Seafood restaurant by the sea in Sintra

Azenhas do Mar Restaurant Sintra

Incorporating the phrase «Navigare necesse est, vivere non est necesse». Latin for «To sail is necessary; to live is not». This is printed on the front page of the menu at Restaurant Azenhas do Mar. This iconic eatery is perched dramatically on the cliffs of the small, picturesque village of Azenhas do Mar. It is a true gem among Portugal’s hidden treasures. Located near Lisbon in the Sintra municipality, Azenhas do Mar is renowned for its breathtaking ocean views, whitewashed houses cascading down the cliffs, and its timeless charm.

The restaurant not only offers an unforgettable dining experience but also embodies the spirit of adventure and connection to the sea, reflected in the historic Latin phrase. To learn more about the village of Azenhas do Mar, its history, and its role as one of Portugal’s hidden gems, visit Azenhas do Mar on Wikipedia.

Sintra

The historic village of Sintra, with its enchanting castles and palaces, attracts hordes of tourists daily, even during the low season. To escape the crowds, locals often venture to charming countryside restaurants outside the village or, like I did, head to the coast.

Here, they can enjoy a more relaxed dining experience, leaving the bustling restaurants of Sintra to the tourists. To escape the crowds, locals often venture to charming countryside restaurants outside the village or head to the coast, leaving the bustling restaurants of Sintra to visitors. You can find more information about Sintra’s attractions here – Sintra.

Azenhas do Mar restaurant

A cozy restaurant interior designed in a maritime style, featuring a harmonious blend of white and natural wood elements. Whitewashed walls evoke a fresh seaside ambiance, while wooden beams and furniture add warmth and a rustic touch. Nautical accents such as ropes, lanterns, and model ships enhance the theme. Large windows allow natural light to flood the space, offering views of the sea or coastline. Soft blue and beige textiles complete the look, creating an inviting and relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of a seaside retreat.

The Atlantic Ocean and Azenhas do Mar

If the weather permits, ask to be seated utside at Azenhas do Mar. The Atlantic Ocean is only a few meters away no matter where you are sitting and the view is spectacular. A breathtaking scene featuring a turquoise sea that sparkles under the sunlight and a glass of light rosé wine. A lunch or dinner to remember with effortless elegance, blending the beauty of nature with the pleasures of fine dining by the sea.

With it´s sea front location the menu has of course a wide selection of seafood and fish, but in addition meat dishes that are both juicy and tender according to the restaurant itself. Homemade bread, delicious local cheese, olives, butter, pesto and home made tapenade is served while you study the menu.

A delightful spread of Mediterranean flavors featuring a bowl of plump, glistening olives, perfectly marinated to enhance their natural brininess. Next to it, a selection of locally crafted cheeses sits elegantly, offering a rich and creamy taste of the region’s culinary heritage, vibrant green pesto, bursting with the aroma of fresh basil and garlic, invites a dollop of flavor to every bite.

As fresh as it gets! Fresh fish in the warm glow of the evening light. Beside it, a vibrant salad made with fresh, locally sourced vegetables adds a burst of color and crunch, drizzled with a light vinaigrette to enhance the natural flavors. A glass of crisp light pink roséwine, chilled to perfection. As usual I had no room for dessert, so I need to return to check it out.

I do not agree with the famous words on the menu, to sail is necessary to live is not. Spending the day, afternoon or evening at Azenhas do Mar, with great food, wine and beautiful view of the sea is a day, afternoon or night well spent.

Living is about enjoying the small things in life such as a nice restaurant with amazing food, great view and to top it off, a location on the beach. Azenhas do Mar restaurant is a place you don´t want to leave. I do beleive the owner felt the same way and that the text on the menu is ironic. Azenhas do Mar, I will return!