During the 19th century, New England received an influx of immigrants from Portugal, and the city of Boston became home to a thriving Portuguese American community. Each year, the Boston Portuguese Festival pays tribute to that heritage through art and film exhibitions, parades, a regatta and other events. After attending the festival or simply while visiting the city, consider visiting one of the Portuguese restaurants that are near the Boston area.
A family-owned establishment, Neighborhood Restaurant & Bakery is in Somerville, 3.5 miles from Boston (about 12 minutes by automobile). The restaurant held "Zagat" dining guide ratings of "very good to excellent" for its food and "fair to good" for its decor and service as of September 2010. For breakfast, diners can choose Portuguese-style linguica sausage with eggs, fried bananas and home fries. A signature dish is the mariscada a Costa Bravo, a mixed shellfish and red snapper stew in a red sauce. Neighborhood Restaurant & Bakery serves breakfast and lunch daily. Reservations are not taken, and the restaurant does not accept credit cards. Casual attire is acceptable. Outdoor dining is available in the garden behind the restaurant. A children's menu is available as well as booster seats and high chairs.
Neighborhood Restaurant & Bakery
25 Bow St.
Somerville, MA 02143
617-623-9710
theneighborhoodrestaurant.com
Established in January 2000, Atasca is in the Kendall Square neighborhood of Cambridge, less than three miles from Boston (approximately nine minutes by automobile). The restaurant held "Zagat" ratings of "very good to excellent" for its food, decor and service as of September 2010. A signature entree recommended by the chef is the bacalhau a lagareiro com batatas a morro, grilled dry salt cod, served with potatoes, grilled peppers and onions. The wine list consists of more than 35 selections of Portuguese reds and whites. Days and hours of operation at Atasca vary based upon the season. Reservations are taken only for parties of six or more. Casual attire is appropriate. For a romantic meal on a warm day, ask for seating on the restaurant's patio, suggests "Zagat."
Atasca
50 Hampshire St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-621-6991
atasca.com
Also situated in Cambridge, Restaurant Casa Portugal is about three miles from Boston (around 11 minutes by automobile). Established in 1971, the restaurant is in a largely Portuguese neighborhood called Inman Square and is a favorite among locals. As of September 2010, the restaurant held "Zagat" ratings of "very good to excellent" for its food, "good to very good" for its service and "fair to good" for its decor. A signature dinner is the bife a Portuguesa, a fried beef steak with ham and eggs in a wine sauce seasoned with garlic. The restaurant specializes in port and madeira wines, of which it offers 13 varieties. In addition, 50 Portuguese reds and whites are featured on the wine list. Restaurant Casa Portugal serves lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are recommended, particularly around peak dinner hours to avoid a long wait. Casual attire is the norm.
Restaurant Casa Portugal
1200 Cambridge St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-491-8880
restaurantcasaportugal.com
