Tapas nas Costas is a restaurant in Coimbra Baixa, Coimbra. Rated 4.5 stars from 1668 Google reviews. Known for duck croquettes that reviewers mention by name and service that doesn't feel like service. Best for sunday lunch and date night. Ranked #11 of 15 in Coimbra Baixa. Price range: $$.
Rankings updated April 2026
Tapas nas Costas
Zone Ranking
Ranked weekly from live Google review data
in Coimbra Baixa
↑ Up 3 this week
Quick Verdict
Yes. Reviewers who've eaten across Portugal rank this as their favourite restaurant of their entire trip, and the consistency across languages and backgrounds suggests it's doing something right that has nothing to do with novelty.
You want a proper Sunday lunch with tapas that taste like they've been made twice before you arrived, and you don't mind waiting 40 minutes if you haven't booked ahead.
About Tapas nas Costas
Tapas nas Costas is a small restaurant on Rua Quebra Costas in Coimbra's baixa district, open Sundays only from 12:30 to 4:30pm. It's decorated with Portuguese records and vintage touches that reviewers consistently mention as part of its appeal. The menu runs to Spanish-style tapas—duck croquettes with fig compote, broken eggs with mushrooms and a meat sauce, tempura vegetables, bacalhau—plated with care and served by staff who know what they're doing. Reviewers from across Europe (Dutch, French, Italian, Czech visitors alongside Portuguese regulars) describe the same experience: excellent food at fair prices, warm service, and a calm, elegant atmosphere that feels intentional rather than forced. Maria, a server, appears multiple times in reviews as someone who offers genuine suggestions and will offer you a taste of something you're undecided about. This isn't a quick bite. It's a Sunday lunch where someone's thought about the wine list, the music, and whether your eggs need an unexpected sauce.
What Stands Out
Duck croquettes that reviewers mention by name
Multiple reviews single out the croquetes de pato: 'deliciosos, extremamente delicados, cremosos e a desfazerem-se na boca' (delicious, extremely delicate, creamy, melting in the mouth). One reviewer was offered a taste of the chicken version too but confirmed the duck was the standout.
Service that doesn't feel like service
Maria is named in 3 separate reviews for 'simpatia, educação e delicadeza' (warmth, politeness, thoughtfulness). Reviewers describe her offering suggestions, helping with indecision, and serving 'with genuine passion and joy.' This isn't generic praise—it's specific enough to appear across multiple independent reviews.
Bacalhau cooked with actual technique
One reviewer called it 'outstanding—perfectly cooked with a delicious contrast of textures and a crisp, crunchy topping.' Another praised 'ovos rotos' (broken eggs) with an unexpected meat sauce 'elevando o prato e dando-lhe um twist inesperado' (elevating the dish with an unexpected twist).
What Customers Say
The bacalhau was outstanding—perfectly cooked with a delicious contrast of textures and a crisp, crunchy topping.
Restaurante muito acolhedor, comida ótima e atendimento 5 estrelas.
This was our favorite restaurant of our entire trip to Portugal.
Real quotes from Google Reviews
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about Tapas nas Costas
Sunday only, 12:30–4:30pm. Closed Monday to Saturday. (Arrive before 12:30 or expect a 40-minute wait on weekends if you haven't booked.)
No online booking available, but one reviewer noted they waited 40 minutes without a reservation on a Sunday. Walk-ins are welcome but the place fills up.
The duck croquettes with fig compote appear in multiple reviews as the standout starter. Reviewers also praise the bacalhau, broken eggs with mushrooms, and tempura vegetables. Ask Maria if she's working—she'll steer you right.
€€ pricing. Reviewers describe it as 'affordable' and 'good value for the quality,' though one French reviewer noted portions on the main course side could be more generous.
Calm, elegant, decorated with Portuguese records and vintage touches. Reviewers describe it as 'acolhedor' (welcoming) with good Portuguese music—rare enough that one reviewer specifically called it out as a highlight.
Also in Coimbra Baixa
View all15 venues changed rank in Coimbra Baixa this week → See full zone ranking
How We Rank Venues
Rankings are recalculated weekly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this week.
How our weekly rankings work