Aliu IsaMy friend’s mom from Portugal came to visit, and I was lucky enough to be invited over for dinner.
The table was full of incredible dishes—crispy salad cod fritters, spicy piri piri chicken, caldo verde soup, and of course, sweet pasteis de nata fresh from the oven. You better believe I sampled (and loved!) every single thing on the table.
After she went home, I couldn’t stop thinking about those flavors. So, I set out across Toronto, sampling every Portuguese spot I could find.
If you’re also craving comfort food, you don’t have to look very far. I rounded up the best Portuguese restaurants in Toronto that you and your crew can visit ASAP.
Chiado Restaurant
– Media credit: chiadotoronto
Website: https://chiadorestaurant.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiadotoronto/
Address: 864 College St
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 12 PM – 10 PM
Sat – Sun: 5 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 538-1910
Must-Order: Grilled Salted Cod
Chiado Restaurant was created by the famous Chef Albino Silva. He’s known for his “Progressive Portuguese” cooking, which focuses on bold yet homey flavors and creative presentation.
My favorite here is the Grilled Salted Cod, with roasted garlic and olive oil. Cod (bacalhau) is basically Portugal’s national dish, and Silva nails it with this simple but delicious offering.
Of course, you can’t fully enjoy Portuguese food without a good glass of wine. Chiado’s wine list is packed with gems from Portugal, like Vinho Verde or bold reds from Douro.
And if you need a gift idea, they have $100, $250, or customizable gift cards.
Pro Tip:
Book Chiado if you want a fantastic and elegant venue for a private event. Their White Wine Cellar room is an elegant, tucked-away space that’s perfect for corporate dinners or special celebrations.
Mercado Restaurant
– Media credit: mercadorestaurant.to
Website: https://www.mercadotoronto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercadorestaurant.to/
Address: 682 Caledonia Rd
Hours:
Mon, Wed – Thurs: 12 PM – 9 PM
Fri – Sat: 12 PM – 10 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 4 PM
Contact: (647) 748-1370
Must-Order: Beira Mar
Since 2018, Mercado Restaurant has been a go-to for authentic Portuguese food in the TO. This family-run spot feels homey and stylish, with a menu that celebrates tapas, grilled meats, seafood, and cocktails.
If you’re going as a group, definitely order their Beira Mar platter. This surf-and-turf board is piled high with smoky, grilled-kiss prosciutto-wrapped steak medallions, chorizo, pork belly, jumbo shrimp, scallops, and, of course, tender octopus tentacle.
The vibe here is just as stellar as the food—you’ll see paintings, statues, chandeliers, and lovely art pieces. My favorite is their beautiful covered patio, filled with greenery.
Don’t miss a little gourmet shopping on your way out! They have a cabinet near the entrance where you can snag goods from Portugal, like codfish in cans and olive oil.
Pro Tip:
Hosting a party? Mercado’s party platters are a guaranteed crowd pleaser—just give them 24 hours’ notice by phone or email.
Don Quixote Restaurant
– Media credit: donquixotetoronto
Website: https://www.donquixoterestaurant.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donquixotetoronto
Address: 1331 1/2, St Clair Ave W #2
Hours:
Mon, Wed – Thurs: 11 AM – 9 PM
Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 8:30 PM
Contact: (416) 652-7777
Must-Order: Francesinha
Don Quixote is a family-friendly eatery that offers tapas, paellas, and seafood—basically all the hits that make Portuguese cuisine so beloved.
If there’s one thing you should try here, it’s the Francesinha, a legendary dish from northern Portugal. Imagine beef, pork sausage, ham, and cheese stuffed between toasted bread, melted cheese, and spicy secret sauce.
They have you covered with drinks, too—their bar menu offers a wide range of wines, beers, liquors, and mixed drinks. You’ll even find the refreshing Caipirinha, Portugal’s famous cocktail.
With room for up to 50 guests indoors or outdoors, this lovely restaurant is perfect for weddings, birthday parties, baptisms, baby showers, and even corporate affairs.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to bring the whole family, since Don Quixote offers a kids’ menu. Little ones can dig into grilled chicken breast with fries, penne bolognese with a rustic tomato sauce, or crispy chicken fingers.
Adega Restaurante
– Media credit: adega_restaurante_toronto
Website: https://adegarestaurante.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adega_restaurante_toronto/
Address: 33 Elm St
Hours:
Mon – Thurs: 11:30 AM –2 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM –2 PM, 5 PM – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 5 PM – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Contact: (416) 977-4338
Must-Order: Grilled Squid
Adega, which fittingly means wine cellar, is known for modern Portuguese dining with a touch of global flair.
