3 Best Restaurants in Coimbra and Central Portugal, Portugal

This tucked-away eatery serves inventive vegetarian and vegan dishes designed to make the most of fresh seasonal produce. The staff goes out of its way to explain the dishes and provide recommendations; sharing is key here, so plan on three petiscos (small plates) between two people. This is the original location, but if it's full try Fangas Maior a few doors down, which also has fish and meat options. 

As you're heading past Sé Nova, take the first alley on the left to discover this tiny bohemian restaurant tucked behind a church. The Mexican fusion restaurant has a small but delicious range of hot and cold vegan empanadas, quesadillas, and massive burritos. The quirky setting, with mismatched tables and chairs and board games scattered about, is completely disarming. No international cards are accepted, so be sure to bring cash. 

A vegetarian alternative to Aveiro's seafood-focused dining scene, Raiz offers wholesome dishes that could tempt the most hardened of carnivores. The menu is completely plant-based and has daily lunch specials such as spinach crepes with Mexican-style tofu scramble. There are gluten-free menu items every day, and a meatless version of Brazilian feijoada on Wednesday.