Olá, fellow food lovers! After spending an incredible three days exploring Lisbon, Portugal and Lisbon’s culinary scene—from local tascas to delicious seafood establishments—I’ve put together this Lisbon food guide to help you navigate one of Europe’s most exciting food destinations. If you’re wondering what to eat in Lisbon or searching for the best food in Lisbon Portugal, you’re in for a treat! Portuguese cuisine blends Atlantic seafood treasures with centuries of global influence, creating a food culture that’s both surprisingly affordable and deeply satisfying.
As you’re reading, note that I’ve included website links for all the restaurants mentioned, so you can easily check menus, make reservations, and find your way to these culinary gems during your visit. Without further adieu, let’s jump into my quick, what to eat in Lisbon food guide!
What to Eat in Lisbon & Traditional Food You Must Try
What is Lisbon’s national dish? What should you absolutely try while you’re traveling in Lisbon? Before diving into restaurant recommendations, let’s explore the essential dishes that make dining in Lisbon Portugal such a memorable experience:
Bacalhau (Salt Cod): Considered Lisbon’s national dish, bacalhau appears in over 365 different recipes across Portugal—one for each day of the year! Don’t miss these popular variations:
- Bacalhau à Brás: Shredded salt cod mixed with crispy potatoes, onions, eggs, and parsley
- Pastéis de Bacalhau: Crispy salt cod fritters that make the perfect appetizer or snack
Bifanas: What food is Lisbon famous for besides cod? These delicious pork sandwiches are a street food staple! Thin slices of pork marinated in garlic, white wine, and paprika, served on a fresh roll. For just €2-4, they’re perfect for a quick, affordable lunch.
Sardines: During summer months, the aroma of grilled sardines fills Lisbon’s air, especially during the Santo António festival in June. Served simply with a squeeze of lemon and boiled potatoes, this is Lisbon food at its most authentic.
Chouriço à Bombeiro: This “fireman’s sausage” is flame-grilled right at your table for a dramatic dining experience. The crispy outside and juicy, smoky inside make this a must-eat in Lisbon.
Pica-Pau: Tender pieces of beef or pork in a light beer or wine sauce with garlic—perfect for sharing alongside a cold Super Bock beer.
Pastéis de Nata: No discussion of what to eat in Lisbon would be complete without mentioning these iconic custard tarts. Crispy, flaky pastry filled with creamy egg custard and sprinkled with cinnamon—they’re best enjoyed warm from the oven with an espresso.
Types of Dining Establishments in Lisbon
Now that we know about some of Lisbon’s traditional dishes, what can you expect from the dining scene? When exploring the best places to eat in Lisbon, it helps to understand the different types of establishments:
Tascas & Tasquinhas: Small, often family-run restaurants serving traditional Portuguese cuisine at affordable prices. These are where you’ll find some of the good food in Lisbon at the best value.
Cervejarias: Beer-focused casual restaurants that typically excel in seafood. Perfect for enjoying prawns, clams, and of course, a cold beer.
Marisqueiras: Specialized seafood restaurants where you’ll find the freshest catch of the day—ideal for experiencing why food in Lisbon Portugal is renowned for its seafood.
Pastelarias: Pastry shops where you can grab a quick breakfast or afternoon snack. They’re the best places to try Lisbon’s famous pastéis de nata.
Casa do…: Restaurants named “House of…” usually specialize in a particular dish or style. For example, Casa do Fado offers traditional food with fado music performances.
Dining Etiquette in Lisbon Portugal
Before diving into where to eat, here are some helpful tips about dining in Lisbon:
- Couvert: Those appetizers automatically brought to your table (bread, olives, butter) aren’t free! If you don’t want them, just politely decline.
- Meal Times: Lisboetas eat later than many visitors might be used to. Breakfast is light and typically between 7:30-10:00am, lunch is typically 12:00-2:30pm, and dinner starts around 7:30-10:30pm. A light snack around 5:00pm is also common.
- Tipping: Not required, but 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated.
- Portions: Hearty and generous—perfect for sharing or taking leftovers.
- Dress Code: Generally casual, but check specific restaurant requirements for upscale venues.
What to Drink in Lisbon
The perfect accompaniment to the best food in Lisbon is a local beverage:
Ginjinha: This sweet cherry liqueur is a Lisbon specialty. Try it served in an edible chocolate cup for a delightful treat!
Portuguese Beer: Join the friendly debate between Super Bock (preferred in the north) and Sagres (southern favorite).
Portuguese Wines: Don’t miss Vinho Verde (young, slightly sparkling wine), rich reds from the Douro Valley, or a glass of Port to end your meal.
