Casa da Vila is the standout restaurant in Pero Pinheiro, the marble-quarrying village in the northern part of Sintra municipality about 10 km from Sintra Vila. Consistently ranked #1 of 4 restaurants in Pero Pinheiro on Tripadvisor with a 4.1 rating, and 4.4 stars on Google from over 1,800 reviews, it's the kind of well-loved local institution that fills every weekend lunch and runs late into the evening — last service kitchen typically until midnight, dining room open until 02:00.
The kitchen is led by Chef Xico, who has built the menu around traditional Portuguese cooking elevated by a chef's careful touch. The standout dishes are seafood-focused: grilled sea bass (robalo grelhado) is the recurring favourite in reviews, alongside monkfish (tamboril), shellfish from the daily catch, and grilled fish à la sal. Portuguese classics like bacalhau, polvo and meat dishes are equally well-represented. Generous portions and a quality-to-price ratio that locals praise repeatedly are part of what fills the dining room.
Unusually for the area, Casa da Vila also operates a dedicated sushi space on the ground floor — a separate room with its own menu that runs alongside the main Portuguese kitchen. It's an unexpected combination that works well for groups with mixed preferences and has built a loyal local following.
The atmosphere is warm and well-decorated — homey rather than formal, friendly service that earns repeated praise in reviews. Live music sets the tone on certain evenings. Private parking is available (a real advantage in the Sintra municipality), and takeaway is offered.
The location is 10 km north of Sintra Vila on the EN9, a 15-minute drive. Pero Pinheiro itself has been Portugal's marble-quarrying capital since the 18th century, supplying stone for some of the country's most iconic palaces and monuments. Coming here for dinner is a glimpse into a working Portuguese village most visitors never see.
⭐ Must-try:
Grilled sea bass (robalo grelhado) — the restaurant's signature, plus tamboril (monkfish) and shellfish from the daily catch
Signature dishes
- Robalo grelhado (grilled sea bass) — Chef Xico's signature
- Tamboril (monkfish) — grilled or in cataplana
- Marisco fresco do dia (daily shellfish)
- Peixe à sal (whole fish baked in salt crust)
- Bacalhau à casa (chef's bacalhau preparation)
- Polvo à lagareiro
- Sushi (separate ground-floor space) — full menu of nigiri, sashimi, rolls
Highlights
- Ranked #1 of 4 restaurants in Pero Pinheiro on Tripadvisor (4.1/5)
- 4.4 stars on Google from 1,800+ reviews
- Chef Xico's Portuguese cuisine with seafood focus
- Signature dishes: grilled sea bass (robalo), monkfish (tamboril), shellfish
- Dedicated sushi space on the ground floor — unusual for the area
- Open daily — 10:00–15:00 lunch & 19:30–02:00 evening service
- Live music on select evenings; family and groups welcome
- Private parking, air conditioning, takeaway available
- 10 km / 15 min drive from Sintra Vila on the EN9
Dietary options
✓ Pescatarian (extensive seafood and fish menu)
✓ Gluten-free options on request
✓ Sushi options for raw-fish lovers
✓ Vegetarian options (limited — confirm by phone)
✓ Cash and card accepted
✓ Takeaway available
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Casa da Vila from Sintra or Lisbon?
From Sintra Vila it's a 15-minute drive (10 km) on the EN9 heading north towards Pero Pinheiro. From Lisbon it's about 30 km / 35-minute drive via the A16 motorway and IC30. Private parking is available at the restaurant, which is a significant advantage in the Sintra area where parking is often scarce. Address: Avenida Primeiro de Maio, 26, 2715-001 Pêro Pinheiro.
What should I order?
The grilled sea bass (robalo grelhado) is the signature dish that appears most often in reviews. Monkfish (tamboril) and shellfish are also strongly recommended. The kitchen of Chef Xico does Portuguese classics well — bacalhau, polvo à lagareiro, grilled fish à la sal — with generous portions. The separate sushi room on the ground floor is a strong option if travelling with a group who don't all want Portuguese, or for a more contemporary meal.
Do they have sushi as well as Portuguese?
Yes — unusually, Casa da Vila operates a dedicated sushi space on the ground floor of the building. This runs alongside the main Portuguese restaurant and has its own menu. Useful for mixed groups or for those who want a sushi option in an area without many dedicated sushi spots. Most locals come for the traditional Portuguese side.
How much should I expect to spend?
A typical full meal (couvert, main, dessert, glass of wine or beer): €25–€40 per person for the Portuguese menu. Shellfish and premium seafood dishes can push higher (€40–€60+). The quality-to-price ratio is repeatedly praised in reviews. Cards accepted; reservations by phone.
Do I need to book in advance?
Strongly recommended, especially for Sunday lunch and weekend evenings when the restaurant fills with families from across the region. Phone reservations only: +351 967 953 005. Walk-ins on weekday lunches are usually fine. The restaurant is large enough to accommodate groups, but on busy nights waits can be 30+ minutes without a reservation.