Cathy MerrittRecently, I got into watching travel vlogs, and one of my favorite travel vloggers is visiting Portugal. She’s touring Lisbon in particular, and she’s always featuring the cuisine in her videos. And wow, do the dishes look so good!
After binging all her videos, I immediately felt the impulse to travel and try all these dishes myself.
But since I didn’t have the funds for travel yet, I had to resort to the next best thing: trying out as many Portuguese restaurants in Toronto. Fortunately, there are several here, and so far, here are my favorites!
Chiado Restaurant
Address: 864 College St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—12 to 2:30 pm, 5 to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—5 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165381910
If you’re looking for a fancy spot for a date, then look no further than Chiado Restaurant! This restaurant blends old-school charm and timeless elegance, and the menu features classic Portuguese dishes with a modern twist.
I like coming here for dinner, and my go-to order is the lobster with risotto. The lobster meat is tender and slightly sweet, and I love the strong saffron notes from the fluffy risotto. I also recommend the grilled tiger shrimp, which is smoky and spicy.
I’m a big dessert lover, so I always end my meal with Natas do Ceu, a dessert made of crumbled lady fingers with almond liqueur and sweet cream. It’s such a delicate treat, and I love that it isn’t too sweet.
| Pro Tips: Chiado often hosts private functions like wine tastings, intimate dining experiences, culinary classes, and catered affairs. This restaurant also participates in Summerlicious. During this food festival, they offer a limited-time prix fixe meal. |
Mercado Restaurant
Address: 682 Caledonia Rd
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday—12 to 9:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 to 10 pm
- Sunday—12 to 4 pm
Contact Number: +16477481370
Boasting an old-school European-style interior, Mercado Restaurant is all about staying true to its roots. That’s why the menu is filled with delicious and authentic Portuguese dishes.
I recommend starting your meal with Bacalhau a Bras, which is a Portuguese cod fish salad, and it tastes so rich and refreshing.
For the main course, I always get the Costeletas de Cabrito, which is lamb chops on top of a bed of colorful vegetables. The meat is so juicy, and the red wine reduction sauce adds a touch of dark smokiness and cinnamon spice to it.
| Pro Tips: Mercado also sells grocery items like canes of codfish and other non-perishable goods that are imported from Portugal. You can host a party at this restaurant. You can send your request via phone or email ([email protected]), and make sure you’re giving them at least 24 hours’ notice. |
Bairrada Churrasqueira
Address: 1000 College St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—11 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 10:30 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +14165398239
Bairrada Churrasqueira has been around since 1989, and since then, it’s spread out to several locations in Toronto. My favorite branch is on College Street, but sometimes, I also like to visit the ones on Dundas Street and St. Clair Avenue.
I recommend getting the Bife à Casa, which is basically the restaurant’s signature steak. The steak is aged and marinated, so the savory flavors penetrate deep into the meat. Grilling it also adds a nice smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
Whenever I’m craving seafood, I usually get Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato, a Portuguese-style clam dish. The clams taste garlicky and tangy, and I love eating them with rice.
| Pro Tip: They also offer catering services. |
Churrasquiera Martins
Address: 605 Rogers Rd #1, York
Operating Hours:
- Sunday and Monday—12 to 8 pm
- Tuesday to Thursday—12 to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14166574343
Another great Portuguese grill house that you need to check out is Churrasquiera Martins!
I enjoy getting seafood here. So far, the one that I keep craving is the Filete de Róbalo Chileno, which is grilled Chilean sea bass. The meat is perfectly peppery, but it also has a bit of sweetness and tanginess because of the mango salsa.
If you like something with meat, you can’t go wrong with the Surf and Turf. It comes with a tender filet mignon wrapped in crispy bacon, and its rich savoriness pairs really well with the sweet lobster.
Don’t pass up the opportunity to try the Portuguese custard tart! It’s so creamy and decadent, and they always serve it fresh from the oven.
| Pro Tip: To secure your seat, book a reservation. |
Piri Piri Grill
Address: 1444 Dupont St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—12 to 9:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 to 10 pm
- Sunday—12 to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14165365100
One thing I love about Piri Piri Grill is that it’s very hip, but at the same time, dining here feels like you’re at a seaside restaurant. That’s why I always come here whenever I need a pick-me-up. I always feel better here.
When it comes to food, I recommend the piri-piri chicken. The meat is grilled to perfection, and the piri-piri sauce adds a nice kick of heat to every bite.
I also love the Rack of Lamb because the lamb chops are so tender and extra tasty, thanks to the mint and pepper sauce. I also love that the dish is served with a creamy mushroom risotto; it complements well with the lamb chops.
| Pro Tip: They offer catering services as well. Check their catering menu here. |
Flor 2 Tapas
Address: 722 College St
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday—5 to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—5 pm to 12 am
- Sunday—11 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +14165162539
Take a break for a while and treat yourself and your friends to delicious tapas (finger foods) at Flor 2 Tapas!
I recommend the Portuguese octopus salad, which tastes fresh and peppery, or the Flaming Portuguese Chorizo, which is perfectly spicy. The cod tempura is also great because it’s so crispy, and the citrus mayo adds a nice tanginess.
