Grzegorz Aveiro, often nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal,” is more than canals, colorful moliceiro boats, and charming tiled houses. It is also a paradise for seafood lovers. Fresh fish from the Atlantic, traditional salt-cured codfish dishes, and innovative cuisine shaped by the lagoon’s bounty make the city a true culinary destination.
If you’re planning a trip here, exploring Aveiro’s restaurants is an essential part of the experience. From traditional family-run eateries to contemporary fine dining, the city offers countless ways to taste the ocean. Below is a carefully curated selection of some of the best restaurants specializing in cod and seafood, with practical details like address, signature dishes, average costs, opening hours, and how to secure a table.
1. Salpoente
Address: Canal de São Roque 82, 3800-256 Aveiro, Portugal
Average price per person: €60–€80 (depending on whether you choose à la carte or the tasting menu; wine pairings can add more)
Signature dishes:
Tasting menu highlighting creative takes on cod, such as cod confit with prawns or cod in olive oil emulsion
Massada de peixe e camarão (fish and shrimp pasta stew)
Smoked eel and other appetizers inspired by the Ria de Aveiro lagoon
Opening hours:
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Closed on Mondays
Reservation method:
Book by phone (+351 234 382 674 or +351 915 138 619). Email contact is also accepted. Due to its Michelin-recognized reputation, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner or weekends.
Why visit:
Salpoente is housed in two converted salt warehouses, combining historic architecture with modern gastronomy. The ambiance is elegant yet warm, and the kitchen is known for transforming traditional cod into sophisticated, artistic dishes. This is a must for travelers seeking a refined seafood experience.
2. O Bairro
Address: Largo da Praça do Peixe 24, 3800-243 Aveiro, Portugal
Average price per person: €25–€40
Signature dishes:
Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with eggs, onions, and potatoes)
Catch-of-the-day fish served with risotto or vegetables
Traditional caldeirada (Portuguese fish stew)
Opening hours:
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Closed on Wednesdays
Reservation method:
Call +351 234 338 567 or email [email protected] to book. The restaurant accepts walk-ins, but dinner slots fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Why visit:
O Bairro offers a modern take on Portuguese neighborhood cuisine. With its stylish décor and lively atmosphere, it strikes a balance between contemporary flair and authentic flavors. It’s ideal for travelers who want to try cod and seafood dishes in a casual yet trendy setting.
3. O Batel
Address: Travessa do Tenente Rezende 21, 3800-225 Aveiro, Portugal
Average price per person: €20–€30
Signature dishes:
Grilled bacalhau with garlic and olive oil
Seafood rice rich with clams, mussels, and shrimp
Octopus and traditional fish soups
Opening hours:
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Dinner: 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Sundays: 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Reservation method:
Reserve by phone at +351 234 484 234. Walk-ins are usually possible at lunch, but reservations are wise for evenings.
Why visit:
O Batel is a cozy, family-friendly restaurant serving generous portions of classic Portuguese seafood. It’s less formal than Salpoente, making it a great option for travelers looking for a hearty and authentic local meal without breaking the bank.
4. Cais do Pescado
Address: Cais dos Mercanteis 5, 3800-105 Aveiro, Portugal
Average price per person: €40–€60
Signature dishes:
Grilled fresh fish, especially sea bass and golden bream
Seafood platters with clams, mussels, and prawns
Caldeirada de peixe (hearty fish stew)
Opening hours:
Lunch: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Closed on Tuesdays
Reservation method:
Reserve by phone at +351 234 425 066. For outdoor tables along the canal, booking in advance is essential.
Why visit:
This restaurant is perfectly located along one of Aveiro’s canals, offering picturesque views with your meal. The menu focuses on the freshness of the catch, with simple yet flavorful preparations that let the quality of the fish shine.
5. Maré Cheia
Address: Rua de José Rabumba 8, 3800-201 Aveiro, Portugal
Average price per person: €20–€35
Signature dishes:
Arroz de marisco (seafood rice for two)
Bacalhau com grão (cod with chickpeas and olive oil)
Grilled sardines in summer season
Opening hours:
Lunch: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Closed on Mondays
Reservation method:
Call ahead by phone. This is a popular spot among locals, so it fills quickly at peak times.
