Mata Bicho Real Taverna — Restaurant in Leiria

Flavor, charm, and the warmest service in town!

We stumbled upon Mata Bicho – Real Taverna while exploring this lovely town, and what a great surprise! We started with cheese, olives, and fresh bread – simple, but absolutely delicious. Then came the stars of the show: tender octopus, crispy meat-style croquettes, and perfectly cooked cod that melted in the mouth. Every bite was a little celebration.

But what really made the evening special? The service – friendly, fast, and effortlessly warm. They even spoke English, which made everything easier and even more welcoming.

If you’re in town and want a mix of traditional Portuguese flavors with genuine hospitality, this place is a must-try.

We’ll definitely be back – next time with more room...

A cozy and lively place located right in the heart of Leiria, offers for a great visual and culinary experience. Both the food and service were pleasant, but with a couple of surprises for those unaccustomed with hidden prices.

Take care, however, for when landing on a table you are served right away a few appetizers that are not part of your order, but are accounted for in your final check. A two-person order of around 30 EUR turned out to be around 50 EUR. If you are not accustomed with such serving methods, it is best to decide at the beginning whether to eat the appetizers or return them right away. Frankly, for that price, the appetizers are not worth it.

Otherwise, the experience was pleasant...

The atmosphere is top notch with its high ceiling and a buzz that makes you feel that you have come to the most desirable cafe in Leiria. Food was a big disappointment though, with a very mediocre pizza and a Caesar salad that had no business being called a Caesar salad. BUT…I must say that Mata Bicho delivered one of the the most memorable bathroom experiences I have ever had. I mean this sincerely, but I won’t give further details so as to not...