Location: Sao Joao da Madeira
Top Restaurants in Sao Joao da Madeira
Top Things to do in Sao Joao da Madeira
Sao Joao da Madeira Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Sao Joao da Madeira
São João da Madeira (Portuguese pronunciation: [sɐ̃w ʒuˈɐ̃w ðɐ mɐˈðɐjɾɐ] ( listen)), is a city and a municipality in northwestern region of the Portuguese Norte region. It's part of the larger Porto Metropolitan Area. The population in 2011 was 21,713. With an area of 7.94 km², it is the smallest municipality in Portugal. In 2010, the city was distinguished in Portuguese Quality of Life studies as the "Best Municipality to Live In".
Things to do in Sao Joao da Madeira
1. LasVegas Restaurante
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
This is the first brazilian restaurant in Portugal, and is famous for the caipirinhas, the rodizio, and the famous frequentky customers (politicians, soccer players, actors, ...)
Reviewed By Haley D - Toronto, Canada
My father-in-law brought us here for dinner on our visit to Portugal. No meal could compare after this. Staff was so friendly and really made the entire experience. And this is an experience! We have been to Brazilian Steakhouses before but this is the best!! Starting with a caipirinha was 3 hrs of delicious bliss. Each meat was more incredible than the next and we all left full and satisfied. I would highly recommend and hope we get to return again soon!!!
2. Pedra Bela
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 343 reviews
Reviewed By Henrique d - Porto, Portugal
I have visited this restaurante for Easter Sunday lunch with my family. Due to this event, the restaurant was full and I believe the issues I faced on servicing side had the same reason.
Short Story:
Easter Sunday and restaurant was not accepting any Reservations. I can understand that, but we arrived early, around 12PM and the traditional dish (roasted goat) we were looking for had already sold out, that was the first disappointment.
The second downside point was the service, messy and slow. We were 60 minutes waiting for our food, but during that time we saw other tables being served and some of them larger groups than ours, we were only 7 persons.
Finnaly the food started to be served, but also here we face some issues. We ordered 3 different dishes, and were not served a same time. So some have started to eat 5 to 10 minutes before the others.
The good side of all meal was in fact the food itself. All the 3 were perfectly cooked and tasty. Easly noticed that ingredients had very good quality, one of the of options we ordered was the seafood rice and the seafood was very fresh.
About prices, I think they are a little inflated. Beside the quality is good, they charge too much, the ration quality/price are not resonable considering the bad service and the messy atmosphere.
DO I WILL RETURN?
Can happen, but never on a special day and never as my first option.
3. Baco.Come
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Reviewed By Luis F - Espinho, Portugal
Nice place, food is good and portions are good.
presentation is good. I had the cod with corn bread and the veal and it was good.
The restaurante decor is also good, at least not that typical look of Portugueses restaurants with poor decor. Service was good and fast.
4. Restaurante Cantinho Nobre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By JoseSM - Porto
I end up in this restaurant by accident and it was a very good surprise. Nice traditional Portuguese food with a good dining room. The kitchen is completely open and immaculate clean. The wine list together with the sympathy of the owner Jose Manuel make this visit worth to repeat. The prices are very cheap.
5. Tabua Rasa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By LILY306 - Florham Park, New Jersey
Monday July 11, 2016 stopped in for dinner. As soon as you arrive at your table you are presented with chouriço (Portuguese sausage), Feta cheese, miniature toast, baby tomatoes...FYI if you start to grab the irresistible appetizer just remember you will be paying that at the end. Bread and butter is also an extra.
I recommend the bife folhado with cogumelos, it also comes with chips. The mushroom sauce was light simply divine. The sangria was an excellent choice to accompany the amazing entree.
Their prefixed lunch is 6 Euros per person which you can choose between meat or fish. They serve soup, main entree and coffee (espresso).
I can't wait to try their lunch, looking forward on going there soon.
6. River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By miecz - Wroclaw, Poland
We were in this restaurant with 12 people... At the begging starters, they were AMAZING!!! I will not describe what exactly we had but everything was delicious. Than we had a fish not as good as I was expecting (to salty) and after that very good meat arrived. Even I was full I had to taste it and it was very impressive so I could not resist to have more:-) after that we enjoyed rest of the evening in this restaurant tasting different types of ....;)
Staff/service there is nice but some waiters have difficulties to understand English... but I do not thing it could be a problem;)
7. Restaurante A Harpa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Installed in an area of undeniable beauty that stands out from the urban area that surrounds the restaurant "A Harpa" is the stage for a new gastronomic proposal in Sao Joao da Madeira. Charming and refined, this newly opened restaurant offers an extensive menu that allows delightful surprises by the union of flavors, colors and aromas, enhancing the quality of the meals, exquisite dishes and distinction in service. It features a private parking, a large living room and a modern design - which joins another outside in the garden style "Harp" - is prepared to respond to all requests of its customers. These can also enjoy a diverse menu reflecting a Portuguese gastronomic culture that extends from the coast to the Mountains. Offering desserts mouthwatering, "A Harpa" is distinguished also for its extensive wine cellar of refined quality. Under the management of Chef Manuel Paula, the restaurant "The Harp" is also composed of an excellent team of highly qualified professionals.
Reviewed By LILY306 - Florham Park, New Jersey
I went to the Harpa back in June 2016. Lunch time the price is amazing..Upon arrival you receive a glass of champagne, bread with pate is also offered then there is a menu which consists of soup, main entree and dessert for 11 Euros per person. Menu is called their specific selection just for lunch at a fixed rate. The quantity of food is unbelievable and the quality is amazing. I definitely can't wait to go back.
8. Casa Mia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By spocy
Casa mia is without a doubt the best Italian restaurant in Feira. When I have a craving for Italian food I don't think of any other restaurant. Great food and ambiance. Try the salads and the camarão e abacaxi pizza they unbelievable!!!
9. Fabrica dos Sentidos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By DHM5 - The Hague, The Netherlands
If you love good food, good prices and a nice environment, this is the place to be. Have a nice lunch or diner between the locals. Great daily lunch deal for €6,50. Also a very good 3-course menu available for €13,- Very friendly people and good wine. It's located in a museum, so you really have to search a bit.
10. Restaurante Homenagem
Overall Ratings
4 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By JoseSM - Porto
The restaurant is an old house that belong to one of the most famous business man in S.J Madeira in the last century. The dining rooms are very well renovated and the food is great. For 13 euros you can have the daily menu with wine, soup, desert, coffee and 4 choices of main dish of fish or meat .The staff is very kind and professional. Good car parking. While you wait to be seated you can enjoy a glass of wine and starters at the entrance.
