Guarda, the highest-altitude city in Portugal, offers a unique gastronomic identity that reflects the region’s history and influences. When visiting Guarda, there are several main dishes, food traditions, and useful tips to help you fully appreciate the city’s culinary heritage. Here’s an overview of what to taste and what to know:

Main Dishes to Try:

Chanfana: Chanfana is a traditional Portuguese dish that you can find in Guarda. It’s typically made with goat or lamb that’s marinated and slow-cooked in red wine with herbs and spices, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
Cabrito à Serrana: This is a regional specialty of roasted or grilled kid goat, often seasoned with local herbs and spices, delivering a delicious, slightly gamey flavor.
Feijoca: Guarda’s version of feijoada, known as “feijoca,” is a hearty bean stew made with a variety of meats, including sausages and pork, seasoned with garlic, bay leaves, and paprika.
Serrabulho: Serrabulho is a traditional dish made from pig’s blood, rice, and aromatic spices, creating a distinctive and flavorful experience.

Food Traditions:

Queijo da Serra: Guarda is located in the Serra da Estrela region, renowned for its Queijo da Serra, a creamy and flavorful sheep’s milk cheese. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor this local delicacy.
Local Markets: Exploring Guarda’s markets, such as Mercado Municipal da Guarda, is an excellent way to discover fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and other ingredients that are central to regional recipes.

Useful Tips:

Language: While many people in the tourist industry speak English, knowing some basic Portuguese phrases can be helpful for enhancing your dining experiences and connecting with locals.
Restaurant Hours: In Guarda, restaurants typically adhere to traditional Portuguese dining hours, with lunch served between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM and dinner starting after 8:00 PM. Make reservations, especially at popular restaurants, during peak dining times.
Taste the Local Wines: Portugal is famous for its wines, and Guarda offers opportunities to enjoy wines from the surrounding Beira Interior region, complementing your meals.
Try Regional Pastries: Explore Guarda’s local pastry shops for regional sweet treats. You may find delightful pastries like “Brisas do Côa” and “Guardenses.”
Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and traditions, and enjoy the unhurried pace of life in Guarda. Allow time for leisurely dining and savoring your meals.

Restaurants & Bars

Restaurante Dom Dinis:

Overview: Restaurante Dom Dinis is a welcoming restaurant offering a mix of traditional Portuguese and regional dishes in a cozy and rustic setting.
Address: Rua Francisco Alexandre Lote 3, 6300- 865 Guarda, Portugal.
Website: Restaurante Dom Dinis
Average Price per Person: €15 – €25
Suggested Dish: Try the “Cabrito à Serrana,” a regional specialty of grilled kid goat.

Taberna do Serrano:

Overview: Taberna do Serrano is a charming restaurant known for its traditional Portuguese petiscos, or small plates, and a cozy atmosphere.
Address: R. Francisco de Passos 6, 6300-714 Guarda, Portugal.
Website: Taberna do Serrano
Average Price per Person: €10 – €20
Suggested Dish: Try a selection of petiscos, including “Migas à Alentejana” and “Moelinhas.”

Restaurante Mercado:

Overview: Restaurante Mercado offers a contemporary and upscale dining experience with a menu that combines international and Portuguese flavors.
Address: Largo Dr. Cidade 5, 6300-703 Guarda, Portugal.
Website: Restaurante Mercado
Average Price per Person: €20 – €35
Suggested Dish: Try the “Bacalhau à Lagareiro,” a classic Portuguese codfish dish.

Restaurante da Estrela:

Overview: Restaurante da Estrela is a family-friendly restaurant known for its Portuguese and regional cuisine, with a special focus on the famous Queijo da Serra cheese.
Address: Rua Comendador Campos Melo 4, 6300-769 Guarda, Portugal.
Website: Restaurante da Estrela
Average Price per Person: €15 – €30
Suggested Dish: Enjoy the “Queijo da Serra,” a local sheep’s milk cheese.

Restaurante Solar de Almeidinha:

Overview: Restaurante Solar de Almeidinha is an elegant dining spot known for its regional cuisine and a warm, inviting ambiance.
Address: Estr. Nacional 18, Km 101, 6300-501 Guarda, Portugal.
Website: Restaurante Solar de Almeidinha
Average Price per Person: €20 – €35
Suggested Dish: Try the “Bacalhau com Broa,” a flavorful codfish dish with cornbread.

