Restaurante MA

Japanese restaurant · Coimbra ·

Restaurante MA

Japanese restaurant · Coimbra ·

Intimate Japanese fusion with Omakase, wine pairings, and unique flavors

Information

R. do Norte 13, 3000-295 Coimbra, Portugal Get directions

€50+

@michelinguide

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"You’ll find delicacies such as tuna with caviar, Azores squid, sea urchin, crab gunkan and John Dory, as well as mochis and macaroons to round off your meal in this intimate space just a few steps from the old cathedral (Sé Velha) in this city located along the banks of the Mondego. The wooden bar counter is where MA serves its Omakase menu, while the à la carte dining room boasts more subdued lighting and a romantic feel. The culinary experience here is overseen by chef Ricardo Casqueiro, who combines Japanese tradition with Western techniques and Portuguese ingredients. Open for dinner only." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/coimbra/coimbra/restaurant/ma

Restaurante MA

T N.

Google

Absolutely one the best Japanese-inspired experiences I have had, and I have lived in Japan, HK, Bangkok and Singapore. The cuisine is truly extraordinary; tops. The staff are super professional, interested and have a great command of language to explain dishes. The sommelier prepared an outstanding wine pairing experience. Although they have a very solid sake collection, I recommend the pairing for the sheer joy of it. It's amazing. Very on the dot. The venue, very discreet, dark and totally comfortable. Loved it. Knock on the door, as door is always closed. Food wise, hard to put into words. I think the Chef is a genius and a great smoker - by which I mean, he uses rare Japanese and Indonesian charcoals to embue some of the dishes with exquisite tastes. This is one of my top dinners, ever. Glad to be alive to enjoy it. Cheers!

Leticia L.

Google

Best sushi I've ever had in Portugal. You have to reserve in advance, as it's unlikely that you'll find a table otherwise. Their fish was incredibly fresh, the rice was masterfully made, and they use high quality ingredients to bring to life a Portuguese love letter to Japan. This is a Michelin-starred restaurant in the making (and honestly better than many I've been to)

Omri A.

Google

I’m giving this restaurant 5 stars because I can’t give it more. To say that this experience was phenomenal would be to undersell it. I am a professional chef and I’ve worked in some very high end restaurants and for me this was one of the best restaurant experiences in my 50 years of living and 38 of being in the industry. I won’t go into details of each and every dish, as they were all mind blowing. Enough to say that each and every component was well thought, worked perfectly, seasoned exquisitely and plated on the most beautiful ceramic dishes. Every dish that landed on my table was superb and the wine pairing was on point (except for one wine that, for me personally not being a sweets lover, was a touch too sweet. But I understand the pairing and it’s perfect). The restaurant itself is beautiful and the service was so attentive (I’m left handed and they noticed that right away - which rarely happens even in most of the Michelin restaurants I’ve been to). If you have a choice to eat at only 1 restaurant while in Coimbra, make sure to visit this one. I want to thank the chef and his crew for making my visit to this city one of my most cherished memories. I can’t say enough about how good it was.

Portia W.

Google

Ma - A Hidden Gem in Coimbra Dining at Ma is an experience of pure culinary artistry. I first visited this exceptional restaurant to celebrate my birthday, and the experience was so memorable that I had to bring my mom back for her special day. Each time, Ma has delivered an extraordinary journey of flavors that is simply unforgettable. The ambiance at Ma is intimate and beautifully designed, providing the perfect setting to indulge in the meticulously crafted dishes. Every plate is not only visually stunning but also packed with layers of flavor, showcasing the chef’s dedication to quality ingredients and innovative techniques. The tasting menu is a masterclass in balance and creativity. From delicate seafood to intricate bites that surprise and delight, each dish feels like a new revelation. The presentation is impeccable, and you can tell that every element has been thoughtfully placed to elevate the dining experience. The dishes are delicate yet deeply satisfying, with unexpected textures and flavors that keep you engaged from start to finish. The service is attentive and personable, making you feel warmly welcomed and valued. The staff at Ma ensures that you not only enjoy your meal but also understand the thought and passion behind each dish. Ma is more than a restaurant; it’s a celebration of food as an art form. For anyone visiting Coimbra, I can’t recommend this place enough. If you’re looking for a meal that will leave a lasting impression, make a reservation at Ma – it’s a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss. You will need a reservation in advance. Definitely do the wine pairing, it’s worth it. The restaurant is hard to find like a speakeasy. You will need to ring a doorbell to get in.

Pedro Miguel Tavares S.

Google

The experience, overall, was amazing! We made a special request where we asked for a seat with better lighting, which was impeccably addressed. The staff was also very kind in noticing that we mistakenly had made a duplicate reservation for the same date, which was promptly resolved. The whole dinner experience was delightful, from the food to the drinks, and we'll be sure to come back again!

Neri Y.

Google

I truly recommend MA to all who wish to experience an extraordinary sensory celebration! It is an experience that stays with you long after you leave and makes you ponder how soon can you return to MA and Coimbra. The evening with Chef Ricardo and his team felt easy and four hours flew by; it was an evening filled with laughter, joy, genuine hospitality, while still maintaining the sophistication and artistry of Omakase and a Michelin Guide level restaurant!

Benji H.

Google

The best omakase experience anywhere in the world and probably the best fine dining experience too. The food rivals any Michelin star restaurant, in fact, it’s better than all of the places I’ve been. Feel lucky to have stumbled by this place while walking through an alley- likely that this place will be known all over the world someday.

Leonardo G.

Google

This place might just be the best reason to visit Coimbra. Be prepared to be amazed by the quality and price of this restaurant. The ingredients are exceptional, and the service from both the waiter, Bernardo Vilão, and the sommelier is truly extraordinary. Each dish is outstanding, with incredible flavors, and the recommended wine selection was spot-on. This experience surpasses that of many Michelin-starred restaurants around the world—it’s far more humble, yet the setting is beautiful and elegantly refined. I believe this could be the best Japanese restaurant in Europe.