2025-06-04
Gastronomic guide: where to eat in Guimarães! Discover the restaurants, taverns and cafés I know and recommend in the city where I was born. A practical itinerary for eating well in Guimarães, without wasting time or money.
Guimarães is known as the cradle of Portugal, but it also conquers with its stomach.
So, between strolls through medieval streets and lively squares, you’ll find a rich and varied gastronomy.
And I’m talking about places that only the locals know, with traditional Minho food, but also vegetarian options, quick meals, romantic spaces and places perfect for those who like authentic flavors.
In this guide I share with you my suggestions for different travel styles and budgets, so you can find the restaurant in Guimarães you’re looking for.
So get ready to savor Guimarães with time and pleasure.
Where to eat in Guimarães: Traditional Food Restaurants
Taberna Trovador
Taberna Trovador is one of those places that keeps the soul of Minho cuisine alive.
It’s close to the historic center, in a cobbled alleyway. The atmosphere is informal, with wooden tables, simple cutlery and friendly service.
It also has a terrace that is open on good weather days and is very pleasant.
Typical dishes are served here, such as rojões, bolinhos de bacalhau, rojões and papas de sarrabulho when the season is right.
What’s more, the portions are generous and suitable for sharing, making it a popular choice with locals and visitors alike.
Taberna d’Avó
Another classic in the city, Taberna d’Avó is a family-run restaurant with traditional decor and a menu full of Portuguese recipes.
The dishes are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, respecting the authentic flavors of the region.
Pataniscas with bean rice, roast kid and tomato rice with codfish cakes are good bets.
In addition to the menu, Taberna da Avó has an “all you can eat” menu, for a fixed price.
It works as follows: the snack dishes are freshly prepared and placed on the table. When you think you’ve had enough, you can ask them not to prepare any more food.
It’s a restaurant reminiscent of Sunday lunches at grandma’s house, as the name suggests.
Café Oriental Restaurant
With a privileged location in the historic district, Café Oriental has more than a century of history.
It is an elegant space with a classic atmosphere and attentive service. The menu mixes tradition and some creativity.
Among the most popular dishes are the codfish with cornbread, the octopus à lagareiro and the veal suggestions. For desserts, it’s best to share, as they are all irresistible.
For me, Café Oriental is perfect for those looking for a longer meal, perhaps accompanied by a good vinho verde from the region.
Casa das Merendas
Small, simple and highly recommended, Casa das Merendas in Penha serves traditional snacks and dishes in generous portions.
It’s the ideal place for those who prefer an informal meal and want to try a bit of everything: gizzards, cod trio (with fried cod, pataniscas and dumplings), tomato rice, broa and other homemade delicacies.
The wine list is short but accurate, with good choices from the Minho region. The relaxed atmosphere makes you want to come back.
While you’re in Penha, take the opportunity to explore the labyrinthine paths, hidden passages and, of course, the cable car overlooking Guimarães.
Contemporary and Gastronomic Restaurants
A Cozinha by António Loureiro
A Cozinha by António LoureiroThe Kitchen by António Loureiro is a benchmark in Guimarães and on the Portuguese haute cuisine scene.
Holder of a Michelin star, he presents a sophisticated proposal based on Portuguese ingredients, with a focus on sustainability and seasonality.
The tasting menus vary throughout the year, but are always a celebration of refined techniques and authentic flavors.
What’s more, the service is attentive and discreet. It’s not a restaurant for every day, but it’s ideal for special occasions or for those looking for a memorable gastronomic experience.
Or perhaps for a romantic meal.
Bosque Encantado, Mit Penha
At the top of Penha, in Guimarães, Bosque Encantado is a restaurant that surprises with its exuberant decor and festive atmosphere.
This space, part of Mit Penha, is anything but discreet, as there is music throughout the night, shows with dancers and an atmosphere designed for those who want to dine and stay for the party.
It works on a buffet basis, with a varied selection of hot dishes, starters and desserts, making it a practical option for groups or for those who like to try a bit of everything.
The service is friendly and efficient, and as it tends to fill up, it’s advisable to book in advance.
In short, if the idea is to combine good food, a show and fun in one place, Bosque Encantado is a sure-fire choice in Guimarães.
Buxa
Located in one of the most beautiful streets in the historic center, the Buxa restaurant mixes rusticity and modernity.
The menu features traditional dishes with a creative twist: tripas à portuguesa, Tornedó à Buxa, Bacalhau com broa or à Narcisa, all carefully presented.
Also, the terrace is pleasant on sunny days, but when it gets dark the staff provide blankets to keep diners comfortable.
The interior is decorated with a mix of old stone and modern elements. In my opinion, it’s a good choice for dinners with family or friends.
Restaurants in Guimarães: Vegan, Vetarian and Healthy Options
Cor de Tangerina
The vegetarian restaurant Cor de Tangerina is located right next to the Paço dos Duques.
A curious fact is that it was the winner of the 7 Wonders of New Gastronomy in the vegan category, with the dish Mil-Folhas de Batata, Cantarelos e Acorn.
