11 Portuguese And Spanish Restaurants In Massachusetts You Have To Try At Least Once

One Massachusetts restaurant serves your steak on a hot stone, so it keeps cooking right at your table. I love that idea, because it puts you in charge of the exact moment dinner is done.

That’s only one surprise on this list. Another kitchen was rebuilt after a 2013 fire and reopened two years later.

A third has a hand-painted rooster on its outside wall, a nod to Portuguese culture and local fishing life.

The food runs from garlic shrimp and grilled octopus to flame-grilled chicken and saffron paella. A few spots feel like a big family dinner, while the tapas bars lean romantic and are made for sharing plates around the table.

I think the best part is how close these flavors really are. Why book a flight to Lisbon or Madrid when the drive is this short?

1. Antonio’s Restaurant

A painted rooster greets you outside, which feels like fair warning that the kitchen takes Portuguese tradition seriously. The bird is hand-painted on the building and honors both Portuguese culture and New Bedford’s fishing roots.

Antonio’s opened its doors in 1989 and runs as a family-owned spot. You get large portions of old-world seafood in a casual, easygoing room.

Seafood fans should look hard at the Seafood Stew Casserole. It packs lobster, scallops, shrimp, mussels, littlenecks, and chopped clams into a tomato broth.

Want something with a little heat? Shrimp Antonio’s is the house take on Shrimp Mozambique, and the menu also lists grilled sardines and coconut shrimp.

Meat lovers aren’t left out, either. The Junior Steak Antonio’s, also called Bitoque, is a menu highlight, and Pork Meat Ribatejana pairs marinated pork with littlenecks and shrimp.

The kitchen leans on fresh, local ingredients from farmers, fishermen, and retailers. That makes sense in a city built on the water.

Kids get their own menu, and high chairs are ready for the smallest diners. Groups fit right in, so go ahead and bring the cousins.

Takeout and delivery are both options if you’d rather feast on the couch. Reservations are accepted, too, which helps on Friday and Saturday evenings when things get busiest.

Save room for flan or tiramisu, because skipping dessert here seems like a missed chance. The doors open at 11:30 AM seven days a week, which makes lunch an easy call.

Address: 267 Coggeshall St, New Bedford, MA 02746

2. Toro

Grilled corn might not sound Spanish, but at Toro it ranks among the menu highlights. Maíz Asado comes with alioli and cotija cheese, so expect a messy, happy situation.

This small, stylish tapas spot sits in Boston’s South End. The mood is lively, and the plates are built for passing around the table.

Bone marrow stands out as a signature order. Tuna crudo, anchovies, and a charcuterie board round out the snacking options.

Craving something heartier? Arroz con Mariscos brings rice and seafood together, while Pato con Membrillo pairs duck with quince.

Gambas al Ajillo, patatas bravas, and tortilla española cover the Spanish classics. Vegetarians get a full menu of their own, which is a nice touch.

Sunday adds a brunch service from 11 AM to 3 PM before dinner starts again at 5. Sunday brunch highlights include chilaquiles con pollo, huevos rancheros, and Spanish-style French toast.

Plan ahead, because there’s usually a wait. Dinner and brunch reservations are both recommended.

Nice days bring outdoor seating, and dogs are allowed outside. Takeout is available at Toro, so you can enjoy its Spanish dishes at home as well.

The vibe mixes trendy and casual, so jeans fit right in. It’s a fun pick for a Massachusetts date night or a group outing.

Weekend nights run until 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. That gives you time for one more plate, and honestly, you’ll want it.

Address: 1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118

3. Caravela Restaurant

Fresh-cut fries can make or break a Portuguese plate, and Caravela clearly knows it. This low-key Fall River spot serves no-frills Portuguese food with a busy takeout counter.

Start with the chourico and some bread. Simple?

Sure, but simple is the whole point here.

The Portuguese Steak Plate is a headliner on the menu. If you’d rather eat with your hands, there’s a Portuguese Steak Sandwich, too.

