If you happen to’re questioning the place to eat in Lisbon, this publish is for you! Beneath I will share all of the must-try native specialties and my favourite locations to eat within the Portuguese capital. Bom apetite!
Just a few years in the past my gifted husband, Alejandro, received a startup contest together with his firm Inexperienced Eagle Options. Portugal’s EDP Renewables awarded them the highest prize within the EDP Starter competitors. And as he deliberate a last-minute work journey to Lisbon, I made a decision to tag alongside.
It had been over seven years since I would been to Lisbon, and in that point town went from beneath the radar to exploding as a high journey and meals vacation spot. I used to be excited to see what it was all about—would Lisbon’s meals scene be well worth the hype? (Spoiler alert: positively!)
I had solely three days to devour my method by way of Lisbon, however fortunately I’ve a variety of foodie pals in my occupation! My listing of locations to attempt was a mile lengthy, and reducing it again was no simple feat.
However I can actually say that I loved each chunk we had in Lisbon (a uncommon declare), and instantly began planning my subsequent journey to Portugal. I am excited to share my high picks for the place to eat in Lisbon—and uncover extra spots each time I return!
Devour Lisbon Meals Excursions
Not lengthy after this preliminary journey, my meals excursions firm expanded into Lisbon! Since then I’ve visited town many instances to plan, launch, and take a look at our Devour Lisbon meals excursions.
If you wish to style all the finest native treats and study Lisbon’s tradition and historical past from an area, I extremely counsel taking one among our excursions! Make certain to e-book early, since tour teams are small and spots replenish quick.
What to Eat in Lisbon – High 10 Meals & Drinks
Listed here are my high 10 must-try meals in Lisbon (together with one which’s technically a drink). At first look, some might sound extra appetizing than others—however I promise they’re all extremely scrumptious!
1. Bacalhau
The Portuguese phrase for salt cod, bacalhau, sneaks its method onto most menus in Lisbon. Whereas salt cod can be conventional in Spain, the Portuguese take it to new heights, with a wide range of scrumptious dishes which are true labors of affection.
From crispy salt cod croquettes to creamy cod in a tacky bechamel sauce, the choices are countless. There are even complete eating places devoted to this particular fish! Do not miss my favourite spot (named beneath).
Learn Extra: All the things you ever needed to learn about salt cod
2. Pastéis de Nata
I believe by now everybody has seen this quintessential Lisbon pastry on a journey present or Instagram feed—it is actually photogenic. However in contrast to many fairly pastries, the pastel de nata tastes wonderful too.
These Portuguese custard tarts will be discovered in all places in Lisbon, however like most nice meals, not all are created equal! My favorites are served heat out of the oven, dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
While you give it a squeeze for that first chunk, you may hear a satisfying “crack!” from the crispy base. Simply writing about these scrumptious treats makes me need to run again to Lisbon!
Make It at Dwelling: Pastéis de nata recipe
Apparently, the unique pastéis de nata have been convent sweets, invented by Catholic monks who had loads of leftover egg yolks after utilizing the whites to do laundry and/or filter wine.
This story is acquainted, as many Spanish pastries have an analogous origin story. However for my part, there is not any pastry in Spain pretty much as good because the Portuguese pastel de nata!
See Additionally: Melissa shares the complete story behind the common-or-garden pastel de nata
3. Bifana
The bifana was a brand new discovery for me on my first journey, nevertheless it was on the high of the must-try listing from all my foodie pals. Some even declare it is the very best sandwich in Portugal!
So what precisely is a bifana? At its core, it is a easy pork sandwich: stewed pork slices on bread—nothing fancy! However when achieved nicely it is extremely scrumptious. One of the best locations marinate the pork in garlic, spices, and white wine and slow-cook the meat earlier than inserting it on delicate bread with a crispy crust.
There’s all the time the choice so as to add mustard or a couple of drops of spicy piri piri sauce (extremely really helpful). And a chilly beer to clean all of it down is a should for the really native expertise!
Style It: We attempt a incredible bifana on our daytime Lisbon meals tour!
Cannot get to Lisbon? Make it at dwelling with this genuine bifana recipe!
4. Piri Piri Rooster
Talking of spicy sauce, piri piri hen is one other easy however scrumptious dish you may discover in Lisbon. A humble roast hen (frango assado or frango na brasa) is a well-liked and low-cost fast meal all through town. For beneath €20 you’ll be able to typically get a complete roast hen, sides of rice and salad, and a few beers.
