Mar das Latas

Mar das Latas (Sea of Cans) is built around a beautifully simple concept: the best tinned fish from across Portugal, paired with good bread and Portuguese wine. That's it. And it's perfect.

Portugal has an extraordinary tradition of conservas - premium tinned sardines, mackerel, tuna, octopus, and other seafood, often preserved in olive oil or spiced sauces. Mar das Latas curates the best of these and serves them in a cozy old-town setting.

The experience is communal and exploratory. You browse the selection (each tin is different - different producers, different fish, different preparations), order a few, and they're opened at your table with bread, olives, and whatever accompaniments suit the selection. Add a bottle of vinho verde or a Portuguese red, and you have one of the most distinctly Portuguese dining experiences in Ericeira.

Beyond the tins, they serve fresh petiscos (Portuguese tapas) - cheeses, cured meats, and small plates that complement the conservas perfectly.

The wine selection is thoughtful and affordable. The staff know their producers and will guide you to something that matches both your food and your mood.

The space is small - maybe 20 seats - with a warm, intimate atmosphere. It works best as a light dinner, a pre-dinner stop, or a long, slow evening of grazing and drinking. Not the place for a big meal, but exactly the place for a memorable one.