What To Eat In Ericeira, Portugal: A Feast From The Sea

Ericeira, Portugal is a picturesque coastal town known for its incredible surfing vibe as the only World Surf Reserve in Europe. But surfing isn’t the only great thing to do in Ericeira: the restaurants in Ericeira are known to serve up some of the most delicious seafood in all of Europe. From succulent grilled sardines and decadent shrimp to creamy bacalhau dishes, the local cuisine is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So if you’re wondering what to eat in Ericeira then keep reading to find all your answers.

Beautiful beach in Ericeira, Portugal

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best food Ericeira has on menu and where you can find it. So get ready to add a culinary adventure to your itinerary as we explore all that Ericeira has to offer!

What To Eat In Ericeira: Seafood

Visiting Ericeira is a great opportunity to try some of the freshest seafood in Europe. The secret behind this delicious delicacy lies in the local fishing system called the ‘Furnas’, which involves crevices and natural seawater pools formed within the cliffs that are closed off by the fishermen. This leaves the catch of the day fresh and undisturbed until lunchtime. Ericeira has long been known for its exceptionally fresh seafood and Lisbonites flock to Ericeira restaurants on weekends.

Seafood Platter

The seafood platters are not to be missed! Most seafood restaurants have one, and it includes shrimp, clams, mussels, different crabs, spiny lobster, razor clams, sea snails and gooseneck barnacles! Everything is cooked simply by steaming with a bit of salt and is sure to leave you wanting more.

Another decadent dish is called a bulhao pato, a combination of white wine, garlic, cilantro on muscles or clams which delights the taste buds every time.


Finally, for those who love crab, the sapateira crab is another favorite appetizer, where the flesh of the crab is mixed up as a dip to eat with crunchy bread and put back into its shell.

Recommended Seafood Restaurants In Ericeira

Try Mar a Vista restaurant in the village center for a delectable platter, but if you have a car it’s worth the drive 10 minutes north to Ribamar, where the prices of the more traditional Marisqueira de Ribamar are much more accessible.

You could also drive down to Foz de Lizandro, way down to the other end of the beach, and stop at Golfinho Azul, a traditional fish and seafood restaurant perched on the cliff above the pounding sea. The view here is divine, and the seafood rice, just as delicious. It’s a fabulous place to while away the hours with delectable food, good wine, and even better company.

Sul also serves up excellent seafood, at a slightly higher price right in town. Here you can try the cataplana, a Portuguese specialty made from fish, shrimp or clams cooked with rice in a special pan.

Top Tip! Make sure you don’t miss the sea urchin festival in April! Many restaurants participate by creating a signature dish which isn’t regularly on the menu or serving raw sea urchin roe in its shell.

Grilled Fish, Octopus, or Squid

Grilled fish, octopus, and squid are classics served up in Ericeira, Portugal. These dishes are popular with both locals and tourists alike, as they are tasty, flavorful, and relatively easy to make.

A typical preparation involves grilling the seafood or fish over hot coals or a charcoal grill while brushing it with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground pepper. For a real Portuguese experience, try grilling sardines in June when they are in season – you can even attend the annual sardine street festival held in Ericeira during this time of year! If you’re not lucky enough to be there during the festival, the best sardines are served at Pirulitos, a traditional restaurant slightly out of town.

Recommended Restaurants

There are plenty of restaurants in Ericeira with experienced chefs who can make tender octopus and succulent squid! Right in the village center, try Prim or Ribas for the best grilled octopus served with veggies, they also both do a mean squid dish.

Mar de Areia makes the most incredible grilled fish: you can smell it down the street since the grill is in front of the restaurant. Here you pick your fish and they grill it for you. Definitely not to be missed!


For a unique experience try getting an outdoor table at Canastra. It’s a restaurant with a terrace right on the edge of the cliff! They serve delicious grilled fish with the most incredible view of Ericeira’s main beach. The salty wind in your hair with a delicious glass of Portuguese wine will truly make your day.

Top Tip! One of the most popular gastronomic festivals in Ericeira is the octopus festival in May. People come from Lisbon to eat the delicious dishes created for the event and more restaurants participate than for the other festivals.

Tapas At Sunset

Tapas at Mar das Latas Wine Bar is an experience not to be missed by tourists visiting Ericeira. The cliff-top location of the bistro bar offers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean as the sun sets and the waves crash below. The menu features a delightful array of tapas, with dishes such as regional cheeses, olives, a charcuterie board, cured tuna muchama, cheese fondu, and an assorted canned fish platter all served with crusty bread.

The atmosphere at Mar das Latas is relaxed, cozy, and very romantic. It’s the perfect spot for after-dinner drinks or a romantic evening spent sipping wine as the sun sets. The owners are friendly and knowledgeable about the local wines on offer, and the bar serves a variety of local craft beers too.

The wine bar is just a port of the Mar das Latas experience. Right next door is the main restaurant that offers up a gourmet experience. It’s one of the best restaurants in Ericeira so it fills up quickly. They suggest you book as far in advance as possible to avoid missing out.

What To Eat In Ericeira: Sushi

Ericeira wouldn’t live up to its reputation without at least a few excellent sushi restaurants to visit. While reservations are definitely needed to snag a spot at the most popular places, it’s worth it to enjoy fresh sushi in one of the best fishing spots in Portugal.

