Must Eat in Lisbon

Lisbon is a true paradise for food lovers, with a diverse culinary scene that reflects its rich history, cultural influences, and love for fresh, flavorful ingredients. From traditional Portuguese dishes to unique local twists, Lisbon’s food is as vibrant as the city itself. Exploring the local cuisine is an essential part of experiencing Lisbon’s charm, as the city’s food scene perfectly combines authenticity, innovation, and comfort.

Table of Contents

• Essential Dishes to Try in Lisbon
• Regional Snacks and Street Food
• Where to Eat at Different Times of the Day
• Essential Portuguese Drinks to Pair with Your Meal

Essential Dishes to Try in Lisbon

• Bacalhau (Codfish) - Lisbon's signature dish, often served as Bacalhau à Brás (scrambled with eggs and potatoes) or Bacalhau com Natas (creamy cod casserole).
• Grilled Sardines (Sardinhas Assadas) - A must-try summer dish, traditionally grilled and enjoyed during Lisbon’s festivals.
• Ameijòas à Bulhão Pato (Clams with Garlic and Coriander) - Fresh clams cooked in a fragrant garlic and cilantro sauce, perfect as a starter.
• Polvo à Lagareiro (Octopus in Olive Oil) - Tender, oven-roasted octopus with potatoes, garlic, and olive oil – a simple yet flavorful dish.
• Cozido à Portuguesa (Portuguese Stew) - A hearty mix of meats, sausages, and vegetables, slow-cooked to capture authentic Portuguese flavors.
• Prego & Bifana (Beef & Pork Sandwiches) - Juicy sandwiches featuring marinated meat – Prego is beef, while Bifana is pork, often with garlic and spices.
• Peixinhos da Horta (Green Bean Tempura) - Lisbon's version of tempura, typically green beans battered and fried.
• Caldo Verde (Green Soup) - A comforting soup made with potatoes, kale, and chouriço (Portuguese sausage).
• Pastel de Nata (Custard Tart) - The famous Portuguese custard tart with a crispy, flaky crust and creamy center – best tried at Pastéis de Belém.

Regional Snacks and Street Food

• Piri-Piri Chicken - Grilled chicken marinated in spicy piri-piri sauce, a popular street food with a kick.
• Alheira (Portuguese Sausage) - A flavorful sausage made with a mix of meats and bread, often fried and served with eggs.
• Jaquinzinhos (Fried Mackerel) - Small, crispy mackerel fish served whole – a common snack enjoyed with lemon and a cold drink.
• Tosta Mista and Torrada (Portuguese Toasts) - Simple but delicious – Tosta Mista is a ham and cheese toast, while Torrada is thick-cut buttered toast.
• Bolas de Berlim (Portuguese Donuts) - A local twist on donuts, often filled with custard, perfect for a sweet treat by the beach.

These street foods and snacks showcase Lisbon’s diverse flavors, providing quick bites that capture the city’s culinary spirit.

Where to Eat at Different Times of the Day

1. Breakfast & Brunch Options

Start your day like a local with a light yet flavorful breakfast or indulge in one of Lisbon’s trendy brunch spots. Traditional Portuguese breakfast consists of a coffee and pastry, but if you prefer something more filling, brunch culture has taken hold in the city.

A classic breakfast stop is Pastéis de Belém, a must-visit for its renowned pastéis de nata, Lisbon’s famous custard tarts. The bakery has been perfecting its recipe since 1837, serving piping hot tarts with crispy pastry and a creamy center. The experience of enjoying this iconic treat with a cup of strong espresso is the perfect start to a day of exploring.

• Location: Rua de Belém 84-92, 1300-085 Lisbon
• Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Cost: Pastel de nata starting from €1.10
• Features: Historic bakery famed for its secret-recipe custard tarts; perfect for breakfast or a quick morning treat.

For a more robust breakfast or brunch, Dear Breakfast in Bairro Alto offers a blend of local and international flavors in a cozy, stylish setting. Here you can find avocado toast, eggs Benedict, and smoothie bowls, making it an ideal spot for travelers seeking a modern brunch experience. With its minimalist decor and airy vibe, it’s a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

If you’re in a rush or prefer a grab-and-go option, head to A Padaria Portuguesa, a popular bakery chain with locations across Lisbon. They offer a variety of freshly baked breads, sandwiches, and the traditional pão de deus, a soft, sweet roll topped with coconut. It’s a quick yet satisfying way to fuel up before sightseeing.

