speciality Sr. Bacalhau com Salicornia.
Housed inside beautifully restored 19th-century salt warehouses overlooking Aveiro's canals, Salpoente combines contemporary cuisine with one of Portugal's finest bacalhau dining experiences.
Solar do Bacalhau (Coimbra)
As its name suggests, Solar do Bacalhau is entirely devoted to codfish.
The menu includes an impressive variety of recipes, from Bacalhau à Lagareiro and Bacalhau à Braga to Bacalhau com Broa, Bacalhau à Brás, and even truffle-infused variations.
The restaurant is especially appreciated for allowing visitors to compare many of Portugal's most famous regional codfish recipes in one meal.
Roasting bacalhau over glowing charcoal remains one of Portugal's most traditional cooking methods, producing exceptional flavour and texture.
Taberna do Bacalhau (Fátima)
Modern yet deeply rooted in Portuguese tradition, Taberna do Bacalhau presents codfish through both classic and contemporary interpretations.
Among the most popular dishes are Bacalhau Recheado, Bacalhau com Broa, Bacalhau à Lagareiro, Bacalhau Grelhado com Miga, and Bacalhau à Zé do Pipo.
Its location also makes it an excellent stop when exploring Fátima and Central Portugal.
Taberna do Bacalhau presents classic Portuguese codfish recipes, including its beautifully prepared Bacalhau à Zé do Pipo.
Lisbon Region
Casa do Bacalhau (Lisbon)
Occupying an elegant eighteenth-century palace, Casa do Bacalhau offers one of Lisbon's most comprehensive codfish menus.
More than thirty preparations showcase the versatility of bacalhau, from carpaccio and cod cheeks to classics such as Bacalhau à Brás, Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, and Bacalhau com Broa.
Casa do Bacalhau is one of the best places in Lisbon to appreciate just how diverse Portugal's codfish tradition really is.
Casa do Bacalhau offers one of Lisbon's largest selections of traditional bacalhau recipes inside an elegant eighteenth-century palace.
Laurentina, O Rei do Bacalhau (Lisbon)
Known nationwide as "The King of Codfish," Laurentina has been serving bacalhau since 1976.
Its reputation is built not only on traditional recipes but also on the careful selection and preparation of premium Icelandic codfish.
For many Lisbon residents, Laurentina remains one of the city's definitive bacalhau restaurants.
Known as "The King of Codfish," Laurentina has been one of Lisbon's definitive bacalhau restaurants since 1976.
Zé da Mouraria (Lisbon)
Few restaurants are as closely tied to Lisbon's codfish culture as Zé da Mouraria.
The original establishment traces its roots back more than a century and became known as Zé da Mouraria in 1990 after operating for decades under the name Zé dos Grelhados.
Its generous portions and perfectly prepared Bacalhau Riberalves à Zé da Mouraria continue to attract both locals and visitors at its Rua Gomes Freire locations.
Zé da Mouraria continues a long Lisbon tradition with generous portions and one of the city's signature bacalhau dishes.
O Fuso (Arruda dos Vinhos)
Located inside a former wine press just outside Lisbon, O Fuso is famous for its Bacalhau nas Brasas à Fuso.
The short drive from Lisbon rewards visitors with traditional Portuguese hospitality and one of the region's most respected codfish dishes.
Alentejo
Dom Joaquim (Évora)
One of Évora's most respected restaurants, Dom Joaquim combines Alentejo tradition with careful execution.
The Açorda de Bacalhau com Ovo Escalfado and the roasted codfish dishes are particularly popular among visitors.
Restaurante Fialho (Évora)
Operating for more than eighty years, Fialho is one of the great names of Alentejo gastronomy.
Its roasted bacalhau served with batatas a murro remains one of the highlights of the menu and a perfect introduction to the region's culinary traditions.
For more than eighty years, Restaurante Fialho has remained one of Alentejo's great culinary institutions, celebrated for its roasted bacalhau and regional cuisine.
Algarve
O Marinheiro (Albufeira)
Known for blending Portuguese traditions with Mediterranean influences, O Marinheiro offers a creative codfish dish featuring almond tempura, saffron risotto, and coconut milk.
It provides a refreshing contrast to more traditional preparations found elsewhere in the country.
Coisa Linda (Tavira)
Opened in 2021 by French and Brazilian founders who chose Tavira as their home, Coisa Linda brings an international perspective to Portuguese cuisine while maintaining a strong connection to local ingredients.
The restaurant's signature codfish dish, Nosso Bacalhau à Portuguesa, combines traditional Portuguese flavours with unexpected touches such as chimichurri and chorizo polenta, creating one of the Algarve's most original interpretations of bacalhau.
For travellers looking beyond classic recipes, Coisa Linda offers a refreshing and creative alternative.
Coisa Linda offers one of the Algarve's most creative interpretations of bacalhau, blending Portuguese tradition with international influences.
Madeira
Alta Vista (Funchal)
Overlooking Funchal, Alta Vista combines panoramic views with traditional Madeiran hospitality.
Its roasted codfish dishes remain among the most popular items on the menu.
Restaurante Santo António is also highly regarded for its traditional roasted codfish, while Marisqueira Splendida offers another excellent interpretation in Funchal.
Azores
Casa do Bacalhau (Ponta Delgada)
Located in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, Casa do Bacalhau combines Portuguese gastronomy with intimate Fado performances.
Live Fado takes place on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, creating one of the most distinctive dining experiences in the Azores.
The grilled codfish remains the star attraction, but the atmosphere is equally memorable.
Other excellent bacalhau destinations in the Azores include Michel, A Tasca, and Associação Agrícola.
Explore Portugal Through Its Bacalhau
One of the best ways to understand Portugal is through its regional cuisine.
Each region offers its own interpretation of bacalhau, shaped by local traditions, ingredients, and history. From the Minho countryside to the islands of the Atlantic, codfish continues to connect generations of Portuguese cooks and diners.
👉 If you're planning to explore more of Portugal's culinary heritage beyond bacalhau, don't miss our complete Portuguese Food Guide, where you'll discover the country's most iconic regional dishes, desserts, wines, and traditional food culture.
👉 To plan your journey, explore our Portugal travel guides covering Northern Portugal, Porto, the Douro Valley, Lisbon, Alentejo, Algarve, Madeira, and the Azores.
👉 And if you'd like to begin your culinary journey in Porto, consider joining Cooltour Oporto's Porto Food Tour, where local stories, traditional flavours, and iconic Portuguese dishes come together in one unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by the Cooltour Oporto team