Restaurante Pangeia By the Sea — Restaurant in Nazaré

The panoramic ocean view might pull you in, but it’s the top-notch service and fresh twist on traditional Portuguese cuisine that will bring you back to Pangeia By the Sea. I suggest sitting out on the front porch at sunset overlooking the Atlantic - heat lamps and blankets are thoughtfully provided to protect you from the sea breeze. Be prepared to open your wallet because this is fine dining, but you will not regret the indulgence because you will be treated like royalty from the moment you arrive and you will have an unforgettable experience! Not just one server but an entire team of service professionals ensure that every diner’s desires are met with meticulous attention to detail; no request is too troublesome for the charismatic staff who appear delighted to be working there (and if they’re not, they should all quit and start a Broadway show because they’re great actors)! The menu is printed in several languages and it’s comprehensive enough to provide variety without being overwhelming. Unsurprisingly, the former denizens of the deep blue sea are showcased prominently with octopus (polvo) being the house specialty. But what sets Pangeia By the Sea above the throng of restaurants in Nazaré serving up seafood is the subtle preparation, which reminds me (a former resident of San Francisco) of California cuisine in that it is light and elegant, relying on citrus and herbs to accentuate it instead of rich sauces, thereby allowing the flavor and texture of the fish (or whatever creature you’re eating) to shine through – but it’s also inventive– for example, my sea bass was served with a pumpkin mousseline, capers, and fennel. More often than not, I order fish when I’m dining out in coastal towns but I’m always disappointed to find it drenched in a puddle of over-salted butter. The poor thing is dead already - to drown it again is just adding insult to injury! By contrast, the chef’s preparation at Pangeia By the Sea reveres the life of the creature on your plate but also the people who caught it. In this manner, the restaurant pays homage to Nazare’s proud fishing tradition while venturing into the territory of new international cuisine, catering effectively to the tastes of diners from all over the world without sacrificing cultural authenticity. Makes sense when you think about it because the Portuguese were Europe’s first explorers. So be a culinary adventurer and treat yourself to a meal here – better yet, go with someone you love and order a bottle of champagne! ...

✨ Dining at Pangeia by the Sea: A Coastal Culinary Masterpiece ✨

Pangeia by the Sea in Nazaré is a revelation, where every dish captures the flavors of Portugal with Michelin-worthy flair. The bacalhau was intensely flavorful, with smoky, melt-in-your-mouth layers of fish, tender potatoes, vegetables, and a hint of savory ham. Paired with a crisp side salad, it was a standout.

The grilled octopus was perfectly tender, with a subtle char, served alongside sweet potatoes and vibrant fresh vegetables. The salad was a delightful mix of tart pear, creamy avocado, and crisp lettuce with carrots, drizzled in robust balsamic vinaigrette and olive oil.

For dessert, the Panna cotta was simply sublime—so incredible that we couldn’t resist a second order! Pangeia’s artistry deserves a Michelin star, bringing coastal flavors to life...

Let me start by saying I’m not a experimental diner. But my wife wanted to try the Octopus Trilogy for two, and since it was her birthday I couldn’t really say no. Octopus prepared in three different ways, presented dramatically in a large spherical dish, with potatoes and other vegetables. Each preparation was really delicious. Grilled, oven baked, and encrusted in a corn-bread-like covering. Finished with the cheesecake and the limoncello desserts and espresso. And the location is great…a bit quieter on the southern part of the Nazarė beachfront and directly across...