The town of Aveiro has been called the "Venice of Portugal," and was once a bustling port a few centuries ago. However, over time, silt deposits traveled downstream to the sea's edge by way of the River Vouga. This caused a massive build-up around the town, and the town was eventually bordered in. Aveiro is still a popular tourist destination for its beautiful views and exceptional Portuguese and seafood cuisines. When you visit, here are a few categorized Aveiro Restaurants to keep in mind when dining out. These are all located in the heart of town.

Fine Dining

• The Marquês de Marialva restaurant was once the home of an area aristocrat, and transformed into an elegant establishment serving regional dishes.
• The Adega do Fidalgo is one of the area's famed dining establishments for taste and quality, and it, too, serves regional cuisine.
• The Restaurante Mercado do Peixe specializes in fish and seafood dishes, and is located above the town's local fish market.
• The Pousada da Ria serves refined Portuguese cuisine and has an elite wine cellar to accommodate the tastes of all International guests.

Casual Restaurants

• The Salpoente restaurant is an original warehouse turned dining establishment. They serve regional cuisine, focusing on fish and seafood dishes, and feature live music occasionally in the evenings.
• The Olária was once an abandoned factory that was turned into a casual dining restaurant. This place offers great value for the money spent.
• The Porterhouse is a BBQ restaurant with amazing ribs, but it's hidden away from plain sight. You'll have to ask for directions to find it in town.
• At O'Moliceiro, you'll find a simple restaurant, neat and clean and somewhat homey feeling, that serves traditional Portuguese cuisine.
• The La Mamaroma is an Italian restaurant that cooks its food with a wood-fired oven. The famous house specialty here is a stone-cooked beef fillet, slow-cooked on their hot stones.

On a Budget

• If you're a fan of Brazilian dishes, try either the Barrigas restaurant or Galetos Dourados. They both specialize in Brazilian-style dishes made with chicken, ham and spices and cooked by flame-roasting.
• A peculiar place to eat would be Pizzarte. You can dine on pizza, but also have a glass of champagne with it.
• The best burger joint in town is Café Ramona. It's a popular place with adults, students and youths and has the famous "Hamburger Ramona Meal" as their specialty.
• For a juicy steak at a low-budget price, go to Cervejaria O Augusto.