Why visit:
Maré Cheia is a classic Portuguese taverna with generous portions and reasonable prices. If you want to experience how the locals enjoy seafood, this is the place to be.
6. Restaurante Picota
Address: Rua de João Mendonça 23, 3800-200 Aveiro, Portugal
Average price per person: €15–€25
Signature dishes:
Bacalhau à Lagareiro (baked cod with olive oil and smashed potatoes)
Grilled cuttlefish
Daily fish soup
Opening hours:
Lunch: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Reservation method:
Reservations by phone are simple, but walk-ins are often possible, especially at lunchtime.
Why visit:
Picota is a small, unpretentious restaurant that emphasizes traditional recipes. It’s ideal for travelers on a budget who still want an authentic seafood experience.
Must-Try Dishes in Aveiro
When visiting these restaurants, make sure to taste some of Portugal’s most beloved cod and seafood specialties:
Bacalhau à Lagareiro: Oven-baked cod drizzled with olive oil, garlic, and onions, served with potatoes.
Arroz de Marisco: A flavorful rice stew filled with prawns, clams, mussels, and crab, usually served in a large pot for sharing.
Caldeirada de Peixe: A fisherman’s stew with layers of fish, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
Bacalhau com Natas: Cod baked in cream sauce, a comforting dish popular across Portugal.
Polvo à Lagareiro: Octopus grilled or baked in olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
Tips for Enjoying Seafood in Aveiro
Timing matters: Restaurants are busiest for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. Lunch is usually less crowded, and you may have better luck without reservations.
Reservations are key: For fine dining spots like Salpoente and Cais do Pescado, booking is almost always necessary. Even smaller restaurants like O Bairro and Maré Cheia can be packed during peak season.
Budget wisely: Prices range widely, from €15–€25 at casual eateries to €80+ at high-end restaurants. Plan your meals depending on your travel budget.
Ask about the catch of the day: Many menus highlight “peixe do dia,” which ensures you’re getting the freshest fish available.
Share dishes: Seafood rice and stews are typically made for two. Sharing not only makes sense but also enhances the communal spirit of Portuguese dining.
Pair with local wine: The Bairrada region near Aveiro is famous for sparkling wine and crisp whites that pair beautifully with seafood.
Aveiro is a destination where food becomes as memorable as the canals and colorful moliceiro boats gliding along the waterways. Often called the “Venice of Portugal,” this charming coastal city is not only a feast for the eyes but also a paradise for those who love fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese cooking. The city’s deep connection to the sea and its centuries-old tradition of codfish preparation make it a unique stop for gastronomic travelers looking to immerse themselves in authentic flavors.
One of the highlights for many visitors is experiencing the refined side of Aveiro’s cuisine at Salpoente. Housed in a beautifully renovated salt warehouse, this Michelin-recognized restaurant blends history with modernity, offering a menu that elevates codfish to an art form. Guests can expect dishes like cod confit paired with seasonal vegetables or a creative reinterpretation of “bacalhau à Brás.” The setting itself, with its sleek décor and attentive service, makes dining here not just a meal but an occasion.
For those who prefer a more traditional and hearty atmosphere, O Batel is an excellent choice. Located near the waterfront, this family-style restaurant is famous for its generous portions and warm hospitality. A must-try is the seafood stew, brimming with clams, shrimp, and mussels simmered in a fragrant tomato base. This dish captures the essence of Portugal’s coastal bounty, and the experience is often enhanced by the lively chatter of locals who dine here regularly. O Batel embodies the rustic charm of Portuguese dining, where the food is simple, filling, and full of character.
On the more casual side, Picota offers a laid-back environment where codfish takes center stage. Dishes such as grilled cod with olive oil and garlic or codfish fritters are served with an unpretentious flair, making it a great spot for travelers who want to sample authentic flavors without the formality. The affordability and friendly vibe make Picota especially appealing to younger visitors or those simply seeking a quick but memorable taste of Aveiro’s culinary heritage.
By choosing from these restaurants, visitors will not only enjoy delicious meals but also connect with the very soul of Aveiro. Each bite, whether refined, hearty, or casual, tells the story of Portugal’s enduring relationship with the sea. From elegant plates to rustic family recipes, Aveiro’s food culture invites travelers to slow down, savor, and discover a city where cuisine is as much a part of its identity as its canals and colorful boats.