Sumol: This popular Portuguese soda comes in several fruit flavors and makes a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
Water: Let’s not overlook this health essential! Water in Portugal is safe to drink, so feel free to consume as much as you’d like (especially after hiking Lisbon’s 7 hills).
Where to Find the Best Food in Lisbon
Now for the part you’ve been waiting for—my tried and tested recommendations for Lisbon must eat experiences! Note: Restaurant prices and operating hours may vary. I recommend checking current information before visiting.
Restaurante Cantinho Do Aziz
Rua de São Lourenço 5, 1100-530 Lisboa
For something different, this excellent Mozambican restaurant offers a fascinating taste of Portugal’s colonial influence. Their prawns in coconut sauce and grilled chicken with piri-piri are standout dishes. A wonderful change of pace if you’re looking to diversify your dining in Lisbon Portugal.
Traditional Portuguese Cuisine
A Tasquinha Canto do Fado
Rua de São Cristóvão 33&35, 1100-514 Lisboa
This small, authentic tasca offers incredible traditional dishes with occasional fado performances. Their bacalhau à brás was the best I tried in the city—creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Main dishes range from €12-18.
Oficina Do Duque
Calçada do Duque 43 A, 1200-155 Lisboa
Located near Bairro Alto, this stylish yet casual spot serves elevated Portuguese classics. Their pica-pau was tender and flavorful, and the seafood rice is worth the 25-minute preparation time. Dinner for two with wine: approximately €50-60.
O Faia – Casa de Fado
R. da Barroca 54 56, 1200-050 Lisboa
For a complete cultural experience, this fado house offers both traditional Portuguese food and authentic fado performances. While more touristy than some options, it’s still a worthwhile experience for first-time visitors curious about Portugal’s soulful music tradition.
Seafood Standout
Novo Conceito
R. do Jardim do Tabaco 8, 1100-287 Lisboa
This no-frills marisqueira near the waterfront serves some of the freshest seafood in Lisbon. Their grilled octopus is perfectly tender and the garlic prawns are worth the messy fingers! Expect to pay €20-30 per person depending on your seafood selection.
Must-Try Snacks & Quick Bites
Manteigaria
Multiple locations
While Belém gets all the attention, I found the best pastéis de nata at this small chain. The pastries come out warm throughout the day (a bell rings when a fresh batch is ready!). At just €1.10 each, you can afford to try several!
Ginjinha Sem Rival
Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 7, 1150-264 Lisboa
This tiny historic shop has been serving ginjinha since 1890. For just €1.50, you can enjoy this traditional cherry liqueur as locals have for generations.
Ginjinha Popular
Tv. do Forno 29, 1150-160 Lisboa, Portugal
Another excellent spot to try the iconic cherry liqueur in a traditional setting. The warm, friendly atmosphere makes this a perfect stop between sightseeing adventures.
Quase Café
Rua do Salvador 32, 1100-466 Lisbon
This charming café near the castle offers a perfect breakfast or light lunch stop. Their fresh pastries and excellent coffee make it an ideal morning spot as you begin exploring what to eat in Lisbon for the day.
Day Trips for Food Lovers
If you’re venturing beyond Lisbon, don’t miss these culinary highlights:
Casa Piriquita (Sintra)
R. das Padarias 1/7, 2710-603 Sintra
Established in 1862, this bakery is famous for travesseiros (pillow-shaped pastries filled with almond cream) and queijadas (sweet cheese tarts). The perfect sweet treat after exploring Sintra’s palaces.
Sr. Manuel Seafood Bar (Cascais)
R. Afonso Sanches 40, 2750-282 Cascais
This modern seafood bar in coastal Cascais serves innovative takes on Portuguese classics. Their seafood platters are perfect for sharing and showcase the best of Portugal’s coastline.
Final Tips for Food Lovers in Lisbon
- Eat where the locals eat: If a restaurant is full of Portuguese people having animated conversations, that’s a good sign!
- Look beyond tourist areas: Some of the best food in Lisbon Portugal is found in residential neighborhoods like Alvalade or Campo de Ourique.
- Try the daily special: Many restaurants offer a “prato do dia” (dish of the day) that’s often excellent value.
- Save room for dessert: Portuguese sweets extend far beyond pastéis de nata—try serradura (sawdust pudding), arroz doce (rice pudding), or bolo de bolacha (cookie cake).
Have you visited Lisbon? What was your favorite dish? Let me know in the comments below what food in Lisbon impressed you most, or what you’re excited to try on your upcoming trip!
Enjoy,
Antoinette | Frolic & Courage
