Braga’s foodie scene harnesses the rich traditions and culture rooted in Portugal’s Minho region. But as people from all over live there and visit, you’ll also find a variety of international eateries – that ranges from pizzerias to burger joints, Brazilian steakhouses to veggie cafés. So you can bet it’s a great place to explore heritage flavours and casual global bites!

When we’re talking local specialities to look forward to, it’s pork, cod and chicken. Rustic faves include frango à moda de Braga (a chicken and rice dish), bacalhau à Braga (fried cod with onions and vinegar), and rojões à Minhota (marinated pork cubes fried up and served with potatoes and pickles). Plant-based diet? Caldo verde (a warming kale and potato soup) is a comforting alternative. You’re likely to receive a side of cornbread on your plate, and everything’s nicely washed down with Vinho Verde, the region’s light, slightly fizzy wine. And for afters, don’t miss éclair-style, cream-filled pastries, tíbias.  

So, where’s best to try all this exactly? Our round-up of the best restaurants in Braga incoming…

Keep it traditional

There’s an abundance of places to eat in Braga, and most go down the traditional route – serving a lot of popular Portuguese plates noted above. As hits go, Tia Isabel is right up there, promising something for every palate. Grilled octopus with greens, lobster salad and stuffed cod offer pescatarian perfection, or you might prefer to try the roast veal. All of which have some form of yummy potatoes on the side. Creamy puddings are there for those with just enough room for dessert. Similar fish dishes like hake or shrimp – among other tapas-esque small plates, meats and morsels – are all yours at Don Julia too. 

Elsewhere, Steakhouse Churrasqueira Nacional Braga is made for meat-eaters who want a sleek, modern environment to pull up a pew in. The Black Angus is the prime-cut pick. Alternatively, it’s vegan-friendly at Restaurante Retrokitchen, though the menu caters for all. Prep your taste buds for scrumptious sweet potato toast, soups, chilli and pasta. Haven’t done a city break in Porto yet? You can whet your appetite for venturing there with a culinary exploration into its famous francesinha sarnie – the one stuffed with meat, topped with melted cheese, and ladled with a tomatoey gravy before it’s finished with a fried egg. Café Imperial is where to order it! Factor in a nap afterwards, maybe…

Who’s for high-end?

For a jaw-dropping dining experience that some may label ‘boujie’, cast your eyes to the Michelin Guide. It’ll help you suss out which restaurants are truly worthy of their higher price tags. And Braga has a couple of seriously top-drawer eating establishments for gastronomic wizardry. One of these is O Filho da Mãe, a Latin fusion restaurant named in ode to the owner’s mother. It’s well-decorated (and we don’t just mean the interiors) for good reason, and you can savour everything from artisanal bao buns to raw salmon or beef entrecôte. And each plate is a work of art, naturally. 

Meanwhile, more playfully, at Inato Bistrô, courses are reimagined as ‘acts’, where fish and seafood are championed just as much as meat. You’ll also spy various vegetarian and vegan options as well.

We can’t resist going international

Depending on how long you’re going for, you’ll come across so many local-cuisine eateries, but sometimes, you just can’t help what you crave. Italian? Japanese? A good old juicy burger? Follow your nose around the city’s most drool-worthy spots, starting with pPlace. This soul-stirring restaurant is all about finger-licking food, with a menu bulging with delights such as smoky, saucy ribs, lasagne, roast chicken, and even just tasty salads.

Dough not worry about a thing if you’re hankering after a humble marg slice – Pizza D'artista and its wood-fired treasures is the place to eat! Calzones and eggplant parmigianas are options too. Or if you’ve got sushi on the brain, get yourself over to Michizaki for California rolls, takoyaki, maki and more. Chopsticks at the ready!

Fancy getting to know more about Braga? Read our guide to the best things to do there now.