Taberna Regional Dom Dinis:

Overview: Taberna Regional Dom Dinis is a charming and traditional restaurant offering regional and Portuguese dishes in a cozy and rustic atmosphere.
Address: Rua 31 de Janeiro, nº2, 6300-688 Guarda, Portugal.
Website: Taberna Regional Dom Dinis
Average Price per Person: €15 – €25
Suggested Dish: Try the “Cozido à Portuguesa,” a hearty Portuguese stew.

Petiscos do Zezere:

Overview: Petiscos do Zezere is a cozy restaurant known for its variety of petiscos, or Portuguese tapas, and a friendly ambiance.
Address: Largo do Sacadura Cabral, nº10, 6300-698 Guarda, Portugal.
Website: Petiscos do Zezere
Average Price per Person: €10 – €20
Suggested Dish: Try a selection of petiscos, including “Morcela” and “Chouriço Assado.”

Tasca Do Chico:

Overview: Tasca Do Chico is a quaint and friendly eatery offering traditional Portuguese dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.
Address: Largo da Sé 9, 6300-709 Guarda, Portugal.
Website: Tasca Do Chico
Average Price per Person: €10 – €20
Suggested Dish: Try the “Rojões,” succulent chunks of marinated and pan-fried pork.

Adega Das Quitas:

Overview: Adega Das Quitas is a wine bar and restaurant offering a variety of Portuguese wines and tapas-style dishes in a relaxed setting.
Address: R. João de Deus, 30, 6300-725 Guarda, Portugal.
Website: Adega Das Quitas
Average Price per Person: €15 – €30
Suggested Dish: Enjoy a selection of Portuguese cheeses and a glass of local wine.

Restaurante Encosta das Fontainhas:

Overview: Restaurante Encosta das Fontainhas is a family-friendly restaurant known for its Portuguese and regional cuisine, offering a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.
Address: R. Comendador Albano Ferreira Morgado 4, 6300-766 Guarda, Portugal.
Website: Restaurante Encosta das Fontainhas
Average Price per Person: €15 – €30
Suggested Dish: Try the “Cabrito à Serrana,” a regional specialty of grilled kid goat.

Restaurante Sabores da Serra:

Overview: Restaurante Sabores da Serra offers a cozy and traditional dining experience with a menu that features Portuguese and regional dishes.
Address: Largo da Se 1/2, 6300-709 Guarda, Portugal.
Website: Restaurante Sabores da Serra
Average Price per Person: €15 – €25
Suggested Dish: Try the “Feijoca,” a hearty bean stew with a variety of meats.

Restaurante Hotel Vanguarda:

Overview: Restaurante Hotel Vanguarda is located within Hotel Vanguarda and offers a diverse menu featuring international and Portuguese flavors.
Address: Rua 31 de Janeiro 16, 6300-685 Guarda, Portugal.
Website: Restaurante Hotel Vanguarda
Average Price per Person: €20 – €35
Suggested Dish: Try the “Bacalhau à Braz,” a classic Portuguese codfish dish.

Restaurante O Bolo:

Overview: Restaurante O Bolo is a family-run eatery known for its homestyle dishes and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Address: Rua Dom Nuno Alvares Pereira, 6300-706 Guarda, Portugal.
Website: Restaurante O Bolo
Average Price per Person: €15 – €25
Suggested Dish: Try the “Arroz de Carqueja,” a flavorful rice dish with carqueja, a local herb.

Restaurante O Conquistador:

Overview: Restaurante O Conquistador is an elegant and modern restaurant offering a fusion of international and Portuguese flavors in a chic setting.
Address: Rua 31 de Janeiro 10, 6300-685 Guarda, Portugal.
Website: Restaurante O Conquistador
Average Price per Person: €20 – €35
Suggested Dish: Try the “Bife à Conquistador,” a tender steak with a special sauce.

Pastelaria São Miguel:

Overview: Pastelaria São Miguel is a delightful bakery and café known for its variety of pastries and coffee, perfect for a quick snack or coffee break.
Address: Rua Francisco Alexandre, 6300-865 Guarda, Portugal.
Website: Pastelaria São Miguel
Average Price per Person: €5 – €10
Suggested Dish: Enjoy a “Pastel de Nata,” a famous Portuguese custard tart.