Studying Matosinhos' Restaurant Sector

Matosinhos is known for its rich culinary culture, with a special emphasis on seafood. With a privileged location by the sea and proximity to Porto, Matosinhos boasts a thriving and diverse restaurant sector. However, to ensure the sustainability and continued growth of this sector, it's necessary to understand the current trends and the perceptions of market stakeholders.

In this context, a comprehensive quantitative study was conducted in Matosinhos' restaurant sector. A total of 96 complete and validated interviews were carried out with representatives of this sector, using an online survey with open and closed questions.

The results of the study reveal the dynamics of the Matosinhos' restaurant scene. The quality of sea products was highlighted as the main distinguishing factor of Matosinhos, mentioned by 76% of respondents. The quality of service in restaurants and the diversity of establishments were also marked as distinctive factors, with 50% and 47.9% of mentions respectively.

The proximity to Porto and the seafront were pointed out as key aspects of Matosinhos' regional attractiveness. High expectations from customers regarding restaurant decoration and ambiance were indicated by 55.2% of study participants. According to the surveyed restaurants, customers also value online reputation and the use of local products.

The results suggest that while online presence is strong in terms of promotion, there is still room for improvement in the adoption of digital tools for reservations and meal delivery.

Restaurants in Matosinhos implement, on average, three environmental sustainability measures in their establishments, with an emphasis on waste separation and food waste reduction. About 27% of Matosinhos restaurants purchase more than 50% of their products from local producers. However, accessibility measures are still limited, although the concern for adapting spaces for people with reduced mobility is the most common.

The study also explored the perception and participation of restaurants in joint projects in the gastronomy sector in Matosinhos. The events and initiatives most recognized by participants include the Rally Fish, the COVID-19 Safety Seal, and Degustar Matosinhos (Menus).

The COVID-19 Safety Seal and the Municipal Emergency Fund received above-average evaluations, along with municipal support projects for the restaurant sector during the pandemic period.

Finally, it's worth noting the investment in training and qualification of human resources. On average, each restaurant reported having carried out training and capacity-building activities with its employees in two different areas over the past four years, with Hygiene and Work Safety being the most referenced (81.3%).