Aveiro, often referred to as the “Venice of Portugal” due to its picturesque canals, boasts a unique and diverse gastronomic identity that reflects its coastal location and rich culinary heritage. When you visit Aveiro, there are several main dishes, food traditions, and useful tips to enhance your culinary experience. Here’s an overview of what to taste and what to know:

Main Dishes to Try:

Caldeirada de Enguias: A classic Aveiro dish, this is a rich stew made with eels, potatoes, onions, and various spices. It’s a unique and flavorful seafood experience.
Arroz de Marisco: Aveiro’s take on seafood rice, this dish features a fragrant and savory rice cooked with a variety of fresh seafood, including shrimp, mussels, and clams.
Ovos Moles: These sweets are a local delicacy and a must-try. Ovos Moles are sweet, creamy egg yolks traditionally wrapped in delicate rice paper, shaped like various objects, often related to Aveiro’s maritime heritage.
Tripas à Moda de Aveiro: This dish consists of tripe cooked with white beans and a variety of seasonings, resulting in a hearty and flavorful stew.

Food Traditions:

Moliceiros and Street Food: In Aveiro, you can savor local street food delights, such as roasted chestnuts and churros, from vendors along the canals. You can enjoy these treats while taking a ride on the traditional moliceiro boats.
Moliceiro Boats: These colorful boats are an iconic part of Aveiro’s culture. Traditionally used for collecting seaweed, today they offer tourists a unique and picturesque way to explore the city’s canals while enjoying local treats.

Useful Tips:

Fresh Seafood: Aveiro is known for its fresh seafood, so be sure to try dishes that feature the catch of the day for the most authentic flavors.
Reservations: Popular restaurants in Aveiro, especially during tourist seasons, can get busy. Consider making reservations in advance to secure a table at your preferred dining spot.
Savor Ovos Moles: Don’t miss the opportunity to savor Ovos Moles, a sweet treat unique to Aveiro. Look for them in local pastry shops and markets.
Explore the Markets: Visit Mercado Manuel Firmino and Mercado do Peixe to experience local markets where you can find fresh produce, seafood, and traditional delicacies.
Canal-side Dining: Many restaurants along the canals offer scenic views. Consider dining at one of these establishments to enjoy the picturesque surroundings while you eat.

Restaurants & Bars

Restaurante Mercado do Peixe:

Overview: Mercado do Peixe is a seafood restaurant located in the heart of Aveiro, offering fresh catches of the day in a casual and lively atmosphere.
Address: Cais do Mercado, 3800-225 Aveiro, Portugal.
Website: Mercado do Peixe
Average Price per Person: €20 – €35
Suggested Dish: Try the “Arroz de Marisco,” a flavorful seafood rice dish.

Restaurante O Bairro:

Overview: O Bairro is a cozy restaurant with a focus on contemporary Portuguese cuisine and a welcoming ambiance.
Address: Rua Combatentes da Grande Guerra 103, 3800-089 Aveiro, Portugal.
Website: Restaurante O Bairro
Average Price per Person: €20 – €35
Suggested Dish: Try the “Bacalhau à Brás,” a classic Portuguese codfish dish.

Salpoente Restaurante & Eventos:

Overview: Salpoente is an upscale restaurant located in a historic salt warehouse. It offers a fusion of modern and Portuguese cuisine in an elegant setting.
Address: R. do Clube dos Galitos 36, 3800-257 Aveiro, Portugal.
Website: Salpoente
Average Price per Person: €30 – €50
Suggested Dish: Try the “Polvo à Lagareiro,” a flavorful octopus dish.

Restaurante Praça do Peixe:

Overview: Praça do Peixe is a lively food court-style space located in the Mercado Manuel Firmino. It offers a variety of seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes.
Address: Mercado Manuel Firmino, Largo da Praça do Peixe, 3800-225 Aveiro, Portugal.
Website: Not available.
Average Price per Person: €15 – €30
Suggested Dish: Try a variety of fresh seafood dishes from different stalls.

Restaurante Ouzeria:

Overview: Ouzeria is a charming eatery offering a mix of Mediterranean and Portuguese flavors, known for its meze-style dining.
Address: Rua dos Mercadores 38, 3800-255 Aveiro, Portugal.
Website: Ouzeria
Average Price per Person: €15 – €30
Suggested Dish: Try the “Mezze Ouzeria,” a selection of Mediterranean small plates.