Shrimp Mozambique brings the garlicky, saucy side of the menu. Pork and Little Necks covers the classic surf-and-turf combo that Portuguese kitchens love.

Portions run generous, so pacing yourself is smart. Fish and chips and a shrimp plate give picky eaters an easy win.

Families feel at home here, with high chairs and a kids’ menu on hand. The atmosphere stays calm and homey, even when the room gets busy.

Reservations aren’t accepted, so show up ready to grab a table. Sunday afternoons and Saturday afternoons into the evening tend to draw the biggest crowds.

Parking can be tricky to find nearby. Give yourself a few extra minutes and you’ll be fine.

Hours run from 11 AM to 8 PM Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 7 PM on Sunday. Mondays are closed, so don’t plan your craving around one.

Finish with flan if you have room. In Fall River, a city with deep Portuguese roots, this is a great way to taste the neighborhood.

Address: 637 S Main St, Fall River, MA 02721

4. Dali

Hanging hams, bright beads, and a dripping wall make Dali one of the most eye-catching dining rooms around Boston. The rich, dark interior is packed with ceramics and paintings, so your eyes stay busy between bites.

This Somerville favorite opened in 1989 with a goal of introducing authentic Spanish cuisine and tapas to the area. More than three decades later, the tapas tradition is still going strong.

Patatas bravas are a smart first order, with fried potatoes, a piquant tomato sauce, and alioli. Gambas al ajillo and chicken croquetas keep the small plates coming.

Feeling fancy? Vieiras al Azafrán brings saffron scallops, while Chuletillas de Cordero puts lamb chops on the table.

Paella del Océano is the move if your group likes seafood. Vegetarians have plenty of choices, including a vegetarian paella and stuffed peppers.

Dessert deserves its own plan. The Clementine Flan is a highlight, and churros come with chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, or both.

Tarta de Santiago, an almond cake, is another sweet option. Ordering both desserts seems like a fair compromise.

A back room can host private events for up to 50 people. That’s handy for birthdays or a big family night out.

Book ahead, because a wait is common and dinner reservations are recommended. The mood leans romantic and lively, so it works well for date night.

Dinner service starts at 5:30 PM Wednesday through Sunday. Mondays and Tuesdays are closed, so circle the right days on your calendar.

Address: 415 Washington St, Somerville, MA 02143

5. Casa Portugal

Since 1976, Casa Portugal has been serving Portuguese comfort food near Inman Square in Cambridge. The chef-owner comes from the Algarve region of Portugal, and the menu keeps things traditional.

Expect an old-fashioned, inviting room with hearty portions. It’s the kind of place where a quiet dinner feels easy.

Grilled Portuguese sausage is a fun way to kick things off. Clams in a garlic sauce and fava beans with chouriço also make strong openers.

Octopus fans, this one’s for you. Polvo à Lagareiro is a menu highlight, and the grilled octopus is known for being tender and well seasoned.

Big appetites should eye the Mariscada à Costa do Sol. It brings half a lobster, littlenecks, shrimp, squid, and mussels in red sauce.

Arroz de marisco, grilled dourada, and lamb chops add even more options. Bife à Portuguesa covers the steak side of the table.

Lunch starts at 11:30 AM on open days, which makes a midday bitoque very tempting. That’s a steak with a fried egg, fries, and rice, and it’s hard to argue with.

Dessert gets serious with pastel de nata, natas do céu, and rice pudding. Pick one, or split a few and call it research.

When the weather cooperates, outdoor seating opens up and stays lit at night. The restaurant is also wheelchair accessible.

Parking nearby can be tricky, so walking or taking transit might save stress. Casa Portugal is open on Tuesdays, while Friday and Saturday hours run until 11 PM.

Address: 1200 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

6. Tony & Penny’s Restaurant

Western Massachusetts has its own Portuguese story, and Ludlow is a big part of it. The town is known for its strong Portuguese community, so a restaurant like Tony & Penny’s fits right in.