5. Crab
As you’d in all probability count on, Lisbon is heaven for seafood lovers. However one of the distinctive seafood dishes you may discover right here is crab. Seafood eating places are particularly well-known for brown crab, which is usually served complete in its shell, mixing the crab meat and roe with butter, garlic, onions, and white wine. Do that on the well-known Cervejaria Ramiro (see beneath).
6. Sardines
Sardines are one of many symbols of Portugal, whether or not freshly grilled or preserved in a tin. You will discover retailers that includes scrumptious canned sardines throughout city.
Like their Spanish counterparts, Portuguese canned items are a delicacy. You will additionally discover tuna, mussels, and different scrumptious choices. And naturally, when you go to a seafood restaurant you might also discover contemporary sardines, particularly throughout summer season. If you happen to see them, make sure you attempt them!
Learn Extra: The last word information to canned fish in Lisbon
Learn Extra: A have a look at the recognition of canned meals
7. Contemporary Seafood
Aside from wonderful sardines and crab, Lisbon is dwelling to numerous different kinds of seafood. Big prawns, lobsters, contemporary fish, razor clams, gooseneck barnacles, mussels… the listing goes on.
I extremely suggest visiting the native markets to see the number of seafood on supply. And ensure to plan a particular night at one of many metropolis’s marisqueiras (seafood eating places). The invoice provides up rapidly, nevertheless it’s nicely price it.
8. Cozido
Cozido à portuguesa is one other typical Portuguese dish that you’re going to discover in Lisbon (and all through the nation). It is a scrumptious and hearty stew consisting of various cuts of meat (together with pork, hen, and beef), pork fats, and sausages.
It might additionally embody greens similar to potatoes, cabbage, and carrots. Some variations even make use of offal, like gut or pig ear. Whatever the recipe, you will be positive it’s going to heat you up on a cold day.
9. Caldo Verde
One other dish to heat you up is caldo verde—actually, inexperienced broth. Greatest served piping scorching, this comforting dish is so widespread that McDonald’s in Portugal has even added it to the menu (do not attempt it there, although!).
The soup is made with a easy mixture of potatoes, leafy greens, garlic, onion, chouriço (Portuguese sausage), olive oil, and water. It is one other instance of Portuguese simplicity that pays off in a wealthy depth of taste.
10. Ginjinha
My final suggestion for must-try meals and drinks in Lisbon is ginjinha: a candy liqueur made from bitter cherries. You won’t consider it as a should attempt—however belief me, it’s.
Lisbon’s tiny ginjinha bars are nicely price a go to, not just for the tipple but in addition to face on the bar and people-watch for a second. I hope that these little treasures will survive Lisbon’s tourism growth—they’re one among a form!
Learn Extra: All about ginjinha and why you need to attempt it in Lisbon
The place to Eat in Lisbon – The Greatest Eating places & Bars
Listed here are a couple of of the very best locations to eat and drink in Lisbon, plus some ideas for locations I have never tried but that come extremely really helpful. In case you have one other Lisbon meals suggestion, go away a remark for my subsequent go to!
1. Café Martinho da Arcada
I truly stumbled upon this place by chance. I would checked into my close by Lisbon resort and was ravenous; it was raining and I did not need to go far. Regardless of being tremendous centrally positioned, this historic café regarded particular, so I wandered inside.
I stood on the bar, surrounded by locals, and selected one of many dishes of the day and a cup of soup. The meals was deliciously do-it-yourself, and I could not even end it (I forgot how large Portuguese parts will be). Based in 1782, this place is unquestionably price a go to!
Praça do Comércio, 3
2. As Bifanas do Afonso
Everybody advised me that that is THE place to attempt a bifana in Lisbon, and I wasn’t disenchanted! It is a tiny “previous man bar” with barely sufficient room to eat inside.
We squeezed in and ordered two sandwiches, which have been ready earlier than our eyes—the odor of the stewed pork in white wine was intoxicating. With a squirt of piri piri sauce and a chilly beer, I used to be in my glad place.
Rua da Madalena, 146
3. Manteigaria
I found Lisbon’s finest pastéis de nata by chance, and for a second thought I used to be aware of a secret gem. However I quickly realized that many fellow meals lovers had already been seduced by the scrumptious custard tarts at this native establishment.
After consuming an embarrassing variety of tarts in my quick keep, I can confidently name these my favourite—a must-visit. There are a number of areas, however I counsel the unique close to Praça Luís de Camões.
