When it comes to MICHELIN, many people's first reaction is "expensive". But in Taipa, Macao, MICHELIN-recommended restaurants actually come in two types: one is the star-rated restaurants on the Cotai Strip, pursuing the ultimate experience of upscale French cuisine and Japanese cuisine; the other is hidden in the old town area around Rua do Cunha, where even locals visit daily — affordable small shops that have also received MICHELIN recommendations, but with much friendlier prices. What this article will introduce is precisely the latter — MICHELIN-standard restaurants suitable for general tourists to enjoy without burden.
The dining positioning between the old town and Cotai has always been clear: Cotai targets high-spending customers with flashy presentations, while the old town caters to locals with comfort food. Rua do Cunha, just a few hundred meters long, gathers more than a dozen legacy shops, many displaying "MICHELIN Recommended" small signs. They serve Portuguese-style home cooking, offering prices that Hong Kong tourists find worthwhile and mainland tourists find surprising. In 2026, Macau's dining market benefited from eased border crossings, with tourist traffic denser than previous years. However, these small shops in the old town maintain their own pace without raising prices arbitrarily due to increased visitors — this deserves respect.
---
Recommended Places
1. O Santos (Shop 20, Rua do Cunha, Edelweiss Building | +853 2882 5594)
A old Portuguese restaurant open for over 30 years, Google rated 4.2 stars, known to local foodies. Hidden in the alley of Rua do Cunha, not a store that tourists would pass by casually. But once you find the right place and walk through the door, it's a different scene entirely. The owner is Portuguese-Macanese, and their bacalhau croquette is the signature dish — salted cod meat coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried, crispy outside and soft inside, paired with lemon juice — typically priced around MOP$50-80. Charcoal-roasted Portuguese chicken is also a must-order, with crispy skin and juicy tender meat, served with fries that are far better than fast food joints. You often see local residents bringing their children to eat, proving it withstands the test of time.
2. Rong Ji Beef Offal Stall (Shop 9, Rua do Cunha, Ground Floor D | +853 6667 3177)
Google rated 4.5 stars, the most popular street food stall on Rua do Cunha. The boss starts simmering beef offal from early morning — the broth is rich but doesn't overpower the beef's natural flavor. A bowl of beef offal typically costs MOP$40-60, paired with temporary street seating, eating while walking gives the most Macao feel. Their secret chili sauce is a hidden weapon — adding a little brings out the entire bowl's layers, but not the tongue-numbing kind of spicy. During holidays afternoon, you often need to queue, but tables turn over quickly, waiting 10-15 minutes gets you a seat.
3. Seng Cheong Restaurant (No. 24, Rua do Cunha | +853 2882 5323)
Google rated 3.5 stars, a family-style restaurant specializing in seafood and Cantonese cuisine. Their signature is water crab congee — using crab meat to simmer congee, the base is so smooth it slides down without chewing. One pot is usually enough for two people, around MOP$120-180. Compared to seafood restaurants in Cotai that start at MOP$500 per person, the price here is much more reasonable. The stir-fried dishes are also done properly, suitable for those who want a proper meal without tourist prices.
4. Kam Nei So (No. 3-5, Doctor Costa Street, Taipa Old Town | +853 2882 5432)
A Chinese home-style restaurant serving traditional Cantonese and Macanese cuisine. The menu isn't fancy, but every dish shows solid foundation. Chicken, char siu, stir-fried seasonal vegetables — these seemingly simple dishes actually test the chef's skills the most. Prices range from MOP$60-120, the kind of "can't decide what to eat? Come here and you won't be wrong" stable choice. Seats are limited, during dinner peak you may need to share tables, but the atmosphere feels like dining at home.
5. Tim Ho Wan (Shop 1, Costa Shopping Centre, Taipa | 2885 6789)
A MICHELIN one-star dim sum specialist. The Macau branch maintains the same quality as in Hong Kong. Shrimp dumplings, siu mai, and Phoenix claws are standard staples, each steamed fresh to order with thin skins and quality fillings. Prices are slightly cheaper than Hong Kong branches, around MOP$30-50 per basket, two people can fill up for under MOP$150. Worth the special trip, not for "experiencing Macao" but for "dim sum that will make you miss it".
---
Practical Information
Transportation:
The most convenient route from the Macau Peninsula: take bus 15, 25, or 26N to the Rua do Cunha stop, or take a taxi directly from the pier/airport, 15-20 minutes ride, fares around MOP$50-80. If coming from Cotai, buses run frequently, about 15 minutes one-way. The Taipa Light Rail doesn't fully cover the old town yet; the nearest station is on the east side of Cotai and will extend to this area in the future.
Price Range:
Per person MOP$60-200, flexible based on preference — street beef offal starts from a few tens of dollars, full meals depend on choices.
Business Hours:
Varies greatly by shop: O Santos typically 11 AM to 9 PM, Rong Ji opens afternoon until evening, Seng Cheong serves lunch and dinner, Kam Nei So is busier at dinner, Tim Ho Wan serves all day. It's recommended to call ahead to confirm, as small shops in the old town often close on holidays.
---
Travel Tips
Rua do Cunha presents two different faces in the morning versus afternoon: like a traditional market in the morning, transforming into a tourist food street in the afternoon. To avoid crowds, visit before 10 AM or after 3 PM. These MICHELIN-recommended small shops don't always accept reservations, so be prepared to wait for a table. Macau Pass and Octopus are not interchangeable — don't confuse them. Dining usually accepts only cash or Macau Pass taxi cards.
Final reminder: In 2026, due to increased travelers in Macau's dining market, wait times at some popular shops are longer than previous years. If your itinerary is fixed, the best middle-ground solution is to dine off-peak or schedule these shops on weekday lunches. As long as you're willing to spend time finding and waiting, the MICHELIN-standard experience in the old town is definitely worth it — this is the most authentic side of Macao, which you may not find in Cotai.