The restaurant occupies a historic building constructed in 1936 for Ludlow’s Italian community, giving the dining experience plenty of old-school charm. The food is upscale Portuguese-American, with a semi-formal feel that still stays relaxed.

Steak is a menu highlight, and it’s a natural first pick. Shrimp Mozambique is the other headliner, bringing the garlicky sauce Portuguese kitchens are famous for.

Variety is a strength here. You’ll find plenty of Portuguese and seafood dishes, so a mixed table can share without anyone feeling stuck.

Planning a party? The restaurant also caters and offers a private dining room for bigger gatherings.

The restaurant also offers breakfast banquet menus for private events.

Families get a kids’ menu and high chairs. The free parking lot usually has plenty of space, which makes arriving with a crew far less stressful.

Reservations are accepted, and Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest times. Monday nights tend to be the quietest, if you prefer a calmer meal.

Hours stretch from 11 AM to 10 PM on weekdays and until 11 PM on Saturday. Sunday runs from noon to 9 PM.

Takeout and delivery are both available for nights at home. Still, eating in that clubhouse setting seems like half the fun.

Address: 18 Canterbury St, Ludlow, MA 01056

7. Tasca Restaurant

Tasca occasionally hosts flamenco nights alongside its Spanish tapas.

The menu covers both small plates and traditional Spanish entrees. That means you can graze or go big, depending on your mood.

Pulpo a la Gallega, the Galician-style octopus, is a highlight worth circling. Gambas al ajillo and pollo al ajillo double down on garlic, and garlic lovers will be thrilled.

Paella de Mariscos brings seafood and rice to the center of the table. Jamón Ibérico with Manchego makes a classic Spanish snack.

Empanada de carne and a cheese board round out the shareable side. Order a few and pass them around.

Here’s a rare perk: Tasca offers full vegan and vegetarian menus. Plant-based friends won’t be stuck with a side salad.

Tasca offers parking vouchers for guests, although spaces may be limited, so checking parking arrangements before arriving is recommended. Happy hour food adds another reason to come early.

Dinner reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. Doors open at 4 PM Sunday through Wednesday and 5 PM Thursday through Saturday.

Curbside pickup, takeout, and delivery are all options. Still, missing a flamenco night would feel like a shame.

Address: 1612 Commonwealth Ave, Brighton, MA 02135

8. Cavaleiro’s Steakhouse

Your steak shows up on a hot stone and finishes cooking right at the table. That’s the signature move at Cavaleiro’s Steakhouse, and it turns dinner into a little show.

You control how done each bite gets. Like it rare?

Slice and eat fast.

This family-owned spot in Lowell is a neighborhood Portuguese fixture. The owners are known for being on site, giving the room a welcoming, at-home feel.

Beyond the stone, the menu is big and full of Portuguese favorites. Grilled octopus, shrimp scampi, and Portuguese-style cod are among the seafood dishes available.

Seafood entrees lean upmarket, so this works for a special night out. Steak fans and seafood fans can sit side by side without a debate.

The atmosphere mixes casual comfort with a quiet, romantic touch. It’s a solid choice for an anniversary or a long overdue catch-up.

Lowell has a long history of Portuguese immigrants, which helps explain the city’s strong Portuguese food scene. Cavaleiro’s adds a steakhouse twist to that tradition.

Timing matters here. The doors open Wednesday through Saturday from 5 PM to midnight, and it’s closed Sunday through Tuesday.

Those late hours make it a nice pick after an evening event. Reservations are accepted, and the free parking lot usually has plenty of room.

Kids are welcome, with high chairs available. Takeout and delivery exist, but the stone steak really belongs at the table.

Save room for dessert, which ranks among the highlights. A sweet finish after a sizzling steak sounds about right.

Address: 573 Lawrence St, Lowell, MA 01852

9. Portas Da Cidade

Art on the walls, a fireplace inside, and an expansive patio outside give Portas Da Cidade plenty of ways to set the mood. The food covers steaks, fish, and Portuguese specialties.