The space is reminiscent of a family home, with wooden floors, an indoor garden and outdoor tables.
The menu changes regularly and focuses on local and organic ingredients.
You can find dishes such as vegetable lasagna, tofu and pineapple kebabs, composed salads and natural juices.
The service is friendly and the atmosphere relaxed, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and those looking for a lighter meal.
Take your time, as the dishes are freshly prepared and the flavors need time to mature.
daTerra Guimarães
Part of a chain of vegetarian restaurants, daTerra has arrived in Guimarães with a practical and tasty proposal.
It works on a buffet basis, with a wide variety of hot and cold dishes, soups, salads and desserts.
You can repeat at will, which makes it a popular choice among those looking for quick but balanced meals.
The space is modern and bright and has an interior patio which I particularly like on good weather days.
Casual Meals in Guimarães
Pregaria de Guimarães
For those who like their pregos (steak on bread) well served, Pregaria de Guimarães is a must.
There are several versions of steak on bread and on plates, including options with Serra cheese, caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms.
There are also vegetarian alternatives and side dishes such as homemade French fries and salads.
The atmosphere is modern, with fast and efficient service, in other words, a restaurant in Guimarães suitable for an informal lunch.
Markets and Regional Products
Although Guimarães doesn’t have a street food market like other larger cities, it is possible to find quality regional products in some stores and small markets.
Guimarães Municipal Market
A traditional place where fruit, vegetables, sausages, cheeses and other fresh products are sold.
Although it’s more geared towards local commerce, it’s worth a visit to get to know what’s consumed in the region.
For a more local experience, take the opportunity to visit the Guimarães Municipal Market on market days, when the atmosphere takes on a different feel.
Chafarica store
Located in the heart of Guimarães’ historic center, Chafarica is one of those stores that is a pleasure to discover.
Here you’ll find local handicrafts, traditional products and pieces with a contemporary twist.
So when it comes to buying souvenirs in Guimarães, remember this store.
Even if you don’t intend to buy anything, it’s worth popping in, having a chat and getting to know the work of the people there.
It’s a good way to support local commerce and discover stories that aren’t told in the guidebooks.
Typical Cafés and Sweets in Guimarães
Pastelaria Clarinha
Pastelaria Clarinha is one of the best places to try convent sweets in Guimarães. It is especially known for its famous Toucinho do Céu, but there is much more to discover.
The atmosphere is cozy and traditional, with a wooden counter and friendly service, just like in the old days.
Among the most popular sweets are the Toucinho do Céu de Guimarães, made with gila (local Spaghetti Squash) and cooked twice, and the curious Tortas de Guimarães. Toucinho’s dough is made with egg yolks, almonds and gila jam, resulting in a rich and delicate sweet.
Tortas de Guimarães have a peculiar name. They’re not actually pie-shaped. It is said that they were made by the more “crooked” (or less obedient) nuns as a form of punishment.
They are very labor-intensive sweets, taking around 36 hours to prepare, and are therefore made in limited quantities.
Around 120 pies come out of Clarinha’s artisan kitchen every day, but they often run out before the end of the day.
You can take the pastries home with you or, if you prefer, sit down at one of the tables and enjoy a hearty breakfast or snack, as if you were at home with the family.
💡 Personal tip: I took part in a Toucinho do Céu decorating workshop and loved the experience. Thank you to Rosário, who patiently showed us how to decorate this very special sweet from Guimarães.
Final Suggestions
Eating out in Guimarães is a rich and varied experience, which I highly recommend!
The good news is that there are restaurants for all tastes and moods, such as taverns with traditional food, modern and creative spaces, vegetarian proposals and quick meals.
It’s also a city where you can feel the respect for ingredients, seasonality and sharing at the table.
So, whether it’s a plate of rojões accompanied by a glass of vinho verde or a fresh salad with artisan bread, there’s always something special about every meal.
Here are some final recommendations on restaurants and where to eat in Guimarães:
- Vinho Verde: being part of the demarcated region, Guimarães is an excellent place to taste quality vinho verde. Many restaurants have good options for local wines produced in Guimarães, such as Quinta da Pousada de Fora or Quinta Picouto de Cima.
- Reservations: at busy times, such as weekends and public holidays, it’s best to reserve a table at the most popular restaurants.
- Opening times: many restaurants are closed on Mondays, and at lunchtime some are only open until 15:00. So check the timetables before you visit.
Finally, take advantage of your visit to Guimarães to get to know its gastronomy and discover an authentic and unique side to the city.
You May Also Like:
- Where to stay in Guimarães: best areas and hotels I recommend
- Things to Do in Guimarães: Must-See Attractions & Lesser-Known Spots
- Travel in June: the secret to sunshine and no crowds
We travel as a family, focusing on authentic experiences, sustainable choices, and that extra touch of comfort that makes all the difference. At passaportenobolso.com, we share travel tips and practical information about destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. I’ve visited over 40 countries—and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Every now and then, I also travel solo… Follow along on YouTube / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / X / Pinterest.
