The best restaurant for lunch in Portugal: O Passarinho reflects on winning Best Lunch 2025
19 de August, 2026
About a year ago, O Passarinho, in Moita dos Ferreiros, became the best restaurant for lunch in Portugal, distinguished by Edenred’s Best Lunch initiative. Now, with the 2026 edition around the corner, we spoke again with Pedro Costa, manager of O Passarinho, to understand what has changed since winning the title and what advice he has for those who want to enter the competition this year.
One year later: the impact of being the best restaurant for lunch
For Pedro Costa, the title brought a transformation: more publicity and a significant increase in customers: “There were many people who saw the winner’s report on television and also the mentions on the internet. We make sure the trophy is clearly visible in the restaurant,” he explains. “People look at it with enthusiasm, happy to be having lunch at the restaurant that was considered the best in Portugal.”
O Passarinho’s gastronomic offering has remained faithful to the tradition that has always characterized the establishment — Portuguese food — but recognition on social media and customer praise have become a constant in the restaurant’s daily life.
The secret of the best restaurant for lunch? Treating each customer like family
When asked what he advises other restaurants that want to stand out at lunchtime, Pedro Costa doesn’t hesitate: “Anyone who has a restaurant and wants to succeed in this area has to give it their all.”
For the manager of O Passarinho, staying true to business principles, caring for employees, and being close to customers make all the difference: “The fact that we treat people as if they were in their own home is fundamental, especially in a restaurant that lives off regular customers.”
Food is only half the equation: “Customers value the dishes, but also how they are served. Service represents at least 50% of a restaurant’s success, if not more.”
2026: O Passarinho wants to remain the best restaurant for lunch
With an establishment already recognized in the Oeste region, for 2026, the ambition is clear: defend the title. “Not only for the monetary prizes, but for the recognition that the contest represents,” says Pedro Costa.
And he makes a point of thanking those who voted in 2025: “I believe people didn’t vote just to vote. It’s also the result of our work throughout the year and the quality we seek to offer every day.”
It’s time to apply for Best Lunch 2026
Voting to choose the best restaurants for lunch in 2026 will take place between September 7 and October 5, 2026, at bestlunch.pt. The restaurant just needs to be listed on Google Business Profile to participate. If you have a restaurant, Best Lunch 2026 is an opportunity to give visibility to your space, engage your community, and strengthen the relationship with your customers.
At stake are up to €4000 in prizes for the winner, including Recheio and Repsol vouchers, Edenred Gift cards for the team, communication consulting by DIG-IN, and an exclusive article in NiT. The remaining Top 10 spots are also awarded prizes.
If you want to compete in Best Lunch 2026, start mobilizing your customers now: use Edenred’s communication kit, invest in social media, and invite those who visit you to vote.
The next best restaurant for lunch in Portugal could be your establishment!