2. Lunch Spots and Regional Specialties

Lunchtime in Lisbon is a chance to dive into traditional Portuguese flavors. Many locals take a longer lunch break to enjoy hearty meals, and restaurants offer set menus that include soup, a main dish, dessert, and coffee.

For an authentic taste of Lisbon, Cervejaria Ramiro is an essential stop for seafood lovers. Famous for its fresh shellfish, particularly the garlic prawns and percebes (gooseneck barnacles), it’s a no-frills place that prioritizes flavor and freshness. Be prepared to wait, as this place is beloved by locals and visitors alike, but the food is well worth it.

For a more relaxed setting, visit Time Out Market in Mercado da Ribeira. This food hall gathers Lisbon’s best chefs and restaurants under one roof, offering everything from traditional Portuguese dishes to modern fusion cuisine. Try prego (a garlic steak sandwich) or a serving of bacalhau (codfish) in a variety of styles, and save room for a dessert from Manteigaria, another favorite spot for custard tarts.

If you’re looking for a quieter lunch option, Taberna da Rua das Flores in Chiado is a small, rustic restaurant offering a daily changing menu that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and Portuguese culinary traditions. The intimate, local vibe makes it a hidden gem for lunch, with unique dishes like grilled octopus and peixinhos da horta (Portuguese green bean tempura).

3. Dinner Recommendations

Dinner in Lisbon is typically enjoyed late, around 8 or 9 PM, and it’s often a longer, more social meal. This is the perfect time to explore Portugal’s rich culinary heritage and dive into flavors unique to Lisbon and the surrounding regions.

For an upscale dining experience, Belcanto by chef José Avillez is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Chiado known for its creative takes on Portuguese classics. The tasting menus feature dishes like bacalhau in surprising new forms and an elevated cozido à portuguesa (Portuguese stew), crafted with a modern twist. While reservations are essential, dining here is a journey through Portuguese flavors with an innovative flair.

If you prefer a more traditional dinner setting, Casa da Índia near Bairro Alto is a lively taverna that specializes in grilled meats and seafood, including the popular piri-piri chicken. With its casual vibe and affordable prices, it’s a favorite among locals and travelers alike, capturing the essence of a typical Portuguese eatery.

For a unique cultural experience, consider a fado dinner show at Clube de Fado in Alfama. This venue combines a traditional Portuguese meal with live fado music, an emotional and melancholic music style that has deep roots in Lisbon. Dishes like caldo verde (green soup) and polvo à lagareiro (octopus with olive oil) enhance the experience, immersing you in Portugal’s culinary and musical heritage.

• Location: Rua de São João da Praça 94, 1100-521 Lisbon
• Hours: Open daily from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM
• Cost: Dinner from €20 per person, with additional cost for the fado show
• Features: Traditional fado house in Alfama, offering classic Portuguese dishes and live fado performances in an intimate setting.

4. Dinner and Scenic Cruises

For a memorable dining experience in Lisbon, consider enjoying a meal on one of the city’s scenic cruises. These cruises combine beautiful views of the Lisbon skyline and waterfront with delicious food, creating a unique way to experience the city.

Dinner Cruises on the Tagus River

Lisbon’s dinner cruises offer the perfect blend of fine dining and sightseeing. As you sail along the Tagus River, you’ll enjoy multi-course meals featuring local Portuguese flavors, set against panoramic views of Lisbon’s iconic landmarks, like the 25th of April Bridge and the Monument of the Discoveries.

Tagus River Sightseeing Cruise

For a relaxed daytime experience, the Tagus River cruise provides a scenic journey along Lisbon’s waterfront, allowing you to take in views of the city’s most famous sites. Many of these cruises offer light snacks or lunch options, making it a perfect midday break for those looking to experience Lisbon from a different perspective.

Sunset Cruises with Wine and Tapas

One of the most enchanting ways to end your day is on a sunset cruise along the Tagus River. As the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the city, you can enjoy a glass of Portuguese wine and a selection of tapas while you soak in the breathtaking views. This experience is ideal for couples and anyone looking to unwind with Lisbon’s romantic ambiance as a backdrop.

5. Late-Night Bites and Drinks

Lisbon’s nightlife extends into the early hours, and it’s common to find late-night snacks and drinks well past midnight. For an iconic Portuguese snack, head to Pavilhão Chinês in Bairro Alto, a quirky bar that serves petiscos (Portuguese tapas) alongside a wide selection of cocktails. The decor is eclectic and nostalgic, making it a great place for a late-night bite with a unique atmosphere.

Alternatively, if you’re craving something sweet, grab a Bola de Berlim from one of Lisbon’s bakeries. This Portuguese twist on a donut, often filled with custard, is the perfect way to end your culinary journey through Lisbon.

