Pedro dos Leitões

My family and I went there two weeks ago and we highly recommend it! The atmosphere was fantastic, and the food was unforgettable — especially the perfectly roasted suckling pig paired with a glass of sparkling wine. A must-try combination that made our visit even more special! …

Pedro dos Leitões in Mealhada, Portugal, is a true culinary gem that delivers an unforgettable dining experience. Famous for its Bairrada-style suckling pig, this restaurant has perfected the art of roasting, using three superb wood ovens to achieve the crispiest, most flavorful pork. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with friendly and efficient service that ensures a seamless experience from start to finish. The wine list is impressive, offering excellent pairings to complement the rich flavors of the meal. Whether you're a local or a traveler seeking this authentic Portuguese dish, Pedro dos Leitões is a must-visit destination. If you're planning a visit, making a reservation is highly recommended, as this popular spot tends to fill up quickly. Prepare for a feast that celebrates tradition, quality, and the unmistakable taste of Portugal’s finest suckling pig. Highly recommended and I'll come back in every opportunity!

The city of Mealhada, right next to Coimbra in Portugal’s Aveiro District, is world renowned for its wood-fired roasted suckling pig. Among the multitude of restaurants that line the city offering this delicacy, “Pedro dos Leitões” stands apart. They offer the best suckling pig I’ve ever tried. So incredibly crispy on the outside, and so tender, juicy, and flavorful in the inside. Forget everything else on the menu. Don’t even consider other options. You won’t regret it! The service is decent, the ambiance is agreeable, and other menu options might be acceptable, but none of that matters. This is a one-trick pony… it’s all about their amazing suckling pig. And it was all quite affordable. We spent 101 Euros on a 4-person meal (1kg suckling pig for three plus one additional chicken entrée, some sides and appetizers, 2 desserts, water, no alcohol). Highly recommended!

To savour a young suckling pig that is barbecued with special ingredients and sauce and served with mixed salads and potato chips is a very satisfying meal. Of course a sparkling wine 🍷 has to go with it. The crispy skin is super complement to the very tender meat. Do make the trip, if you have not done so!

As always it was a great experience. Service was good and food (leitão) was delicious and crispy. There’s no other leitão like this and the local bubbly red wine makes everything even better. I dont give it 5 stars because despite the quality I find it quite pricey and no one answered the phone so I can book a table in advance. So, I just arrived early and around 12:30.

Nice to try a quick lunch in Mealhada, on our way to Lisbon. Warm atmosphere.

We arrived at 12pm and there were plenty of places to seat, the restaurant filled up within 30min. Try out the pork rissoles if you have space for appetisers. The suckling pig main was delicious, crispy skin, tender flesh and tasty marinade. Pairs well with the local fizzy white wine, which comes in glass, small bottle and full bottle sizes. Large restaurant carpark just across the street.

Pedro dos Leitões is an absolute must-visit for anyone craving the finest leitão à Bairrada. From the moment you step inside, the warm and bustling atmosphere sets the stage for an authentic Portuguese dining experience. The star of the show, the roast suckling pig, is cooked to perfection—crispy, golden skin with tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth. The accompanying sides, especially the batatas fritas and orange slices, complement the dish beautifully. The service is efficient and professional, even during peak hours when the restaurant is packed with both locals and tourists. Their wine selection, particularly the Bairrada sparkling wines, enhances the meal with just the right balance of acidity to cut through the richness of the pork. Beyond the food, the restaurant’s long-standing reputation is well deserved, as they maintain consistency in quality and tradition. Prices are fair for the portion sizes, making it a great value for an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning customer, Pedro dos Leitões never disappoints. Would highly recommend for anyone looking to experience one of Portugal’s most iconic dishes!

The city of Mealhada, right next to Coimbra in Portugal's Aveiro District, is world renowned for its wood-fired roasted suckling pig. Among the multitude of restaurants that line the city offering this delicacy, "Pedro dos Leitões" stands apart. They offer the best suckling pig I've ever tried. So incredibly crispy on the outside, and so tender, juicy, and flavorful in the inside. Forget everything else on the menu. Don't even consider other options. You won't regret it! The service is decent, the ambiance is agreeable, and other menu options might be acceptable, but none of that matters. This is a one-trick pony... it's all about their amazing suckling pig. And it was all quite affordable. We spent 101 Euros on a 4-person meal (1kg suckling pig for three plus one additional chicken entrée, some sides and appetizers, 2 desserts, water, no alcohol). Highly recommended!

Amazing roasted piglets!!! Soft and juicy inside and crusty on the skin. Salad is a must along with potato chips. Their fried chicken was also great, but would have preferred sauce on the side. Don't forget the piri piri sauce! Our waiter was extremely nice and helpful young man. The place felt like walking into an old school steakhouse in NY. I think it is an experience that is worth the visit for foreigners.

As we drove up to Pedro dos Leitoes with its large dedicated parking lot and very large waiting area I can understand how the experience I happened upon could be quite different. For a Tuesday afternoon Novermber lunch with the locals I can tell you the meal was epic. Leitoes is a roasted suckling pig of 6 weeks in age that is roasted on a spit for two hours immersed in a peppery garlic sauce that is to die for. The meat was so tender and skin so crisp. I live in one of the BBQ capitals of the world and this pork puts all others to shame. Hands down top 10 meals in my lifetime, and I have dined at many of the finest around the globe. Sparkling wine is an absolute must to pair with your pork meal. We Americans need to start drinking more sparkling with our meats, and even BBQ. The palate stays fresh and your belly does not bloat as in the case of drinking beer. The staff was made up of elderly local ladies who were attentive, and helpful. The home made chips and salad are also a must. Food for thought, If you go to during prime time hours you may wait, and your service may suffer.