Restaurante Maré Cheia:

Overview: Maré Cheia is a cozy and family-friendly restaurant located near the Ria de Aveiro, known for its fresh seafood and Portuguese dishes.
Address: Rua Tenente Resende, 16, 3800-260 Aveiro, Portugal.
Website: Restaurante Maré Cheia
Average Price per Person: €15 – €30
Suggested Dish: Try the “Arroz de Tamboril,” a delicious monkfish rice dish.

Restaurante Museu de Sal:

Overview: Museu de Sal is a restaurant located in a historic salt warehouse and offers a mix of traditional Portuguese and seafood dishes.
Address: Rua Marques Gomes 17, 3800-336 Aveiro, Portugal.
Website: Museu de Sal
Average Price per Person: €20 – €35
Suggested Dish: Try the “Arroz de Polvo,” a flavorful octopus rice dish.

Restaurante Galitos Grill:

Overview: Galitos Grill is a restaurant offering a variety of grilled dishes and Portuguese cuisine in a casual and relaxed setting.
Address: Rua Capitão Sousa Pizarro 54, 3800-125 Aveiro, Portugal.
Website: Galitos Grill
Average Price per Person: €15 – €25
Suggested Dish: Try the “Frango no Churrasco,” grilled chicken.

Restaurante Mó de Coimbra:

Overview: Mó de Coimbra is a traditional Portuguese restaurant offering regional cuisine with a focus on Coimbra’s culinary traditions.
Address: Rua Dr. Barbosa de Magalhães 54, 3800-154 Aveiro, Portugal.
Website: Mó de Coimbra
Average Price per Person: €15 – €30
Suggested Dish: Try the “Leitão à Bairrada,” a succulent roasted piglet.

Restaurante O Bambú:

Overview: O Bambú is an Asian fusion restaurant in Aveiro, offering a variety of Asian-inspired dishes in a modern and cozy atmosphere.
Address: Rua José Loureiro, 37, 3800-202 Aveiro, Portugal.
Website: O Bambú
Average Price per Person: €15 – €30
Suggested Dish: Try the “Pad Thai,” a classic Thai noodle dish.

Restaurante Imperial:

Overview: Imperial is a family-friendly restaurant with a focus on Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine, offering a welcoming ambiance.
Address: Rua Eng. Von Hafe, 24, 3800-175 Aveiro, Portugal.
Website: Imperial
Average Price per Person: €15 – €30
Suggested Dish: Try the “Cataplana de Peixe,” a traditional Portuguese seafood stew.

Restaurante Cais do Pescador:

Overview: Cais do Pescador is a seafood restaurant located by the Ria de Aveiro, known for its fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes.
Address: Rua de São Tomé, 11, 3810-542 Aveiro, Portugal.
Website: Cais do Pescador
Average Price per Person: €20 – €35
Suggested Dish: Try the “Arroz de Marisco,” a flavorful seafood rice dish.

Restaurante Salina:

Overview: Salina is a contemporary Portuguese restaurant offering a mix of traditional and innovative dishes in a stylish setting.
Address: Rua da Arrochela 78, 3800-009 Aveiro, Portugal.
Website: Salina
Average Price per Person: €20 – €40
Suggested Dish: Try the “Bife à Salina,” a flavorful steak dish.

Restaurante Zé do Prego:

Overview: Zé do Prego is a casual eatery known for its Portuguese prego sandwiches and a relaxed atmosphere.
Address: Rua Homem Cristo, 2, 3800-272 Aveiro, Portugal.
Website: Not available.
Average Price per Person: €5 – €10
Suggested Dish: Try the “Prego no Pão,” a classic Portuguese steak sandwich.

Restaurante Salpoente Beach:

Overview: Salpoente Beach is a seafood restaurant located by the beach, offering fresh catches of the day and a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
Address: Rua José Estêvão 179, 3800-202 Aveiro, Portugal.
Website: Salpoente Beach
Average Price per Person: €20 – €35
Suggested Dish: Try the “Choco Frito,” a delightful fried cuttlefish dish.