Seafood is their forte—their kitchen sources the freshest catch from all over the world! Think fish from Portugal and the Azores, Canadian Maritime lobster, Norwegian cod, Tunisian octopus, and Thai tiger shrimp.
One dish you can’t miss? Their Grilled Squid. It’s dressed simply but perfectly with lemon, coriander, garlic, and olive oil, letting the natural sweetness of the squid shine.
And if you’re after a great deal (I mean, who isn’t?), go for their Prix Fixe menu. You’ll start with your pick of chef’s daily soup, seasonal baby greens, or salted cod, then move on to mains like pan-roasted salmon, Black Angus striploin, or mushroom risotto.
Pro Tip:
During the warmer months, try to snag one of Adega’s patio tables. Located on a quiet side street, their patio is the perfect little escape from the bustle of downtown.
Flor do Ave Restaurant
– Media credit: flordoave
Website: https://flordoaverestaurant.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordoave/
Address: 1654 St Clair Ave W
Hours:
Mon – Thurs: 11 AM – 9 PM
Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 410-8000
Must-Order: Bacalhau à Flor do Ave
Flor do Ave may be small with just 30 seats, but it packs big flavor. No surprise there since this cozy Portuguese spot is led by none other than Chef Paula Da Silva, runner-up on Hell’s Kitchen Season 5.
We love their Bacalhau à Flor do Ave. This house specialty combines cod with caramelized onions and crispy potatoes—hearty and generous in portion.
Wash it down with one of their delicious Portuguese wines, beers, or refreshing cocktails.
Note that since this is a tiny space, you’d want to book well in advance, especially if you’re planning on going during the weekend.
Pro Tip:
Don’t skip dessert at Flor do Ave! Their passion fruit mousse is light, tangy, and silky smooth—the kind of sweet finish that lingers in your memory long after the last bite.
Vagueira Restaurant
– Media credit: vagueira.ca
Website: https://www.vagueira.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vagueira.ca/
Address: 835 Runnymede Rd
Hours:
Tue to Sat: 11 AM – 9 PM
Sundays: 11 AM – 4 PM
Closed for Summer Holidays (Aug 1 to 26)
Contact: (416) 761-1111
Must-Order: Cozido à Portuguesa
Under the care of Chef Helena Rodrigues, Vagueira offers Portuguese fare that has been passed down through generations.
If you’re after true comfort food, plan a visit on Thursdays for the Cozido à Portuguesa. This hearty traditional stew is packed with various meats, sausages, potatoes, cabbage, turnips, and carrots—all simmered together in a savory broth and served with fluffy rice.
To balance your meal, choose from add-ons like white rice, veggie rice, Parisienne potatoes, French fries, garden salad, or steamed veggies—each just $2 extra.
And for dessert, don’t miss the Flan Pudin (Pudim Flan). Made with eggs, milk, and sugar, then topped with caramel, this homestyle Portuguese pudding is very smooth.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, Vagueira offers customizable gift cards. Pick your amount, add a personal message, and give someone the chance to enjoy Chef Helena’s comforting Portuguese cooking.
Bairradino Churrasqueira
– Media credit: bairradinochurrasqueira
Website: https://bairradino.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bairradinochurrasqueira/
Address: 662 Lansdowne Ave
Hours:
Mon – Wed: 11 AM – 7 PM
Thurs – Sat: 11 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Contact: (416) 531-6912
Must-Order: Grilled BBQ Chicken
For over 20 years, Bairradino Churrasqueira has been a neighborhood favorite, and we can definitely see why. This traditional Portuguese restaurant’s mission is to serve healthy, hearty, and fresh dishes that keep families coming back for more.
Don’t leave here without trying their Grilled BBQ Chicken with rice and roasted potatoes. Not only is it juicy and flavorful, but the portions are very generous as well.
To make your meal even more satisfying, grab a cold can of Sumol—mango or passionfruit. It’s the ultimate pairing with that smoky BBQ chicken.
And don’t forget the piri piri hot sauce on the side, which is spicy and addictive. It’s so good, you’ll want to take some home—good thing they sell it by the bottle, too.
Pro Tip:
Bairradino offers a plethora of sides that you can add to your meal. From Parisienne potatoes to chickpea or garden salad, fries, or white rice, you can mix and match to round out your plate.