Essential Portuguese Drinks to Pair with Your Meal

Portuguese cuisine isn’t complete without exploring the country’s beloved beverages. From wines that are world-renowned to unique local spirits, here are some must-try drinks to elevate your dining experience in Lisbon.And remember, you must definitely visit the wine tours!

1. Portuguese Wines

Portugal is known for its diverse wine regions, each offering unique varieties that pair wonderfully with different dishes. Lisbon’s restaurants and bars frequently offer an impressive selection of local wines, with something for every taste and meal.

Vinho Verde

This “green wine” comes from Portugal’s northern region and is light, slightly effervescent, and refreshing. It pairs beautifully with seafood dishes like grilled sardines and clams, making it a popular choice for a summer meal by the coast.

Douro Reds

Rich, full-bodied red wines from the Douro Valley are perfect for heartier meals. These wines have deep, fruity flavors with hints of spice, making them an ideal match for traditional dishes like cozido à portuguesa (Portuguese stew) and grilled meats.

Alentejo Wines

Known for both reds and whites, wines from the Alentejo region are smooth and versatile. Alentejo whites are fresh and aromatic, pairing well with lighter dishes, while the reds are rich and well-suited for stews and roasted dishes.

Port Wine

Although more commonly enjoyed as a dessert wine, Port is a Portuguese staple that can be enjoyed at any time. With a range of styles from sweet to dry, it’s perfect for sipping after a meal or pairing with cheese and chocolate-based desserts.

• Where to Find: Widely available; best enjoyed at wine bars or with dessert
• Cost: Prices vary depending on vintage, with glasses starting from €4
• Features: Portugal’s famed fortified wine, offered in styles from sweet to dry, often enjoyed as a digestif or with chocolate desserts.

2. Ginjinha (Cherry Liqueur)

Ginjinha, or simply “Ginja,” is a sweet cherry liqueur that originated in Lisbon. Made by infusing sour cherries with alcohol, sugar, and cinnamon, it has a vibrant, fruity flavor with a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness. Traditionally served in small shot glasses, it can be sipped before a meal as an aperitif or enjoyed as a quick pick-me-up in the middle of your exploration.

One of the best spots to try Ginjinha is at A Ginjinha near Rossio Square, a tiny bar that’s been serving this beloved drink since 1840. You’ll often be given the option of having it “com elas” (with cherries) or without.

3. Licor Beirão (Herbal Liqueur)

Licor Beirão is a popular herbal liqueur with a complex blend of aromatic herbs and spices, including cinnamon, rosemary, and eucalyptus. Originating from the Beiras region, this drink is smooth and slightly sweet, with a pleasant herbal warmth.

Licor Beirão is often enjoyed as a digestif after a meal, making it the perfect end to a traditional Portuguese dinner. It’s also a versatile ingredient in cocktails, so you’ll find it served straight, over ice, or mixed into creative drinks at Lisbon’s cocktail bars.

4. Portuguese Craft Beers

While Portugal may be known for its wine, the craft beer scene has grown significantly in recent years, and Lisbon now boasts a variety of locally brewed beers. Lisbon’s breweries offer an exciting range of IPAs, stouts, and lagers, many of which use Portuguese ingredients like oranges and spices.

Popular spots for sampling craft beer include Cerveteca Lisboa and Duque Brewpub, where you can enjoy a tasting flight of local brews. These beers pair well with petiscos (Portuguese tapas) like pica-pau (spiced beef strips) and bifana (pork sandwiches).

5. Aguardente (Portuguese Brandy)

Aguardente, often referred to as Portuguese brandy, is a strong distilled spirit made from grapes. The most famous version is Aguardente de Medronho, made from the fruit of the strawberry tree, native to Portugal. With an intense flavor and high alcohol content, it’s usually served in small quantities as a digestif.

Though it may not be for everyone, a small glass of Aguardente after a hearty Portuguese meal is a tradition for many locals. It’s especially popular in the colder months and pairs well with dessert or coffee.

6. Espresso (Bica)

Coffee is an essential part of Portuguese culture, and a meal in Lisbon often ends with a strong, small espresso, known locally as a “bica.” Lisbon’s cafés pride themselves on serving high-quality espresso, often accompanied by a small piece of chocolate or a pastel de nata.

Whether you’re winding down after lunch or finishing dinner, enjoying a bica is a great way to wrap up a meal in Lisbon. For an especially memorable coffee experience, try it at A Brasileira in Chiado, one of the city’s most famous historic cafés.