Sushi

Unisushi, Onegai Sushi bar, and Na Onda in Praia do Foz de Lizandro all serve delicious sushi with the freshest fish. Unisushi has outdoor seating right in Ericeira village and an excellent variety of sushi for dinner only. Be sure to make a reservation though as it is usually filled.

Onegai Sushi bar is right around the corner from the market in the village, and one of the best. It’s a small restaurant so make sure to book early to enjoy the intimate atmosphere and beautiful sushi plates.

Na Onda in Praia do Foz de Lizandro has great sushi but the selection is more limited. Since it is right on the beach, the view of the Atlantic Ocean is stunning, even during winter months. This makes it a perfect spot for lunch with friends or family!

Breakfast Food

Although breakfast is a novelty the Portuguese don’t quite seem to understand, Ericeira is particularly blessed with some excellent options to start the day. Sunday brunch is quite popular and many Lisbonites regularly make the drive to soak up the seaside atmosphere and enjoy the local flavours.

One of the most popular choices is Green Is Good, located in the heart of downtown Ericeira. This hip cafe serves up delicious vegan and vegetarian options for breakfast such as chia pudding with fruits, oat pancakes and eggs benedict on avocado toast.

For something a bit more traditional, Nico’s has an amazing brunch menu that includes bacon and eggs, bagels and pancakes.

For a lighter option, Dear Rose Cafe offers some of the best coffee in town along with great vegan choices. Be sure to get there early though, as they don’t accept reservations and there’s usually a lineup out the door. Whatever your morning craving, Ericeira has you covered!

What To Eat In Ericeira: Portuguese Food

Ericeira is also blessed with some incredible Portuguese restaurants offering a variety of delicious traditional dishes. From mouthwatering grilled Iberian pork to delectable bacalhau dishes, there is something here to please everyone. One of the most beloved local eateries is Tic Tapas. They serve a variety of mouth-watering tapas and meat dishes.


Riviera is another popular spot, best known for its excellent home-cooked recipes and wide variety of dishes. One of the more popular dishes is their crispy fried octopus filet. It’s really worth trying, especially if you haven’t had octopus before.

And for those who can’t get enough bacalhau, Avo offers a variety of classic Portuguese recipes, all cooked to perfection. Their crispy Bacalhau a Broa done with a creamy sous-vide egg on top is not to be missed!

Bacalhau a Broa

All of these places offer outstanding food but the best place for an innovative Portuguese experience is Mar das Latas Wine and Food. Here the food and atmosphere are taken to another level. It’s truly delicious and different. Guests often leave raving about their creamy truffle risotto, especially when paired with some amazing Portuguese wine. Definitely worth the detour!

What To Eat In Ericeira, Portugal: FAQ

What are the best restaurants in Ericeira?

Some of the best restaurants in Ericeira are Mar das Latas Restaurante, Tic Tapas, Riviera, Pirulito, Mar de Areia, and Avo restaurant. Each restaurant offers a unique culinary experience with fresh seafood specialties or traditional Portuguese dishes. There are, of course, many more restaurants in Ericeira. It’s very easy to find international cuisine like Italian, Mexican, or Israeli. For a dining experiences that you’ll never forget, try one of them on your next visit to Ericeira.

Which restaurants in Ericeira are romantic?

Some of the most romantic restaurants in Ericeira are Mar das Latas Restaurante, Ribas, Sul, Balagan. These restaurants offer a unique atmosphere with beautiful views, candlelit tables, and intimate settings for a memorable dining experience. Enjoy delicious local dishes or in the case of Balagan, international cuisine in cozy surroundings to make your night unforgettable.

What are the best restaurants in Ericeira for cheap eats?

Some of the best restaurants in Ericeira for cheap eats are Lebre, Tasca Joy and 7 Janelas. Lebre is a local favorite that makes the best bitoque in town! This traditional sandwich costs 3.50 Euros and consists of a piece of tender pork slathered in garlic on crusty bread. It is absolutely mouth-watering! It’s very popular with with cheese, tomato, and oregano, but to each his own!


At Tasca Joy, you can enjoy some cheap homemade sandwiches or warm tapas with an amazing view overlooking the beach. Lastly, 7 Janelas offers traditional sharable Portuguese dishes such as mussels, garlic mushrooms, and fried squid at reasonable prices. All these eateries offer an authentic taste of Ericeira’s local cuisine while keeping your wallet happy!

What to Eat in Ericeira, Portugal: The Wrap-Up

Ericeira is a paradise for foodies! From traditional Portuguese dishes to innovative international cuisine, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an intimate romantic dinner or just want some cheap and cheerful eats, Ericeira has it all. With its breathtaking views of the ocean, diverse range of restaurants, and delicious local specialties, no trip to Portugal would be complete without a visit to this charming coastal town. Bon Appétit!

Huge thanks to Michelle Cote, a Canadian blogger who’s a beachcomber, avid bookworm, teacher, and someone who often writes about Ericeira. She fell in love with the charming Portuguese village when she moved there with her Portuguese husband and never looked back. She now lives between Mallorca and Ericeira, with her family and Fluffy the hamster. Follow her adventures on Ericeirafamilyadventures.com.