8 Best Restaurants in Coimbra and Central Portugal, Portugal

Until its conversion in 1923, the space housing Café Santa Cruz was an auxiliary chapel for the monastery. Now its high-vaulted Manueline ceiling and stained-glass windows make it an enticing spot for a cup of coffee or a leisurely lunch with a glass of wine. Despite all the grandeur, prices are extremely reasonable. 

From fixed-price lunches to delicious cakes and vegan pastries, everything is prepared with love and served with a smile at this welcoming little cafe in the heart of Coimbra's historic center. There are plenty of tables in the cozy interior, but the tables and chairs set out on the flagstones outside are the best bet in the summer months. Prices are extremely reasonable given the prime location. 

At Volta e Meia, the vibrant red walls and hand-painted murals create a lively atmosphere, but it’s the food that steals the show. The savory pies, filled with cod and cabbage or local sausage, cheese, and spinach, are especially popular with locals. The menu also offers a variety of traditional Portuguese dishes, like grilled meats and fresh fish, all with a creative twist.

This popular spot on Avenida 25 de Abril, right by the monastery and main square, has outdoor seating that's ideal for people watching over cakes and coffee or a glass of local wine. It's a popular evening meeting place for locals, so be prepared to practice your Portuguese if you want the inside track on what to see and do in the area. Should hunger strike, you'll find hearty francesinhas and local veal steaks on the menu until the small hours.

With tables set on a vast veranda in the upper reaches of the city, Loggia has some of the best panoramic views in town. It's the on-site restaurant at the Machado do Castro art museum, and the setting is a work of art in itself. Leisurely brunches here are extremely popular, as are the excellent value lunch menus. Expect traditional Portuguese fare, elegantly presented. 

This pastel pink bakery looks every bit as sweet as its freshly baked treats, which attract huge lines of cake-loving locals. From pretty cakes topped with edible flowers to sugar-free, gluten-free chocolate brownies, the vitrine is a feast for the eyes, and everything tastes as good as it looks.

As you're heading past Sé Nova, take the first alley on the left to discover this tiny bohemian spot tucked behind a church. The Mexican fusion restaurant has a small but delicious range of hot and cold vegan empanadas, quesadillas, and massive burritos. The quirky setting, with mismatched tables and chairs and board games scattered about, is a popular hangout for local students. No international cards are accepted, so be sure to bring cash. 

A vegan alternative to Aveiro's seafood-and-meat focused dining scene, Raiz offers wholesome dishes that could tempt the most hardened of carnivores. The menu is completely plant-based and has daily lunch specials such as spinach crepes with Mexican-style tofu scramble. There are gluten-free menu items every day, and a meatless version of Brazilian feijoada (bean stew) on Wednesday.