Two SouthCoast Portuguese Restaurants Rank Among Best in U.S.

Massachusetts' SouthCoast might be best known for its whaling history and stunning shorelines, but a new foodie list is letting the world know of another amazing find from our corner of the world.

As any local would tell you, the SouthCoast has some of the best Portuguese restaurants in the world (outside of Portugal, of course). Now non-locals are telling you too.

Food website Chowhound.com, which calls itself 'the site for food nerds,' recently listed the '15 Must-Try Portuguese Restaurants in the U.S.' and no surprise, a SouthCoast spot came in at #1.

Why the SouthCoast Is a Portuguese Food Hotspot

There is no shortage of Portuguese food options on the SouthCoast. Massachusetts has the second-largest Portuguese population in America, so finding restaurants with authentic offerings is pretty easy.

READ MORE: Hidden Portuguese Food Gem in Rhode Island

But what does it take to be among the best in the country and the one foodies say you literally 'must try'? Apparently, time.

Sagres Stands Out Nationally

Chowhound.com named Fall River's Sagres as number one on their new list. The site not only mentions the hearty portions and robust flavors, but also points out that Sagres was one of the first Portuguese restaurants in the entire country.

Opened back in 1976, Sagres has been getting rave reviews for decades. Chowhound raved to readers about the bife à Portuesea and the Mariscada, but didn't mention the celebrity sightings Sagres has had during their nearly 50 years in operation.

Speaking of celebrity sightings, the second SouthCoast Portuguese restaurant to make Chowhound.com's 'must-try' list is no stranger to famous faces.

READ MORE: Remember the Time Martha Stewart Came to the SouthCoast?

Another long-standing local eatery, Antonio's in New Bedford landed at #10 on the food site's list. Large portion size was once again credited with raves for their lulas fritas (calamari) and caçoila sandwich.

More Must-Try Portuguese Spots in New England

Just off the SouthCoast, O Dinis in East Providence came in at #5 on Chowhound.com's list and New England was also represented in the #8 spot, which went to O'Manel in Bridgeport, CT.