Polvo à Lagareiro leads the highlights list. It’s the classic Portuguese octopus dish, and it’s a strong reason to drive to Westport.

Carne Alentejana pairs pork with clams, a combo that sounds odd until you try it. Grilled swordfish keeps things simple and fresh.

Paella, fried calamari, and rack of lamb add more variety. Steak on a long skewer is another fun order for the table.

The spacious restaurant also features live music. Check ahead to see what’s planned before you go.

Patio dining is the move on nice days. When it turns chilly, that fireplace starts looking like the best seat in the house.

Families will appreciate the kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables. A private dining room and catering help with bigger events.

Dinner reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. The free parking lot usually has room to spare.

Hours run from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM Tuesday through Thursday and until 9 PM on Friday and Saturday. Sunday runs from noon to 7 PM, and Mondays are closed.

Westport sits close to Fall River and New Bedford, two cities with deep Portuguese roots in Massachusetts. That makes this spot a natural stop on a South Coast food trip.

Address: 231 State Rd # A, Westport, MA 02790

10. Sagres Restaurant

Rebuilding a restaurant after a fire takes serious grit, and Sagres did exactly that. An electrical fire hit in 2013, and the doors reopened two years later.

The story here started in 1976, when the family behind Sagres took over this Fall River location. Today, the next generation keeps the family legacy going.

The dining room is stylish and contemporary, yet the food stays classic Portuguese. It’s a nice mix of old recipes and a fresh setting.

Start with the homemade goat cheese or littlenecks with garlic. Caldo verde, the kale and potato soup with chouriço, is another comforting opener.

Grilled octopus is a highlight, and Bacalhau Assado puts grilled cod in the spotlight. Shrimp Mozambique brings garlic, lemon, and crushed pepper to the party.

Paella Valenciana, with saffron rice, seafood, and chicken, works well for sharing. Bife à Portuguesa comes with two fried eggs, gravy, rice, and hand-cut fries.

Recognition has followed, too. Sagres was featured on a PBS show about Portuguese cooking and named one of the most historic restaurants in Massachusetts by Chowhound.

Vegetarian and vegan options are on the menu, and many dishes are naturally gluten-free. That makes group planning a lot easier.

A private dining room is available for special occasions. Walk-ins and reservations are both welcome, and takeout is an option.

Hours run from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM Tuesday through Thursday and until 9:30 PM on Friday and Saturday. Sunday hours run from noon to 6 PM, and Mondays are closed.

Address: 177 Columbia St, Fall River, MA 02721

11. Novo Mundo Restaurant

Flame-grilled chicken is the star at Novo Mundo, and the rest of the menu seems happy to play backup. This unassuming South Dartmouth eatery focuses on traditional Portuguese specialties.

The Whole Frango Chicken arrives with fries and rice. Bring friends, because that’s a lot of bird.

BBQ chicken is another highlight, and it’s a natural pick if you want the churrascaria experience. Ribs also earn a spot on the order.

Don’t overlook the Portuguese bread rolls. Use them to mop up anything left on the plate.

Kale soup makes a hearty starter, but diners following a vegan diet should confirm the ingredients before ordering. Portuguese rice rounds out the meal.

The space feels family-style and casual. Service is known for being prompt and friendly.

Feeding a big group here can be easy on the wallet. Large servings make sharing simple.

Kids have their own menu, plus high chairs. The free parking lot usually has plenty of spaces.

Reservations are accepted, which helps on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Takeout is available, but delivery isn’t offered.

Hours run from 11 AM to 9 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday closes early at 5 PM, and Mondays are closed.

South Dartmouth sits right next to New Bedford, so it’s an easy add to a South Coast food tour of Massachusetts. Maybe skip breakfast first.

A whole chicken waiting at the table is a pretty good reason to arrive hungry. Your only real job is deciding who gets the last roll.

Address: 24 Cove Rd, South Dartmouth, MA 02748