There are few things in life as satisfying as a Portuguese summer. Long golden days roll gently into warm evenings, the Atlantic glistens in every direction, and life slows to a rhythm dictated by the sun and the sea. It’s a season when time is best spent barefoot, near the coast, with a cold drink in hand and the smell of charcoal in the air. And then—there’s the fish.

In Portugal, fish and seafood aren’t just foods. They’re a ritual, a celebration of simplicity and flavour. From north to south, from hidden beach shacks to refined seaside restaurants, the art of grilling fish and serving seafood is practiced with reverence. In this list, we’ve gathered 5 spots where the essence of summer meets coastal excellence. Places where each bite feels like the definition of “boa vida”.

- Eat & Drink -

The Art of Good Living:
Fish Masters

5 Coastal Spots Serving Summer on a Plate

Peixoco

Located in the Setúbal docks, Peixoco brings together three things the Portuguese love: fish, seafood, and plate-sharing. This welcoming restaurant invites you to have a feast of summery flavors to share between family and friends, making it the ideal place for a waterfront Sunday lunch. We recommend the Mussels à lá Marinière, the deep-fried cuttlefish, and a grilled fish to share.

Insider tip: The cuttlefish croquettes are a must!

Hours: Every day | 12pm–3pm, 7pm–10pm

Address: Av. José Mourinho 28, Setúbal

Mezé

If you’re as obsessed with grilled fish, Mezé is right up your alley! Also set in the beautiful Setúbal peninsula, this modern-looking spot has an outdoor area where you can enjoy a pleasant lunch watching the boats go by. Mezé’s concept is inspired in the food sharing principle common across several Mediterranean cultures, including the Greeks, the Turkish, the Spanish, and the Moroccan. We recommend the Meze codfish and the grilled squid with a Portuguese salad.

Insider tip: Check the daily specials, and go for a few starters before diving into the grilled goods!

Hours: Tuesday–Sunday | 12pm–3:30pm

Address: Rua do Clube Naval 22, Setúbal

Lobo do Mar

Sun, sea, and sand: what else does one want during summertime in Portugal? Besides having all the above, Sesimbra also has Lobo do Mar, a great restaurant where you’ll find you won’t need anything else but traditional fish and seafood dishes. Lobo do Mar is a family-run restaurant that gets the freshest fish and seafood delivered every day.

It has classics like Bulhão Pato clams, grilled fish, and also a wide array of comfort food dishes like fish stew – a must-try! Sesimbra is a beautiful village set in Arrábida, making this the perfect place to dine at if you’re looking to explore this area filled with natural life.

Insider tip: For your main course, choose between the Lobo do Mar fish stew or the grouper pasta stew.

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday | 12pm–3pm, 7pm–9:30pm & Sunday, 12pm–3pm

Address: Av. dos Náufragos, Sesimbra

Marisqueira Baixa Mar

Very few things scream “Portuguese” as a proper marisqueira – restaurants specializing in fish and seafood dishes. Marisqueiras are known for serving a wide selection of steamed seafood like mussels, barnacles, and shrimps. Bulhão Pato clams, and fresh oysters are usually also available.

Set close to the Tagus River, in Lisbon, Marisqueira Baixa Mar is known for its seafood platter – there’s nothing better than sharing fresh seafood after a long day at work – and modern recipes made with traditional ingredients. Some examples include the Baixamar octopus and the super creamy seafood soup.

Insider tip: Want to try something different? Go for the lobster with shrimp rice.

Hours: Every day | 12pm–3pm, 7pm–10pm

Address: Rua do Clube Naval 22, Setúbal

Marea

Sun, sea, and sand: what else does one want during summertime in Portugal? Besides having all the above, Sesimbra also has Lobo do Mar, a great restaurant where you’ll find you won’t need anything else but traditional fish and seafood dishes. Lobo do Mar is a family-run restaurant that gets the freshest fish and seafood delivered every day.

It has classics like Bulhão Pato clams, grilled fish, and also a wide array of comfort food dishes like fish stew – a must-try! Sesimbra is a beautiful village set in Arrábida, making this the perfect place to dine at if you’re looking to explore this area filled with natural life.

Insider tip: For your main course, choose between the Lobo do Mar fish stew or the grouper pasta stew.

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday | 12pm–3pm, 7pm–9:30pm & Sunday, 12pm–3pm

Address: Av. dos Náufragos, Sesimbra

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