What to Eat in Lisbon: A Complete Food Lover’s Guide to Portuguese Cuisine

The best way to understand Lisbon is through its food. From salty seafood to rich stews and sweet pastries, Lisbon’s culinary scene is a celebration of tradition, simplicity, and bold flavors.

Whether you’re wandering the narrow streets of Alfama or relaxing in a modern café in Cais do Sodré, this guide will help you discover what to eat in Lisbon—and most importantly, where to eat it.

🐟 1. Sardinhas Assadas – Grilled Sardines

Few things scream “Lisbon” like the scent of sardines sizzling on a charcoal grill during summer festivities. Especially popular during the month of June (thanks to the Santo António Festival), these oily fish are traditionally served on bread or with potatoes and salad.

👉 Where to try: Visit a traditional tasca in Alfama during the summer months or try Zé da Mouraria for a solid year-round option.

📸 Tip: Alfama’s tiled streets make for a perfect photo session while enjoying local bites!

🐟 2. Bacalhau à Brás – The Ultimate Codfish Dish

Bacalhau, or salted cod, is Portugal’s national obsession—with over 365 recipes! Bacalhau à Brás is one of the most loved versions. It combines shredded codfish, sautéed onions, matchstick fries, and scrambled eggs into a creamy, golden delight, topped with parsley and black olives.

👉 Where to try: Laurentina – O Rei do Bacalhau is known for its mastery of cod dishes, especially this one.

🐙 3. Polvo à Lagareiro – Roasted Octopus with Olive Oil

This dish is a seafood lover’s dream. Polvo à Lagareiro features tender roasted octopus drenched in olive oil, paired with garlicky smashed potatoes (batatas a murro) and herbs. It’s hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

👉 Where to try: Check out Solar dos Presuntos for a refined version, or explore local eateries in Campo de Ourique.

🥩 4. Bitoque – The Portuguese Steak & Egg Combo

The Portuguese answer to a steak-and-egg dish, Bitoque is a juicy beef steak topped with a fried egg and served with fries, rice, and salad. Often seasoned with garlic and drizzled with savory gravy, it’s a comfort food classic.

👉 Where to try: Café de São Bento is renowned for its version in a cozy, old-school setting.

🍲 5. Caldo Verde – Portugal’s Green Soup

Simple yet soulful, Caldo Verde is a traditional soup made with puréed potatoes, shredded kale, and slices of spicy chouriço sausage. Served hot with crusty bread, it’s a staple in Portuguese homes—especially in the colder months.

👉 Where to try: Visit Casa da Índia or O Velho Eurico for a rustic bowl full of flavor.

🐖 6. Leitão – Roast Suckling Pig

Although it originated in central Portugal, Leitão à Bairrada has become a Lisbon favorite too. The meat is tender and juicy, with skin roasted to crispy perfection. Often enjoyed as a sandwich (sandes de leitão) or as a full plate.

👉 Where to try: Restaurante O Nobre offers a refined version. For street-style, O Trevo in Praça Luís de Camões has great sandwiches.

🐄 7. Alheira – The “Fake” Sausage with a Story

This garlicky sausage is made with meat and bread, originally created by Jews during the Inquisition to disguise their faith. Today, it’s one of Portugal’s most popular sausages, usually grilled and served with rice and a fried egg.

👉 Where to try: Try it at Taberna Anti-Dantas or Zé da Mouraria 2 for a traditional touch.

🍤 8. Gambas à Guilho – Garlic Prawns

A typical Portuguese petisco (small dish), Gambas à Guilho is simplicity at its finest: prawns sautéed in olive oil, garlic, and chili. Usually served sizzling in clay pots with bread to soak up the sauce.

👉 Where to try: Cervejaria Ramiro and Sea Me serve excellent versions.

🐓 9. Frango Piri-Piri – Spicy Grilled Chicken

This Mozambican-influenced dish has become a Portuguese classic. Chicken marinated in spicy piri-piri sauce and grilled to perfection, usually served with fries and salad. Affordable and addictive.

👉 Where to try: Grab a casual meal at Frangasqueira Nacional or Bonjardim near Rossio.

🍰 10. Pastel de Nata – Lisbon’s Sweetest Icon

No trip to Lisbon is complete without a Pastel de Nata. This creamy custard tart in a flaky shell is best enjoyed warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.

👉 Where to try: Pastéis de Belém is the most famous spot, but Manteigaria often wins the taste test among locals.

🍒 Bonus: Ginjinha – Cherry Liqueur in a Chocolate Cup?

A sweet and tangy cherry liqueur served in tiny glasses (or chocolate cups if you’re lucky), Ginjinha is a must-try shot near Rossio Square.

👉 Where to try: Head to A Ginjinha Espinheira, the original kiosk that started it all.

🧺 Want to Taste Everything in One Place?

Explore Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market) or Campo de Ourique Market. Both offer traditional dishes and contemporary spins in one vibrant space. Great for trying multiple dishes or grabbing souvenirs.

🧡 Make it Unforgettable: Book a Photo Session in Lisbon

Lisbon’s food scene is full of flavor—and color! Why not capture your culinary adventure with a photo session in the city’s most iconic neighborhoods? Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, I offer casual lifestyle photography experiences in the streets of Alfama, Bairro Alto, and beyond.

📸 Ready to Book Your Photo Session?

Let’s create unforgettable memories together in Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais or Estoril.

📅 Book Here

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