Food To Try In Lisbon, Portugal - Updated 2024

food to try in lisbon
Nikita
Nikita  
Updated
| 5 min read

This hilly capital of Portugal is a place which wraps you in its slow seduction. The tropical, coastal city is painted pastel with its stunning architecture. The people, just like the city, have their own rhythm and are not in any hurry to embrace the cosmopolitan ways of the world. Time moves slowly here, and when you savor some of these carefully curated local dishes here - time will stop for you. Portuguese food is gaining popularity all around the world now, but it is a once in a lifetime experience to relish the food Lisbon offers, sitting in an old-fashioned restaurant in a cobbled alleyway. Read below to find out more about the food you must try when in Lisbon.

1. Pastéis de Belém - contributed by Tour Guide, Beatrice Sacco

Pastéis de Belém
Source: Beatrice Sacco

Pastéis de Belém is a delicious and famous egg custard tart in Lisbon and beyond. You can try this explosion of sweetness and crunchiness at the Pastéis de Belém shop and allow it to warm your taste buds and slowly warm your heart. While pastéis de nata (‘cream’) can be found all across Portugal, I firmly believe that none match the exquisite taste of Pastéis de Belém.

The origins of these delectable treats trace back to the closure of convents and monasteries in 1834 when the clergy were trying to find ways to survive. That’s when a group of nuns from Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Belém started selling sweet pastries, later known as ‘Pastéis de Belém.’ In 1837, they began baking these pastries in a dedicated shop, faithfully following the ancient secret recipe that sets them apart and makes them truly special.

Make sure to enjoy as many as you want without worrying about the calories.

Pastéis de Belém

Address: R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal

Website: Pastéis de Belém

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

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2. Cozido à Portuguesa

Cozido a portuguesa 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Uxbona used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Cozido à Portuguesa is considered by some, one of the national dishes of Portugal. It is a boiled cozido stew using a variety of meat and veggies. Usually, it includes intense flavors blended together which include beef, pork, cabbage, rice, potatoes, etc. It literally translates to “boiled a la Portuguese” and there are numerous varieties you will find across Portugal - mainly being consumed in the winter. It is often served with red wine and, though it was a humble meal historically, now it finds its place in all kinds of households. O Zé do Cozido serves one of the most appetizing versions of this stew.

O Zé do Cozido

Address: R. José Acúrcio das Neves 3, 1900-221 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: Around 20 EUR (22.79 USD)

Website: O Zé do Cozido

Tip from tour guide

Rita

Rita
Lisbon

Cozido

Cozido à Portuguesa is the quintessential Portuguese stew embodying rich flavors and culinary tradition. A chorus of 'chourizos' saturates the dish with smokiness and spices. An array of meats—beef, pork ear, belly, feet, chicken—soak up the savory amalgamation. Vegetables, a testament to embracing greens, include cabbages, beans, potatoes, and turnip. Served with essential rice cooked in flavorful water. Our humble cuisine boasts unparalleled quality and epic flavor! 

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3. Tripas

Tripas (8907365960)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jeremy Keith used under CC BY 2.0

Originated in the 14th Century, this legendary stew is made with Tripe, sausage, a variety of meats and beans served hot with rice. Tripe is basically the small intestines of farm animals - cleaned, seasoned and grilled to perfection. A homestyle dish, you can get a delicious version of this in Das Tripas Coração.

Das Tripas Coração

Address: Rua da Escola de Medicina Veterinária 1A, 1150-174 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: From 3 EUR (3.42 USD)

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4. Bacalhau

Bacalhau a Bras
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Fpenteado used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Bacalhau is the Portuguese description for cod and it is a salted cod-fish preparation which is sun-dried and eaten in various ways. One of the most revered food items in Portugal, it is said that the Portuguese can consume cod in 365 ways, one for every day of the year. Even if you have not tried cod in the past, this dish will win your heart with its simplicity. Head to the Restaurante D`bacalhau for this deliciousness.

