Visiting the charming seaside resort of Sesimbra in Portugal? This picturesque fishing village on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean seduced us with its authenticity and terroir. We’ve unearthed some great restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
In this article, discover our selection of the best restaurants in Sesimbra, which combine characterful cuisine, fine Portuguese produce and traditional craftsmanship. Find out more about our experiences with all our image tips.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Portofino Restaurant (bistronomic)
Would you like to enjoy bistronomic cuisine with your feet in the sand? On the small beach between the Praia do Ouro and the marina on the west side of Sesimbra Bay, we enjoyed our meal at the Portofino Restaurant. In this friendly waterfront setting, we loved the precision and refinement of the seafood recipes. The meticulous presentation of the dishes reflects the attention to detail of the kitchen team. To accompany our dishes, we indulged in a traditional Portuguese white sangria. Last but not least, the clean, stylish decor will transport you into a chic, relaxed atmosphere for the duration of your meal.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: on the Praia de Portofino, west of the bay past the Praia do Ouro
- Type of restaurant: bistronomic
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €20 and €45 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Online booking required here
2. Restaurant La Villa (fusion cuisine)
In an elegant setting with a small shaded terrace, Restaurant La Villa offered us a culinary experience between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. On the other side of Sesimbra Bay, after walking through the narrow streets of the village, you’ll reach this charming eatery, which combines local Portuguese produce with Italian know-how. The flavors of Italy and Portugal are subtle and the combinations well thought out for a successful fusion cuisine. You can match your dishes with a fine selection of wines or a typical Portuguese sangria. Portions are also very generous. Note that their pizzas are gourmet and excellent. Enjoy your meal!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: in the narrow streets of Sesimbra to the east of the city, behind the Praia da California
- Restaurant type: fusion cuisine
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Terrace: yes (but limited space)
- Price range: between €10 and €20 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +35.19.65.08.87.08
WHERE TO STAY IN Sesimbra
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
On the heights of Sesimbra
Four Points By Sheraton Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
On the beach
Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Sesimbra
3. Restaurant O Farol (fish and seafood)
Perched on an uphill alleyway, Restaurant O Farol is a Sesimbra landmark if you love fish and seafood. We enjoyed the freshness of the grilled fish, a local specialty that doesn’t disappoint in a fishing village. The atmosphere is relaxed, with simple decor in a typical building. The icing on the cake is the elevated terrace overlooking the street, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the ocean. If you want to combine simplicity and taste with sunset views, you’ve come to the right place!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: opposite the Praia de Sesimbra before the Fort de Santiago, in an alley perpendicular to the promenade
- Restaurant type: fish and seafood
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €15 and €45 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +35.19.12.14.09.68 or online here
4. Restaurant Club Café Gremio (jazz bar)
Welcome to Club Café Gremio in the heart of the village! Whether for a coffee, a drink or a meal on the go, its retro ambience and décor reminiscent of a 1950s jazz club immediately charmed us. The friendly atmosphere and musical backdrop make this a unique venue in the seaside resort. On the menu: grilled meat or fish with vegetables, tasty pasta or tapas with a selection of local wines and beers. An atypical address where you can spend a pleasant evening alone, with friends or as a couple!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: in the narrow streets of the village behind Fort de Santiago (less than a 5-minute walk)
- Restaurant type: traditional
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €10 and €15 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Book online and schedule here
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Portugal
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
5. Restaurant Ovelhoeomar (facing the ocean)
Sesimbra’s close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means you can be sure of delicious seafood on your plate! Another fine address just beyond Fort de Santiago caught our eye. This is Restaurant Ovelhoeomar, where Portuguese cuisine is celebrated in all its simplicity and authenticity. You’ll love the straightforward flavours and respect for traditional recipes, such as cod or grilled fish caught fresh daily. The setting is family-friendly, and the service unpretentious but efficient. To discover local flavors and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this fishing village, sit down on the terrace of this establishment on one of Sesimbra’s liveliest squares.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: behind Santiago Fort and opposite the promenade on the Praia de Sesimbra stretch
- Restaurant type: fish and seafood
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €15 and €25 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +35.12.10.87.99.95
6. Restaurant Jungle (original fusion cuisine)
At the foot of the Oceanfront Sesimbra Hotel and facing the Praia da California, the Jungle Restaurant welcomes you in a modern, green atmosphere, with a menu that blends local flavors and international inspiration. We liked the originality of some of the dishes, which revisit Portuguese classics with a contemporary twist. The setting, with its many plants, jungle-like decorative objects and subdued lighting, is particularly pleasant in the evening. An address that will appeal to young and old alike looking for a slightly different dining experience in Sesimbra.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: facing Praia da California, east of Sesimbra Bay
- Restaurant type: fusion cuisine
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €15 and €25 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations can be made by telephone on +35.19.69.30.08.55
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in Portugal a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you would like to be informed when our guide to Portugal is published, please register:
7. Café glacier Gelatomania
Located near the famous Plage do Ouro along the promenade, you won’t want to miss the Gelatomania ice-cream parlour. This is the place to go for artisanal ice cream in Sesimbra. A variety of flavors, from the classic to the most original, are prepared with quality ingredients. An ideal spot for a gourmet seaside break at any time of the day or evening!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: on the promenade facing Praia do Ouro
- Type of restaurant: ice cream parlour
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €5 and €10 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- No reservation
FUN around Lisbon: activities
Lisbon by electric bike
Excursion to Sintra from Lisbon
Dolphin watching
Kayaking in Arrabida
Surfing in Cascais
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