If you want something more filling, then you should get the saffron paella. This rice dish is piled high with chorizo, chicken, clams, mussels, and shrimp, so every spoonful is a symphony of sweet-earthy goodness. You’ll also be full and satisfied afterward!
| Pro Tip: Are you planning a party with loved ones or a corporate dinner? You can book a room at this restaurant. |
Rush Hour
Address: 1438a Dufferin St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday—5:30 to 9 pm
- Sunday—12 to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14165334687
Rush Hour is a hidden gem right on Dufferin Street. This restaurant oozes cozy vibes, and the casks of wine hanging from the walls make you feel like you’re in a winery somewhere in Europe.
I’m a big fan of the gnocchi here. The sauce is so creamy and peppery, with slight hints of sweetness. It also comes with sautéed chicken that’s tender and juicy.
Aside from the gnocchi, I recommend the seared ahi tuna. The tuna has that smoky-savory flavor that I like, and the wasabi aioli gives it a kick of heat. Meanwhile, the potatoes and vegetables taste sweet and fruity because of the orange-soy glaze.
| Pro Tip: You can bring your own wine here. Just pay for the corkage fee. |
Via Norte Restaurant
Address: 938 College St
Operating Hours:
- Monday—12 to 3 pm
- Tuesday to Thursday—12 to 3 pm, 5:30 to 9 pm
- Friday—12 to 3 pm, 5:30 to 10 pm
- Saturday—5:30 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16473481116
Via Norte Restaurant is the best place to go if you want a fine dining experience with modern Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisines.
I usually get the Bitoque, which is a Portuguese-style steak. The meat has a perfect sear, and the inside is juicy and melts on my tongue like butter. If you want the steak to taste more savory and peppery, feel free to pour the peppercorn sauce over it.
If you love seafood, I recommend trying the Cataplana de Peixe e Marisco. It features a mix of fresh fish and seafood cooked in a herby and tangy tomato-based stew. This dish can feed two people, so I always get it when I’m on a date.
| Pro Tips: This restaurant participates in food festivals like Summerlicious. During this event, you can enjoy a prix fixe meal. If you’re planning a private event with loved ones, you can book this restaurant via phone or email ([email protected]). |
Nova Era Bakery
Address: 1172 Dundas St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—6 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—7 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14165387700
Do you have a sweet tooth like me? Then, you’ll undoubtedly love Nova Era Bakery because it offers a wide variety of Portuguese desserts!
One dessert I always get is the Patas de Veado, which is essentially a Swiss roll that’s filled with egg custard. The custard center is so gooey and sweet. I can’t get enough of it!
Another great pastry to try is the chouriço bread. As you can guess from the name, it’s bread filled with chouriço (Portuguese-style sausage). Biting into this bread, you’ll taste an explosion of spiciness with a hint of sweetness!
| Pro Tip: You can order a custom cake by filling out this form. |
Adega Restaurante
Address: 33 Elm St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5 to 10 pm
- Saturday—5 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14169774338
What I like about Adega Restaurante is that they take old recipes and reimagine them with modern cooking techniques. This dining spot also specializes in seafood, and its ingredients are always sourced from Portugal and the Azores Islands.
I recommend getting the pan-roasted herb-crusted salmon. The salmon meat is buttery and herby, and thanks to the pineapple compote, the dish has a dish of fruity sweetness as well.
Also try the Cataplana Fresh Fish Stew, which is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. This dish has a tangy tomato broth, and it’s jam-packed with mussels, shrimp, clams, squid, and fresh fish.
Don’t forget to order a glass or bottle of wine. This restaurant has an impressive collection of wines that come from Portugal!
| Pro Tips: This restaurant often joins the Summerlicious food festival. Come here when you can (it usually falls sometime in July)! Looking for a unique gift for a fellow foodie? Give them a gift card from Adega! |
Vagueira Restaurant
Address: 835 Runnymede Rd
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday—11 am to 9 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +14167611111
Vagueira Restaurant is owned by a Portuguese family, so you can expect that the flavors here are authentic!
Treat yourself to classic treats like Pastel de Bacalhau (codfish cake), which is perfectly salty and garlicky, or Alheira (Portuguese stuffed sausage), which is juicy and oozing with spicy-savory goodness. The crispy calamari is also a great snack!
For the main course, I recommend the Vitela Assada no Forno (oven-roasted veal). The meat is so tender and juicy, and it soaks up the savory flavors of the sauce.
To end your meal, order the delicious Pastel de Nata (custard tart). The crust is so flaky, and the custard is silky smooth and decadently sweet! Frankly, I can devour ten of these in one go.
| Pro Tip: If you’re dining with a group, book a reservation. The reservation form is right on the website’s homepage. |
Casa Portuguesa
Address: 180 Bentworth Ave, York
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday—11 am to 8 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 10 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +16473001182
Another wonderful hidden gem serving delicious Portuguese dishes in the Greater Toronto Area is Casa Portuguesa. Plus, the prices here are affordable, so all the more reason to come here!
I really like the chicken dish here because the skin is slightly caramelized, giving off some sweet notes, but the interior is mildly spiced and acidic. Since I eat this dish with rice, I always end up full by the end.
I also recommend the pork and clams. I know it sounds like an odd combination, but somehow, it works. It’s salty and slightly spicy, but it’s also hearty and good enough for two people.
| Pro Tips: Take note that the prices for dine-in and take-out are different. This restaurant has a pantry section stocked with goods like olive oil, tinned sardines, and soap from Portugal. |
