10 Cheap Places to Eat in Sintra

10 Cheap Places to Eat in Sintra

Taking a day trip to Sintra at some point during your visit to Lisbon is considered a must; but spending tons of money eating out when you get there, is not.

There are many budget restaurants available in Sintra, you just have to know where to look. It’s easy to get swallowed by tourist traps when in this majestic village; keep an eye out for the following places to eat.

1. A Pendoa in Sintra

A Pendoa is in the main Sintra valley, right by the Pena Palace and other famous castles that one encounters as they enter into the nature reserve.

This is traditional Portuguese cuisine, as most restaurants in Sintra are. Instead of high end dining, this is very much like eating in grandma’s kitchen. Absolutely no frills, but delicious high quality food at a fraction of the cost of what you would usually pay.

Opening hours are flexible but usually the kitchen closes around 4pm daily, come for lunch!

by Arnstein Rønning – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Unknown

ADDRESS: Portugal, R. Pendoa 14, Sintra, Portugal

Train STATION: Sintra

2. Sopa d’Avó in Sintra

Another really wonderful Portuguese eatery; this one you can dine at dinner time!

Expect all of the quintessential dishes like bacalhau, local sausage and cozido. Sopa d’Avó gets points for ambiance too, it’s always a festive occasion at this restaurant.

The menu is very affordable, without being too cheap — do you know what I mean?

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday — 11:45pm to 2:30pm // 6:45pm to 10pm

ADDRESS:Av. R. Veiga da Cunha 34, 2710-627 Sintra, Portugal

Train STATION: Sintra

3. A Tasca do Manel in Sintra

Back into the valley we go for another traditional Portuguese spot. A Tasca do Manel is a popular place for visitors to the main castles to eat following their visits.

The restaurant has adapted to the continuous flow of tourists and now offers a really great lunch deal. For just €8 you’ll get a starter of bread and soup, followed by a main meal of your choice and finished off with a Portuguese espresso or coffee.

by Schnobby – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday — 7:45am to 8pm

ADDRESS: Largo Dr. Virgílio Horta 4, 2710-592 Sintra, Portugal

Train STATION: Sintra

4. Kebabish in Sintra

When in doubt, kebab restaurants are usually a sure bet for affordable dining in any European city.

Kebabish is one of the only spots in Sintra, and the menu is a mix of kebab, pizzas and Indian curries. Everything is unfathomably cheap, and actually equally as delicious!

I loved their falafel; I actually look forward to eating here again the next time I am in Sintra. Some of their menu items are halal, too!

Kebabish in Sintra – by Kebabish – Sourced from their Facebook

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 11am to 11pm

ADDRESS: Largo Afonso de Albuquerque 9, 2710-572 Sintra, Portugal

Train STATION: Sintra

5. Wang Ke Lai in Sintra

Wang Ke Lai is up in Atrozela, northern Sintra. This is your typical Chinese eatery, with a simple menu at very pleasing prices.

It’s a popular dining spot for families who have opted to spend the night in Sintra. There is an all day buffet available as well which is made up of some of the most common Chinese dishes as well as sushi.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 11pm

ADDRESS: R. Cesaltina Fialho Gouveia 423, 2645-038 Alcabideche, Portugal

Train STATION: Sintra

6. Ares da Serra in Sintra

Ares da Serra is deeper into the nature reserve, past the Galamares region. Making the journey is well worth it, especially once you hear about their meal specials.

For €8 you’ll be treated to a starter of your choice, a wide selection of main meals, drinks and/or wine, complimentary water, a dessert of your choosing and a coffee to finish off.

I don’t need to tell you what value for money this is. As an added bonus, the food is actually outstanding!

by De Paepe edwin – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday — 7:30am to 3:30pm // 7:30pm to 11:30pm

ADDRESS: Av. 25 de Abril 159, 2710-405 Sintra, Portugal

Train STATION: Sintra

7. Caricato in Sintra

Caricato is in Carrascal, Sintra. This is a less touristy part of the region, and mostly filled with traditional Portuguese restaurants.

Caricato is the most affordable in these parts; high quality food at very low prices. I recommend any of the cod fish mains as well as the squid.

Caricato in Sintra – by Caricato – Sourced from their Facebook

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday — 10am to 4pm // 7pm to 10pm

ADDRESS: Estr. da Me. de Deus, 2710-165 Sintra, Portugal

Train STATION: Sintra

8. Xentra-actividades Hoteleiras Lda in Sintra

This restaurant, with a name I cannot say, is one if Sintra’s hidden gems. It’s a Portuguese buffet, where you can take advantage of their ‘all you can eat’ policy for just €9.50.

It’s a mix of meats, salads, fruits and traditional Portuguese mains but none including seafood, take note!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 11am to 2am

ADDRESS: R. Consiglieri Pedroso 2A, 2710-557 Sintra, Portugal

Train STATION: Sintra

9. Queijadas da Sapa in Sintra

The cheapest bakery in Sintra would be Queijadas da Sapa. It’s a pastry shop with fantastic, freshly baked treats by the hour, and great coffee.

It’s situated about a five minute walk from the main Sintra train station. You must try the queijadas!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday — 9:30am to 6pm

ADDRESS: Volta Duche 12, 2710-631 Sintra, Portugal

Train STATION: Sintra

10. Padaria Da Carlota Lda in Sintra

If you have time to venture up into Janas, then Padaria da Carlota is another really wonderful bakery retailing at a fraction of the price of the ones in the valley.

You should actually come here for their bagels, and not even the pastries! The fresh baked break will set you back just some spare change.

Padaria Da Carlota Lda in Sintra – by Padaria Da Carlota Lda – Sourced from their Facebook

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday — 7:30am to 1:30pm

ADDRESS: R. da Ponte N 4 2710-277, 2710-277 Sintra, Portugal

Train STATION: Sintra

Whether you’re in Sintra or Lisbon, whether you’re on a budget or not, a guided walking tour needs to be incorporated into your itinerary at some point. They remain the best ways to see Portugal through the eyes of someone local; and some of them are free!