Restaurante D`bacalhau

Address: R. do Bojador 45, 1990-254 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: From 10 EUR (11.41 USD)

Website: Restaurante D`bacalhau

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Lisbon Tour Guide

Ana-Cristina Paiva

Ana Cristina Paiva

I am an australian-born Portuguese living in Lisbon since I was 8 years old. I studied Tourism and became a Licensed Guide and I absolutely love my job! The Portuguese landscape, history, food, traditions have won me over and I hope to share all this with you! I live in an historical neighborhood and believe that the best way to get to know a city is by walking. During the tours I hope to answer your questions and curiosities, proving a memorable and fun learing experience.

Tours by Ana-cristina

Lisbon Tour Guide

Francisco

Francisco

Hello!!! My name is Francisco, but my friends call me Chico, so, feel free to call me that! I was born, raised and live in Lisbon, but I am a well travelled person, as I work for almost 30 years in the Tourism Industry. I am a family man, father of 3 grown up boys, and my friends say I am a "Social Animal" as I easily make friends! I love sports ( especially soccer and rugby), walking the streets of Lisbon ( I always discover new things. . . ); talking to people; trying a new wine or a different type of food. With a degree in Social & Cultural Anthropology, and with the experience as a Tour Guide, I have learned to look and feel our City and its people with tourist's eyes and heart. I believe that Life is a wonderful gift and must be enjoyed every single day, and in every moment, so my Tours reflect this philosophy. You can expect I will inform you about facts, but I will tell you the stories that made these facts interesting. My favourite themes are History and Traditions, Art and Gastronomy, Sports and People. . . Lisbon People!!! My Tours are relaxed; they are made for people who seek to Know, but also, to Enjoy!!! Aahh. . . and I can customize any of my Tours according to your special interests. Just ask me. So, this is Me. . . I am waiting for your contact!

Tours by Francisco

Lisbon Tour Guide

Marta Côrte-Real

Marta Côrte Real

I was born in Lisbon and I'm forever in love with it! After my family, guiding is my greatest passion: I love what I do! I have a 5 year degree called Touristic Information, specifically to work as a Tourist Guide, as well as the Certificate of Competence acquired through a qualifying examination, in order to be able to exercise this regulated profession. I own and manage a tour company licensed by the Turismo de Portugal IP, Portugal's National Tourism Authority. Tour guiding has been my full time job since 2003 and it has always been incredibly rewarding. In 2021, I was recognized by the Wanderlust Awards as one of the world's "Best Specialist Guides", which I think is a result of doing what I love every day. Waking up knowing I'll meet enthusiastic people who are excited to discover my city makes me a very grateful and happy person. For almost two decades (how am I that old already?!) I travelled around the world as a tour guide and tour manager in Portugal, Europe, South and Central America. I stopped being so nomadic when my first child was born and in 2016, I became part of ToursByLocals' amazing team and since then I've been 100% dedicated to my lovely Lisbon and its surroundings. I am a mother of 3. I love planning family trips. I know how important it is to create special family memories. Travelling means getting to know new places and cultures, experiencing nature more closely, walking and playing more, discovering history through cities, monuments and palaces! Our childhood travel memories are often the sweetest and along with other remarkable moments, we build who we are and how we live in the world. So if you're in need of someone to guide you and your kids and have them thrilled about travelling, I'm your guide! I'm also very fond of small groups of friends, extended family trips and solo travellers. It's a much more personal approach and very interesting and grateful, too. It's so lovely to get to know you! My wish is to make you feel all the unique details of this fairytale country the way I proudly do, welcoming you as a friend, however always assuring professional, original and interesting tours. I offer walking tours or if you prefer to just sit and relax, I also provide tours with transportation included (private minivan, minibus, bus). You can choose from my many tours the one you're most interested in, or we can build together a tailored experience, everything at your pace. Once you send me a message, I'll try to answer right away, but if I'm delivering a tour or busy with my family, I'll let you know that I'll get back to you soon. I'll be happy to create a customized tour just for you and if you have a special request, if it's a family with different age ranges. . . let me know so we can build the best option for your group. Some of my tours can perfectly be combined. I can also help you plan the best timings to avoid the crowds and even buy your tickets, if needed. There are lots of magic places in Portugal: let me know about you, your interests and ideas and according to that I will work on your time here! The most recent experience has been incredible: the virtual tours. The idea came up with the 2020 pandemic scenery and I decided to keep them going in the future as they're such a pleasant way of travelling differently and sustainably. These tours are perfect to gather families and friends who live away from each other and for schools to complement their teaching, as well as to help those who cannot travel for many reasons, to be able to see the world. I believe we always need to make the best out of the worst. Portugal is a country to visit all year round: weather is wonderful and even during the winter you can enjoy the simple pleasures of life like sitting on an esplanade, absorbing each sunbeam! Plus, I love cooking and baking and I'm happy to share my recipes. Portuguese food is simply delicious and the wine is just perfect for a toast to celebrate life! Get ready to deeply fall in love with Portugal! Can't wait to meet you!

