Like other ummm…natural highs, surfing has been known to trigger attacks of the munchies. Not surprisingly, a few hours of paddling, panting and attempting push-ups on a moving plank will do that you.
Luckily, Peniche is the most consistent surf destination in Europe, so the locals are intimately familiar with this appetite affliction and at our pick of the best value restaurants in Peniche you’ll find beyond generous portions and plenty of choices to satisfy your cravings.
Each of our choices in this Peniche restaurant guide for starving surfers has been selected based on three criteria – Fullness (portion size), Flavour and Fair Pricing.
And we could go on about them for ages, but before your pangs get the better of you and hungry turns to hangry, here they are…
Best Peniche restaurants on a budget (€10 or under per person)
Cantinho do Bolha
This small, family run restaurant serving up Portuguese favourites made with love is our top pick for a delicious, hearty meal for under €10. Over and above their menu of local staples and tapas, they also have different daily specials (prato do dia) every weekday.
Insider Tip: At lunchtime, get there at 12 and order before the hordes of local workers descend on this small but popular eatery for their midday meal.
Duna Kebab
This hole-in-the-wall, along one of the pedestrian walkways in the centre of Peniche, may not look like much, but all of their dishes pack a punch in terms of flavour, and calories. Their selection of shwarma meals are just as satisfying after a long surf as they are after a big night.
Insider Tip: For a healthier option, order the ‘prato’ or plate, and get to enjoy all the delicious goodies that go into a shwarma without a carb and gluten-heavy wrap.
Churrasqueira Vo Dina
A churrasqueira is essentially a Portuguese barbecue restaurant and grilled meats served with mountains of rice and fries (or salad if you prefer) are the order of the day here. On top of that, most dishes also come with a small portion of fabulous feijoada (black bean stew) on the side. For plenty of proteins and carbs at a price that’s peculiarly low, it can’t be beat.
Insider Tip: A half portion (1/2 dose) is way more than enough for one person and a full portion can be shared between two.
Best mid-range Peniche restaurant (€15 or under per person)
Maharani Peniche
You wouldn’t expect to find some of the most authentic and delicious Indian food on the planet in Peniche, but here it is. Maharani Peniche has a very extensive menu of curries, amazing naan bread and is also our top pick for vegetarian options. Best of all, most dishes spice levels can be adjusted to your personal preferences.
Insider Tip: If you like to eat dinner early this is one of the few restaurants that is open for dinner from 6pm, most others don’t open their doors until 7 or 7:30pm.
O Outro
This fun, fish tank (glass cube) restaurant just across the road from the park and stone wall in central Peniche has a fantastic selection of reasonably-priced pizza, pasta and Portuguese favourites. All of which are consistently good.
Insider Tip: Be sure to save a little room for something from the gelato cart next to the entrance.
Nagoya Peniche
For those days when you’re really famished and quantity comes first, what could be better than all you can eat sushi at the price of a single dish anywhere else? At Nagoya Peniche you can load up on all your sushi favourites, but to really get your money’s worth, be sure to include some of the cooked dishes too. Our personal favourite is the crispy grilled chicken with sweet sauce (Teriyaki Chicken).
Insider Tip: The same menu is available for lunch and dinner, but lunch costs a few euros less.
Best Peniche restaurants for a taste of sun and sea
Tribo da Praia
This stylish beach bar in front of Cantinho da Baia, one of Peniche’s most popular surf spots, not only serves up one of the best locations in Peniche to watch the sunset, it’s also one of the few on our list to serve breakfast from 9am. So, it’s also a great place recharge and refuel after a sunrise surf.
Insider Tip: Grab an outside table in the late afternoon (before they’re all taken) and you and your pets can enjoy the serenity of feeling sand between your toes and the splendour of watching the sun setting on the horizon.
Profresco Fish Market & Restaurant
While a little pricier than some of the other restaurants on our list, this is a great place to treat yourself to an amazing selection of seafood synonymous with Peniche’s heritage as a fishing village. As it’s also a fish market, you can even choose your own fresh catch to eat there or take home.
Insider Tip: Sit on the deck outside and enjoy a spectacular ocean view, while watching the sun sink behind the famed Berlenga Islands.
Taberna do Ganhão
Another slightly pricier option, but well worth it. Here you’ll find a limited menu of simple local favourites all done exceptionally well. This and it’s amazing location on Baleal island, make it a favourite amongst locals, tourists and visiting professional surfers, when they descend on Peniche for the annual WSL international surf contest. While all the dishes are excellent, the Grilled Octopus and The Cowboy Steak are must-tries.
Insider Tip: A great spot to enjoy a long, lazy lunch while enjoying a front row view to all the action at the Lagide surf spot.
Best Peniche restaurants for sweets and desserts
Calé Confeitaria Tradicional Portuguesa
This cafe located just off the town square in Peniche is overflowing with gourmet pastries, cakes, tarts, breads and ice-creams and offers up great coffee to go with them all. Sit down and enjoy the slow pace of seaside town life or grab some take-aways that’ll satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth.
Insider Tip: They have a second location just 350 metres away where you can buy all their amazing baked goods direct from the factory.
Pastelaria Roma
While not exactly a restaurant, this small take-away pastry shop is a Peniche institution famed for their ‘Penichenses’, delicious regional almond pastries unique to Peniche. They also have a great selection of all your favourite Portuguese pastries and freshly baked cakes and you’ll be hard-pressed to walk out of there without trying or buying something sweet.
Insider Tip: Try the Senhora Sardinha, these unassuming fish-shaped pastries are surprisingly fruity and flavourful.
We hope you enjoy some of our picks for the best value restaurants in Peniche and if you need some new ideas on how to burn off all those extra calories, be sure to check out our surfboard rental stash. We’ve got a great selection of boards to choose from, available at prices that are just as easy to swallow.
Bom Apetite!