Mela Canela Sintra — Restaurant in Sintra

Much is very compelling chez Mela Canela to create the high scores for eats here and do justice to vegan food.

Unfortunately the hygiene would not pass muster in countries where food hygiene has minimal standards. In preparing food it is necessary to wash hands regularly and wear gloves in handling fruit (and then even wash those gloves), and clean surfaces constantly. This was not observed. The preparer wiped her hands on her apron and was handling food to make a smoothie fruit bowl without gloves yet was in contact with surfaces that could have been contaminated. I make it a point to carefully observe what is happening in eateries (hygiene) when I’m out and when it is possible (as kitchens are often a closed space).

I feel we ALL put too much faith in restaurants and cafes when it comes to hygiene and food care. I was in the food prep business for many years.

In Canada there are strict rules that should be more readily enforced here in Portugal. I have lived here much of my life and with all the tourism it’s imperative that minimal rules should be implemented for general hygiene when handling food. I will add that both my daughter and self had ‘iffy’ stomachs later on in the day. 🤔

Other than this the place seems to offer much variety with average prices close to the station and between Sintra Vila and...

We found this place by chance while walking towards the Quinta de Regareira from the town centre. I was very hungry after the visit (around 3pm) and tried to avoid those very crowded touristy restaurants and we stepped into this lovely gem!

The ambience of the restaurant was very relaxing. I tried the meal of the day and it was delicious and the portion was so generous to feed my hungry belly. My husband was happy with his avocado toast too. The owner explained everything patiently and I can feel that this couple really run this place and serve the meals with passion and love. We also tried their homemade desserts and they are yummy and not too sweet. They serves homemade drinks and organic-branded drink too. Really refreshing. Price reasonable.

I highly recommend Mela Canela even for non-vegan if you are looking for a break from the...

Mela Canela is a must for anyone, vegan or meat eater. This is because even though all the meals are plant based, they are so so incredible they must be tried by everyone.

The staff are so friendly, not only the owners Mela and Pedro but also all the chefs and the waiter Nuno. They make eating there a pleasure which is why we sometimes eat lunch and dinner there 🤣🙈. Their desserts are divine, and their main dishes are fantastic. The soup to start is a particular favourite of ours. I can’t get the kids to eat enough veggies at home and they devour everything at Mela Canela.

There is a dish of the day which has opened my eyes to Portuguese cuisine and it’s always made with love and care.

Can’t get enough of this place. When we leave Sintra we will have to come back to Sintra just for Mela...