Long known for having the World’s Best Fish, Matosinhos continues to honor its culinary heritage while embracing modern flair. The Matosinhos Municipal Market, a landmark of mid-century modern architecture, remains a bustling hub of fresh seafood and local produce. Visitors can still choose their fish straight from a stall and have it prepared by nearby restaurants—a beloved tradition that showcases the city’s vibrant food culture. Now also home to design studios and diverse shops, the market plays a key role in the revitalization of Matosinhos’ historic center.
That spirit of craftsmanship endures at Conservas Pinhais, an artisanal cannery and living museum that has been in operation since 1935. Its cult-favorite brand, NURI, offers hand-wrapped sardines using time-honored techniques and top-quality ingredients—an enduring symbol of Matosinhos’ deep connection to the sea and its global culinary influence.
Perched on the cliffs of Leça da Palmeira, the Michelin two-star Casa de Chá da Boa Nova is Chef Rui Paula’s most ambitious project—a striking fusion of architecture and Atlantic cuisine. Since earning its first Michelin star in 2016 and a second in 2019, the restaurant has become one of northern Portugal’s premier dining destinations, where the sea takes center stage both on the plate and through breathtaking views. Matosinhos’s gastronomic legacy is further upheld by local institutions like Mauritânia, which has been serving fresh seafood on Rua Brito e Cunha for over 40 years.
