Nazaré is famous for giant waves and grilled fish. If you don't eat fish, mornings here can feel like slim pickings — but they don't have to be. We run a kitchen in town, we eat everywhere, and this is our honest guide to a good meat-free brunch in Nazaré.
Chakula — African fusion, half the menu vegetarian
Yes, this is us. We're a chef-led African fusion kitchen on Avenida Manuel Remigio, just off the seafront at the south end of the boardwalk, and vegetarian cooking isn't a side note here — it's half the menu.
What to order if you're vegetarian or vegan:
- Nia Beetroot Hummus (€7) — beet-infused chickpea hummus with warm house bread.
- Nairobi Okonomiyaki (€14) — Japanese-style vegetable pancake with Kenyan spices, kachumbari and homemade pickles.
- Savannah Jackfruit Poke Bowl (€15, vegan) — BBQ-marinated jackfruit with avocado, edamame and sushi rice.
- Mama Africa Salad Bowl (€13) — cabbage and arugula with roasted sweet potato, avocado, feta and boiled egg, finished with house pickles and our sesame dressing.
- Mashariki Avocado Toast (€13) — with feta, homemade pickles, ginger, radish, pistachio and fresh mint.
- Saharan Shakshuka (€14) — Tunisian tomato stew with oven-baked eggs and homemade bread.
- Serengeti Sweet Pancakes (€12) — fruits of the day, pistachio and custard sauce.
Open Wednesday–Friday 09:00–17:00 and Saturday–Sunday 11:00–23:00. See the full menu or book a table.
Other spots we'd send a vegetarian friend
- Sabor'art Café — the town centre spot with a full separate vegan menu alongside the regular one. Açaí bowls, tofu and falafel dishes, generous portions, and gluten-free bread on request (not listed on the printed menu). Often cash only, so bring some.
- Aloha Brunch Nazaré Slow Food — R. Dr. Ruy Rosa 19. Famous for its açaí bowls, with vegan and gluten-free choices including a grilled vegetable sandwich with non-dairy cheese, and a hummus sandwich. Small, friendly, family-run.
- Village Brunch & Coffee — Praça Sousa Oliveira. The busiest brunch café in Nazaré: açaí and smoothie bowls, pancakes, toasties and salads, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Brunch from 10:00. Go early at weekends.
Quick answers
Is Nazaré vegetarian-friendly?
More than it used to be. The classic marisqueiras are fish-first, but a handful of cafés and kitchens — ours included — now cook seriously for vegetarians and vegans.
Is there fully vegan food in Nazaré?
Yes. At Chakula the jackfruit poke bowl is vegan, and several dishes can be made vegan — just ask. Sabor'art also does vegan plates.
When should I come for brunch?
Weekends fill up from about 11:00 in summer. Come early or book ahead.