Tours by Marta

Lisbon Tour Guide

Beatrice Sacco

Beatrice Sacco

Hello! My name is Beatrice, I'm originally from Milan and I'm currently living in Lisbon. Travel, nature, music and art are among my passions. I'm curious and determined and I love meeting people from different countries. I moved to Portugal after finishing my studies in Art History. Now I'm putting into practice what I have learned by working as a tour guide. I love to share with people all the history, culture and local insights about the beautiful city of Lisbon and its surroundings! Come with me, if you want to go deep into the richness of this place!

Tours by Beatrice

Lisbon Tour Guide

Rita Jardim

Rita Jardim

Rita has been a tour guide in Portugal since 2015. She is a passionate storyteller and a history buff whose goal is to immerse curious travelers in the beautiful Portuguese tale. Rita creates customized tours, cultural experiences, and food adventures in Lisbon, Belém, Sintra, Évora, and lesser-explored corners of Portugal. If you're looking for a genuine and immersive experience beyond the typical tourist route, Rita is your guide.

Tours by Rita

5. Alcatra

Alcatra
Source: Pixabay

Alcatra is an expensive meat-cut that melts in the mouth, and it can even be eaten without the help of a knife. This pot roast cooked thoroughly in red wine is spiced with bay leaves, salt and pepper, though some use other intense spice mixes as well. The slow-cooking method is what gives the meat its unparalleled softness. A century-old, unassuming restaurant serving Portuguese classics to the locals, Adega das Gravatas serves some of the best Alcatra in Lisbon.

Adega das Gravatas

Address: Tv. Pregoeiro 15, Carnide, 1600-587 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: Around 20 EUR (22.80 USD)

Website: Adega das Gravatas

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6. Caldeirada

Caldeirada de raia
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user P. Lameiro used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Caldeirada is a Portuguese fish and vegetable stew which usually contains potatoes along with any fresh fish available on hand. This one-pot recipe lies somewhere between a soup and a stew in terms of consistency. In the past, eels have also been used for this preparation. To achieve a fresh seafood flavor, fish is cooked whole with bones and skin and served hot with a meaty broth. The flavors mix amazingly with the vegetables and spices and the end result is a soupy hot bowl of goodness. The riverside restaurant, A Pescaria, serves excellent fresh catches in an informal atmosphere.

A Pescaria

Address: Cais Gás, 1200-161 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: 34 EUR (38.77 USD) for two

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7. Carne de Porco Alentejana

Carne de porco à Alentejana
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rui Ornelas used under CC BY 2.0

Carne de Porco Alentejana is one of the most traditional (and oldest) dishes on this list. It is made of marinated pork with steamed clams cooked with potatoes, wine, garlic, coriander and other spices. The word Alentejana might suggest that the dish comes from the Alentejo region but it was originally cooked with pigs from the Algarve region of Portugal. João do Grão in downtown Lisbon whips up amazing Carne de Porco Alentejana and it is very popular with the locals.

