Macao Peninsula is the historic stronghold of Portuguese cuisine. Unlike the trendy Portuguese restaurants in Taipa's new shopping malls, these long-standing establishments rely on word-of-mouth from local neighbors, having operated for two to three decades. Some feature family-passed-down Macanese Portuguese cooking techniques, while others have Portuguese chefs personally overseeing the kitchen. To savor authentic flavors, one must venture beyond tourist areas and follow the footsteps of local foodies to discover these hidden gem restaurants.
There's a unique history to Macao's Portuguese cuisine—when the Portuguese first landed, they merged with local Chinese to develop the "Macanese Portuguese cuisine" system. Compared to authentic Portuguese food, this style incorporates more Southeast Asian seasoning, more like a Macao-exclusive version. And with intense competition in the F&B industry in 2026, many high-end restaurants are opening, but these old establishments have become even more precious—after all, flavor is accumulated over time.
Portuguese restaurants on Macao Peninsula are mainly concentrated in two areas. One is the residential area around the Senate Square, where there are relatively fewer tourists but many old establishments are densely located. The other is in the Estádio and Horta e Costa area, which is the local foodie hub with more wallet-friendly prices.
Portuguese Restaurant is located at G/F 7-9 Senate Square, near the Ruins of St. Paul's, yet remarkably it hasn't been commercialized for tourism. The boss insists on making codfish balls by hand daily—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They also serve Portuguese grilled sea bass set with white wine, a classic combination. Average spending is approximately MOP$120-180, which is quite reasonable for the area.
Santos Portuguese Restaurant is located at G/F 7-9 Avenida de Horta e Costa, holding many Macau residents' childhood memories. Their Portuguese grilled chicken is made using traditional oven-roasting methods—the skin is crispy while the meat is tender, and the portion is generous enough for two to share. Additionally, their signature African chicken has a rich, slightly spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with fries. Convenient parking makes it a popular choice for family gatherings. Average spending is MOP$100-150.
Cock Portuguese Restaurant is located at 10 Rua dos Ervanários, Bao Bao Building. The exterior appears unremarkable, but inside hides a rare authentic Portuguese seafood rice in Macao. The proprietress is Portuguese, marrying over from Porto, and has completely transplanted her hometown's seafood stew做法. Generous ingredients include shrimp and mussels, and the rice maintains a slightly firm center. Average spending is MOP$150-200, suitable for when you want a more formal dining experience.
Macanese Cuisine is located at G/F 3-5 Rua do Barca. This place specializes in Macanese Portuguese cuisine, featuring signature dishes like "Minced Beef" and "Curry Crab." The boss is a third-generation Macanese Portuguese and is particular about his cooking. The "Minced Beef" isn't the typical Hong Kong-style minced beef but uses Portuguese sausage with ground beef, served with fries—rich in layers. Average spending is MOP$130-170. For experiencing Macao's unique Macanese culture, this is the top choice.
Casa do Bacalhau is located at 34 Rua da Venenosa. Google ratings are as high as 4.9 stars. Foodies recommend their "Bacalhau" in various preparations—baked, fried, or roasted salt cod. The boss insists on importing ingredients from Portugal daily, allowing guests to taste authentic Portuguese flavors. Average spending is MOP$140-220. Although the price point is slightly higher, the quality speaks for itself.
For transportation, public bus is the main mode of transport on Macao Peninsula. From the Border Gate or Hong Kong-Macao Ferry Terminal, you can take routes 3A, 5, or 9 to reach the Senate Square area. For self-driving, there are several nearby parking lots, but during holidays, parking spaces are in high demand. It's recommended to park at the underground parking lot near Senate Square and then walk to explore the food scene.
There are a few tips for enjoying Portuguese cuisine on Macao Peninsula: First, don't just follow internet trends—the truly delicious places are hidden in alleyways. Second, Portuguese restaurants in Macao generally close early for lunch, and many stop serving after 2 PM. Third, weekends are busier, so it's advisable to make reservations in advance, especially for Santos and Macanese Cuisine, which are often fully booked. Finally, many older establishments only accept cash, so remember to have some Macau Pataca ready.
