A Azenha do Mar

The Peaceful Portuguese Coast Food Lovers Should Visit

"Basking on the patio at this bustling cliffside tavern, I never need air-conditioning, because a constant, pleasant ocean breeze flows through as the late-day sun glows over the water. Glasses of crisp, locally produced Vicentino Sauvignon Blanc arrive at the table, followed by a heaping bowl of arroz de marisco, with crab legs cascading over the edges, mussels peeking from the steaming rice, and clam shells glimmering in the light, a dish so absorbing that my dining partner and I fall nearly silent as we jostle for the crab crackers and the juiciest bits. It’s as local as it gets, a popular seaside spot with gorgeous ocean views where you should expect a wait — which just means a chance to wander down to the beach for a little while before settling in to enjoy fresh fish and that unforgettable seafood rice while the sun slips beneath the waves on this sleepy stretch of the Vicentina Coast." - Stacey Leasca