João do Grão

Address: R. dos Correeiros 222, 1100-422 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: 15 EUR ( 17.11 USD)

Website: João do Grão

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8. Caracois

Caracois
Source: Pixabay

Caracois is the favorite summertime munchie for Portuguese. You can find it everywhere be it an appetizer or as a snack served with wine and other drinks. These seasonal treats are snails cooked with onion, garlic, tomatoes and piri-piri spice. During summer, hordes of small restaurants and cafes put up boards to advertise that they have started serving Caracois. One Pires(plate) of snails is usually 5 EUR (5.71 USD). Júlio dos Caracóis has been serving up snails since 1958 and is a top pick for locals and tourists alike.

Júlio dos Caracóis

Address: R. do Vale Formoso de Cima 140 B, 1950-447 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: From 5 EUR (5.71 USD)

Website: Júlio dos Caracóis

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9. Frango no Churrasco

Churrasco de frango (2207770170)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user lilivanili used under CC BY 2.0

This Portuguese grilled chicken with rice is served throughout Lisbon and it is a local favorite and a real staple of Portuguese cuisine. The chicken is grilled with exotic flavorful spices like piri-piri, yogurt, ginger, garlic and a generous portion of paprika. The longer the meat is marinated, the stronger and juicier the flavors get. In Portugal, it is usually a quick and easy meal when one’s in a hurry. Frangasqueira Naciona, a food joint which celebrates tradition with a hint of modernity, serves great barbequed chicken but it is only open during the lunch and dinner hours.

Frangasqueira Nacional

Address: Tv. Monte do Carmo 19, 1250-127 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: Around 10.60 EUR (12.10 USD)

Website: Frangasqueira Nacional

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10. Caldo Verde

Caldo verde (33228722492)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pasquale Paolo Cardo used under CC BY 2.0

Caldo Verde is a popular Portuguese soup made with potatoes, collard greens, salt and olive oil. This rustic soup is perfect when you are searching for comfort food and a hearty meal - all in one. Each household has its interpretation and some love adding meat and chorizo to it to turn it into a heavier meal. Caldo Verde translates to “green broth” and is a very nutritious and earthy dish. You can find a taste-worthy version at Merendinha do Arco in Lisbon.

A Merendinha do Arco

Address: R. dos Sapateiros 230, 1100-486 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: around 1.50 EUR (1.71 USD)

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11. Polvo à Lagareiro

Polvo à lagareiro (Alcochete)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user The Ogre used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Polvo à Lagareiro is a quintessential Portuguese flavor - baked octopus with mashed potatoes in spicy, herby oil. Frade dos Mares Restaurant is well known for the huge variety of seafood they serve, especially octopus. This unpretentious restaurant will satisfy your food cravings without burning a hole in your pocket. A plus is that locals love visiting this place for the authentic flavors and fresh meat.

Frade Dos Mares

Address: Av. Dom Carlos i 55A, 1200-647 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: From 18 EUR (20.55 USD)

Website: Frade Dos Mares

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Eat like a Lisbonite when you visit the charming city of Lisbon

Have a food-fueled holiday in Lisbon and during your food trail, try some popular picks, as well as some unknown local favorite dishes. The top-notch seafood, the exotic spices and the traditional cooking methods have an allure to them that you just cannot afford to miss out on. Also, do not skip the great wines from the region while you are exploring the food scene in Lisbon.

Tip from tour guide

Marta

Marta
Lisbon

Cod fish

Mr. Codfish is gearing up for Christmas Eve! This tradition traces back to the Middle Ages when Christians, observing fasting during major Catholic festivals like Christmas, turned to cod, the cheapest fish. Over time, its price has surged to €15-20 per kg, and it is no longer as accessible to all families.

Post-World War II, widespread cod consumption grew as the dictatorship regulated its supply, aligning with the regime's propaganda on TV. This dish symbolized the humility and simplicity expected of the Portuguese people.

Despite its modest beginnings, today's family reunions demand a hearty meal, contrasting with the dish's origins. Interestingly, "Consoada," originating from the Latin "consolata," meaning to console, which perfectly encapsulates the essence of this Christmas tradition. 

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Nikita belongs to India and has studied English language along with Fashion. She also has a keen interest and is certified in Graphology (the science of handwriting analysis). Pale, awkward and...Read more

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