Costa Nova Restaurant

The Portuguese restaurant Costa Nova is located at 5 Route d’Echternach, in the Dommeldange district of Luxembourg City, just steps from the train station. This establishment, which has had several incarnations and identities over the years (formerly known as Chez Lurdes on some platforms), remains a go-to spot for anyone seeking authentic Portuguese cuisine at reasonable prices in the Grand Duchy. The setting is modest, almost unassuming from the outside, but behind the facade lies a family-run cafeteria that has cultivated a loyal and diverse clientele, comprised of both Portuguese-speaking regulars and those curious to try the flavors from across the Atlantic.

One of the first things that strikes you about Costa Nova is its extended opening hours. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and offers full service throughout the day, from breakfast to dinner. Since it’s closed on Sundays, it’s best to plan your visit for a weekday or Saturday to fully enjoy the experience. This availability makes it a convenient option for local workers, travelers passing through the train station, or families looking for a pleasant meal after a busy day.

A menu focused on Portuguese classics

At the heart of Costa Nova’s offerings remains home-style Portuguese cuisine , prepared with fresh ingredients and according to traditional recipes passed down through generations. The menu, though sometimes limited, features iconic dishes such as grilled picanha, bitoque (a type of fish), bacalhau (cod), francesinha (a type of fish stew), and arroz cabidela, a chicken blood rice dish considered a staple of Portuguese gastronomy. Fish lovers are also well catered for with grilled sardines, a roasted sea bream that has been a hit with many customers, and prawns offering unbeatable value for money in the region (a dozen size 16 prawns for around €25). Angus beef and kid goat are also among the more unusual options regularly offered.

The set menu is the best way to discover the restaurant without breaking the bank. For between €14 and €16, customers receive a complete meal deal, typically including a popular vegetable soup as a starter, a choice of four or six main courses (alternating between four meat and two fish dishes), a homemade dessert, and coffee. At lunchtime, the restaurant is often full, a sign that the set menu has proven popular with local workers and regulars. The same set menus are offered in the evening, allowing diners to enjoy a delicious meal even after a long day.

The service was friendly but sometimes inconsistent.

In terms of service, most visitors praise the friendliness of the staff, often of Portuguese origin, who demonstrate genuine warmth. The manager and her team make it a point of honor to welcome each customer as if they were part of the family, creating the intimate atmosphere typical of community-based establishments. Several reviews emphasize this feeling of being “at home,” reinforced by the sense of rediscovering authentic cuisine, especially for expatriates or those nostalgic for the flavors of Portugal.

Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that the service has some irregularities worth noting. Language remains a primary obstacle: the staff primarily speaks Portuguese, and their command of French or English is limited, which can complicate ordering for inexperienced diners. Furthermore, during peak hours, the pace of service can slow considerably, and certain specific orders (particularly prawns) can sometimes require over an hour of preparation if they haven’t been pre-ordered. Some customers have also reported errors in the bill or price discrepancies between the menu and the final bill, a point that warrants careful checking of the receipt before leaving the table.

Takeaway meals and quick bites

Costa Nova also offers a takeaway service, a convenient option for those who want to enjoy Portuguese cuisine at home or at the office. Grilled sandwiches, roast chicken, and other specialties are prepared to order. However, this service has generated some frustration, with several customers reporting significant delays or orders not being prepared despite prior phone calls. For takeaway orders, it’s therefore best to go directly to the restaurant rather than attempting to reserve by phone during peak hours.

The establishment also features a cafeteria area with a counter where you can quickly order an espresso, a Portuguese pastry (the chorizo bread is particularly delicious), a brownie, or a slice of flan. These sweet treats, served in a relaxed setting, make for an ideal stop for passersby at Dommeldange train station looking for an authentic snack at a low price.

Atmosphere and setting: unpretentious authenticity

The interior decor remains simple and functional, without any particular aesthetic embellishment, which reflects the spirit of a family restaurant focused on the quality of the food rather than the visual experience. Some customers appreciate this simplicity, which highlights the food, while others find the atmosphere a bit cold or too noisy during peak hours. The place isn’t particularly suited to a romantic date, but it’s perfectly adequate for a meal with friends, family, or colleagues after work.

The lack of parking is another point to consider when planning your visit. However, its proximity to the train station remains a major advantage: the restaurant is easily accessible from the city center or the Kirchberg district within a few minutes’ walk from the train, which more than compensates for the lack of private parking.

Contact and practical information

To reserve a table or place an order, please call +352 26 51 13 29. The official website, costanova.lu, also provides basic information and updates about the establishment. Located at 5 Route d’Echternach, postal code 1453, the restaurant is just a short distance from the center of Luxembourg City, in an area well-served by public transport.

Ultimately, Costa Nova caters primarily to lovers of traditional Portuguese cuisine looking for a good, affordable restaurant in Luxembourg. The generous portions, unbeatable value for money in a city known for its high prices, and the authenticity of the recipes are compelling reasons to choose it. Those in a hurry will find what they’re looking for in the lunchtime set menus, while gourmets can take their time savoring a picanha or bacalhau in the evening. Bearing in mind a few potential inconveniences (waiting time, language barrier, checking the bill), the experience remains largely positive for those who embrace the simple and genuine atmosphere of this cafeteria-restaurant with its Lisbon-inspired ambiance.