Rua do Loreto, 2
4. Mercado da Ribeira & Time Out Market
Mercado da Ribeira has been Lisbon’s foremost market since 1892. Just lately renovated, a big a part of the market is now a meals corridor hosted by Time Out Journal. It is a good spot to style a wide range of dishes from Lisbon’s finest cooks and eating places. Head subsequent door to the previous a part of the market to purchase components from native distributors!
Avenida 24 de Julho, 49
5. Cervejaria Ramiro
Our hopes have been excessive after we set off for Cervejaria Ramiro, one among Lisbon’s most extremely really helpful seafood spots. Upon arrival, we took a ticket and waited practically an hour till our quantity was referred to as! Might it presumably be well worth the wait?
Fortunately it was, and we actually loved our meal at this iconic place. We ordered essentially the most scrumptious grilled big tiger prawns, garlic butter clams, and razor clams. Plus a prego (steak sandwich)—only for steadiness!
Avenida Almirante Reis, 1
6. A Casa do Bacalhau
This elegant restaurant exterior of town heart is nicely price a taxi experience over. It is really the “home of cod” and provides a wide range of scrumptious preparations.
We completely liked the dishes we tried right here (get the bacalhau com broa!), and loved the service and atmosphere as nicely. It is the kind of place the place you possibly can simply spend hours—and we did our greatest, ordering a few rounds of scrumptious port wine for dessert.
Rua do Grilo, 54
7. Cantinho do Avillez
Referred to as the informal canteen of Lisbon’s high chef (José Avillez), this was one other suggestion that topped our pals’ lists. We made a late reservation and began with cocktails on the bar.
I do need to admit that it wasn’t my favourite cease in Lisbon. However if you wish to style trendy native delicacies by a Michelin star chef, that is the place.
Rua dos Duques de Bragança, 7
8. By the Wine
We stumbled upon By the Wine by probability, however quickly realized it is one of many metropolis’s high wine bars. We solely stopped in for a drink, and have been wowed by the modern design and pleasant service. Positioned within the fashionable Chiado neighborhood, this place is unquestionably on the listing to revisit subsequent time.
Rua das Flores, 41–43
9. Duque Brewpub
Lisbon is as fashionable and hip as any European capital, and its rising craft beer scene is booming. We visited the favored Duque Brewpub for a few pours and liked the laid-back vibe and pleasant house owners (in addition to the good beer!).
Calçada do Duque, 51
10. Wine Bar do Castelo
We discovered this inviting place—higher generally known as “that wine bar close to the fortress”—when it began pouring and we have been trapped at Lisbon’s Castelo de São Jorge. Fearing it is perhaps tremendous touristy, we ventured in hesitantly, however the rain did not give us a lot alternative.
Fortunately it was a terrific place, and we spent a few hours drying off and sipping port. The menu is gigantic, with a terrific number of high-quality wines in addition to cheese and charcuterie plates.
Rua Bartolomeu de Gusmão, 11–13
11. A Ginjinha
Get pleasure from bitter cherry liqueur like an area at Lisbon’s most well-known ginjinha spot. (Trace: order it “com elas,” or with cherries!) Merely stroll as much as the bar, order and pay, sip it rapidly (however do not toss it again like a shot), and go. No lingering at a tiny hole-in-the-wall like this one!
Largo de São Domingos, 8
On the Record for Subsequent Time
I have never personally tried these locations but, however I extremely belief these Lisbon meals suggestions from pals. Test them out and let me know what you assume!
1. Bonjardim
Identified for serving a number of the finest piri piri hen in Lisbon, this place is on the high of the listing for my subsequent go to!
Travessa de Santo Antão, 11
2. Taberna da Rua das Flores
This old style Lisbon tavern would not settle for reservations, however pals inform me it is well worth the wait.
Rua das Flores, 103
3. Zé dos Cornos
This really native tavern is legendary for its pork ribs and salt cod, in addition to its epic bifana.
Beco dos Surradores, 5
4. Zapata
Identified for affordable, no-frills seafood—appears like my sort of place!
Rua do Poço dos Negros, 47
5. Tasca do Chico
Really useful by pals within the know because the place to see good fado with an area vibe. They counsel grabbing a drink however skipping the meals.
Rua do Diário de Notícias, 39
Devour Lisbon with a Native!
If you wish to know the place to eat in Lisbon—in response to an area—be part of my passionate staff at Devour Lisbon on one among our Lisbon meals excursions. In between stops you’ll study all about Lisbon’s distinctive tradition and historical past, and meet the locals behind the meals. Even when you aren’t a “tour individual,” this distinctive expertise is price making an attempt.
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