best-places-to-eat-in-Lisbon, Portugal

A Foodie’s Guide to Lisbon: Street Eats & Beyond

Lisbon offers a tantalizing mix of traditional Portuguese cuisine and innovative culinary experiences. From savory seafood dishes to sweet pastel de nata, your taste buds are in for a treat. Here are some must-try spots:

Street Food Delights:

  • Bifana at “O Trevo”: This iconic sandwich features marinated pork loin cooked on a grill and served in a crusty bread roll. It’s a quintessential Lisbon experience.

  • Pastéis de Bacalhau at “Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau”: These crispy codfish fritters are a popular snack. Pair them with a refreshing glass of vinho verde.

  • Ginjinha: This sweet cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup is a must-try street drink, especially around Rossio Square.

  • Sardinhas Assadas (Grilled Sardines): During the summer months, stalls pop up all over the city serving freshly grilled sardines with bread and lemon.

Sit-Down Restaurants:

  • Cervejaria Ramiro: Seafood lovers rejoice! This bustling restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, from prawns to lobster, served in simple but delicious preparations.

  • Time Out Market Lisboa: A foodie haven housed in the Mercado da Ribeira, this market features stalls by acclaimed chefs offering everything from traditional Portuguese dishes to international cuisine.

  • Cantinho do Avillez: Chef José Avillez’s restaurant serves modern Portuguese cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and innovative flavor combinations.

  • Tasca da Esquina: This hidden gem in the Bairro Alto neighborhood offers delicious tapas and wines in a cozy and convivial atmosphere.

For Sweet Treats:

  • Pastel de Nata at “Pastéis de Belém”: No trip to Lisbon is complete without trying these iconic custard tarts.
  • Gelato at “Gelateria do Chiado”: This artisanal gelateria offers a variety of unique flavors, from traditional pistachio to innovative combinations like basil and lemon.

Pro Tip:

  • Many restaurants in Lisbon offer lunchtime menus (“menu do dia”) which are a great value for money, typically including an appetizer, main course, dessert, and drink.