Food in Lisbon: 9 Quintessentially Portuguese Dishes and Where To Eat Them
Portugal’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its past ventures across the world. Spices such as cinnamon and piri-piri were brought over from the country’s former colonies and sprinkled over dishes that are now part of its gastronomic heritage. Even the beloved codfish has its roots in the northern seas, yet it has seamlessly seeped into traditional Portuguese food like no other ingredient—it’s a Christmas staple after all.
So if you're wondering exactly where to start on your culinary journey when in town, check out our Lisbon food guide, which covers everything from grilled sardines (summer is the official season) to the ubiquitous custard tart (an original recipe hails from this charming city). Here are nine famous dishes in Lisbon that you won't want to skip.
1. Pastel de nata
This cherished pastry is one of the best things to eat in Portugal.
The pastel de nata, or pastéis de nata (if you’re ordering more than one) is a favorite local treat—spotted in most pastelarias (pastry shops) and supermarkets across the country. Monks at the Monastery of St. Jerome (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) apparently concocted the first batch around the 18th century using a mix of egg yolks, sugar, and a dusting of cinnamon.
The flaky pastry is often served for breakfast or as an afternoon snack paired with a bica (short espresso), though really there are no time constraints.
Where to try pastéis de nata in Lisbon: The Pastéis de Belém still uses the original recipe, but other bakeries are a close second including Manteigaria, Castro, and Pastelaria Aloma. Alternatively, learn to bake your own.
2. Frango assado
Barbecue flavors and a touch of spice make up this traditional Portuguese takeaway dish.
Frango assado (roasted chicken) is a staple takeaway for many Portuguese families, but the piri-piri version you’ll see in some spots is actually a Mozambican influence. Mozambique was one of Portugal’s former colonies, and you can still find traces of this in Lisbon’s culinary scene, especially in multicultural districts such as Martim Moniz. The best chicken is spit-roasted over a bed of hot coals for crispy skin and a delicious smoky flavor.
Where to try frango assado in Lisbon: You'll find takeaway chicken at Rio de Mel, but if you want to hunker down for a meal try Primavera or Cantinho do Aziz for a Mozambican take.
3. Bifana
A juicy meat sandwich that’s a favorite local snack for Lisbon locals.
Among the must-try dishes in Lisbon is the bifana. This classic sandwich consists of a thin layer of pork marinated and simmered in a garlic, wine, and lard sauce then slid into a crispy bun and drizzled with mustard for an extra punch. It’s a great option for lunch on the go with some spots dedicated to this single dish.
Where to try bifana in Lisbon: The classic As Bifanas do Afonso has been dishing out this Lisbon sandwich for decades, but you’ll also find a good version over at O Trevo where Anthony Bourdain sat down back in 2012.
4. Peixinhos da horta
This small treat ranks among the best “petiscos” in Lisbon for vegetarians.
A great way to sample a variety of Portuguese dishes is to order a round of petiscos—small local treats ideal to share among friends. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try the peixinhos da horta. Translated as “little fish from the garden,” these are tempura-style fried green beans often paired with a bowl of mayo for dipping.
Where to try peixinhos da horta in Lisbon: Top spots for this veggie starter are As Velhas, Coelho da Rocha, and É Um Restaurante.
5. Polvo à lagareiro
A traditional octopus dish paired with Portuguese olive oil.
Olive oil is a staple ingredient in Portuguese cuisine and it’s put to good use in the polvo à lagareiro. In this traditional seafood dish, octopus is drizzled with generous amounts of olive oil and served with roasted potatoes that soak up the sauce. You’ll usually find it in tascas, no-frills restaurants serving some of the best local food in Lisbon.
Where to try polvo à lagareiro in Lisbon: Among the top spots to enjoy this local seafood dish in Lisbon is the Adega das Gravatas, but you can also find a different take at Taberna Anti-Dantas.
6. Bacalhau
Discover the top codfish dishes to eat in Lisbon.
There are plenty of ways to try bacalhau (codfish) in Lisbon—they say there’s at least one recipe for each day of the year. Codfish cakes, fritters, and other concoctions including bacalhau à brás (shredded cod with scrambled eggs) and bacalhau com natas (codfish with cream) are served across the capital’s restaurants, all you have to do is choose your favorite version.
Where to try bacalhau in Lisbon: Grab the codfish cakes at A Tendinha do Rossio. A Casa do Bacalhau serves several codfish dishes, while Zé da Mouraria is famous for its generous spread of bacalhau com grão (codfish with chickpeas).
7. Sardinhas
Treat yourself to sardines in Lisbon, in a can or freshly grilled at the city’s iconic summer festival.
Visit Lisbon in June and you’ll likely come out smelling like sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines), especially if you’re wandering around Alfama or Graça. Locals set up impromptu barbecues on the streets in a giant alfresco festival honoring Santo António, one of the city’s patron saints. That’s the best time to eat the fresh fish, but you can also sample it in a can, seasoned with olive oil, tomato, or spicy sauce any time of year.
Where to try sardinhas in Lisbon: Come during the Festas de Lisboa for the best experience, or check out the grill at Último Porto in the Alcântara docks. For canned goods, Sol e Pesca is a great choice.
8. Cozido à Portuguesa
This hearty Portuguese stew is part of the daily menu in many Lisbon tascas.
If there’s one dish that divides locals it’s the cozido à Portuguesa. This traditional stew includes a variety of meat cuts—pork, beef, and chicken are all thrown in the pot—along with cabbage, boiled potatoes, carrots, and turnips. It’s more of a winter dish considering all the fillings, but a great option if you’re looking for a real taste of authentic Portuguese cuisine.
Where to try cozido à Portuguesa in Lisbon: Traditional tascas often have a day devoted to cozido à Portuguesa. Try Rosa da Rua on Wednesday and Saturday or O Comilão on Thursday and Sunday.
9. Caldo verde
A comforting soup to eat after a night out in Lisbon.
If you’re wondering what to eat in Lisbon on a night out, soup probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Caldo verde, a soup made of kale, pureed potatoes, and occasionally topped with bits of chorizo, is a favorite late-night snack for many revelers hitting the bars around Cais do Sodré. But it’s equally as good at the start of a meal if you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day.
Where to try caldo verde in Lisbon: Head to A Merendeira for the perfect duo of caldo verde and an oven-baked pão com chouriço (chorizo bread).
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