Wondering what to eat in Lisbon?

Portugal may not be as popular as neighbouring Spain when it comes to food, but it’s actually an amazing destination for foodies, especially seafood lovers.

Lisbon is possibly the best place to indulge in delicious Portuguese dishes. From the much-loved pastel de nata to the popular bacalhau, there are plenty of delicious dishes and desserts to try in the city.

In this post, you’ll get a taste of the best food in Lisbon. You’ll also find some restaurants recommendations by fellow foodies and travel bloggers.

So, let’s dig in!

A few tips for eating out in Lisbon

Portuguese people tend to have their meals a bit later compared to some other European countries. Lunchtime typically falls between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, while dinner is usually enjoyed from 8:00 PM onwards.

However, many restaurants cater to tourists and offer extended opening hours, especially in popular areas.

When it comes to tipping in Lisbon, it’s common to leave a small gratuity for good service. While it’s not obligatory, leaving around 5% to 10% of the total bill is a typical practice.

Some restaurants may include a service charge, so it’s worth checking the bill to see if it has already been added.

If you’re staying in the centre, you may want to reserve a table for dinner. Some of the best restaurants in Lisbon are quite small, especially the ones in Bairro Alto and Chiado.

Best food in Lisbon (and where to find it)

Lisbon has a lively food scene. If you’re staying in Chiado or Bairro Alto, you’ll find several restaurants and cafes that serve delicious dishes and snacks.

So, here’s the best Lisbon traditional food to try.

Bacalhau and chouriço at Antonia Petiscos

Antonia Petiscos is a small neighbourhood restaurant in Bairro Alto that serves a variety traditional Portuguese dishes, including chouriço (grilled chorizo) and bacalhau (dried and salted codfish).

The cod is perfectly seasoned and served with a side, such as rice or potatoes. Make sure not to overlook the wine list: pair your food with a glass of local vinho.  

The draw of this restaurant goes beyond the menu. With its cozy atmosphere, eclectic decorations, and friendly staff, you’ll find yourself feeling right at home. 

Carly from Papers and Airplanes

Bacalhau à brás at Grelha Do Carmo  

Bacalhau à brás is a traditional Portuguese dish that’s thought to have originated in Lisbon’s old quarter, on the streets of Bairro Alto.

It’s made from shredded salted cod fish cooked with onions and topped with potatoes and egg. It’s pan-fried, and the contrast between the crispy matchstick potatoes and soft fish is heavenly. The dish is typically served with olives, parsley, and a big squeeze of lemon.  

I highly recommend trying the bacalhau à brás at Grelha Do Carmo. Located in downtown Lisbon, just a few steps from Carmo Convent, this intimate restaurant has a dozen or so tables and you can enjoy lovely views from the street-facing windows.

Emily from Wander-Lush

Grilled Sea Bass at Ultimo Porto

Hidden away amongst the sea containers stacked along the port near the famous Ponte 25 de Abril is Ultimo Porto, where you can watch your fresh fish being grilled on open hot coals.

If you’re driving, you’ll probably question whether you’re going the right way, as you travel out along the port towards what seems a fairly remote place for a restaurant.

But on your arrival, you’ll find it bustling with locals and you may have to wait for a table.

At Ultimo Porto, you will find a menu flowing with fresh fish, be it swordfish, sea bass or octopus, all of which is cooked on outdoor barbecues.

This place is a hidden gem. Here, you can enjoy some of the best fish in the city and a well-priced bottle of local wine, all while avoiding the typical tourist bustle.

Laura & Charlie from The Travelling Stomach

Pata Negra Cured Ham at Manteigaria Silva 

I visited Manteigaria Silva as part of a food tour in Lisbon, and immediately fell in love.

It is a beautiful delicatessen, with a large selection of cheeses, cured meats, tinned fish, alcohol and salted cod, among other delicacies.

There is an old wine barrel outside where you can stand and enjoy some of the produce. We tried some of the Pata Negra ham with a glass of wine, and some bread and olive oil.

Pata Negra ham is made from a special breed of Black Iberian Pigs which feed off acorns, giving the meat a unique flavour. It is cured for at least 12 months and it’s smooth, rich and incredibly delicious.  

Claire from Tales of a Backpacker

Bacalhau no forno at Armaha

As you may have guessed by now, bacalhau is a big thing in Portugal. You’ll find it everywhere, and served in 20 different ways.

If you want a simple meal in a no-frills restaurant, go to Armaha and try the bacalhau no forno.

This little restaurant is tucked away in an alley, and serves a variety of dishes, including baked cod with veg and potatoes.

It also has a decent selection of wine!

Codfish cakes at Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau

If you’re wondering what to eat in Lisbon if you just fancy a quick snack, try the codfish cakes at this little shop on Rua Augusta.

Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau has created a unique snack: breaded codfish stuffed with Serra cheese!

It’s like an arancina, but with fish instead of rice!

You can pair your codfish cake with a glass of Port wine, and enjoy your lunch at one of the outdoor tables.

Lisbon desserts that will make your mouth water

The Portuguese make some delicious desserts, too! Here are some sweet treats you should try when in Lisbon.

The Chocolate Cake at Landeau Chocolate

Landeau serves one of the best chocolate cakes you’ll ever try. Made with different layers, it has a predominantly moussey texture and it’s topped with dark cacao powder – pure perfection.

You can pair your cake with hot chocolate or local coffee.

There are two locations for Landeau, one in the LX Factory and another in the centre of town. Both have stylish interiors and special touches.

Whether you’re dining in or taking cake to go, it feels like a real treat. 

Michelle from Intentional Travelers

Tigelada at Chiado Caffe

We were reluctant to try Chiado Caffe as it was only few steps away from the famous yellow tram stop in Chiado, so we thought it would be some kind of tourist trap.

Boy, were we wrong about that!

Every single pastry we ordered was outstanding, fresh, and full of eggy yumminess. There were also a decent number of locals in there!

I highly recommend trying tigelada – a traditional Azorean Custard recipe. It is a delicious dessert that resembles creme-brulee and goes really well with a cup of coffee.”  

Zornitsa from This Life of Travel

Bolo Bolacha at Jardim das Cerejas Picoas

Bolo Bolacha is a traditional dessert in Portugal, and the literal translation of the name is “Cookie Cake”.

The cake consists of several layers of cookies (known locally as Maria cookies) piled on top of each other, with a creamy filling in between each layer.

The best bolo bolacha I’ve ever tasted is at Jardim das Cerejas Picoas, a restaurant in the heart of Chiado. They serve different flavors of the cake, such as mango, coconut and chocolate.

I love that they use very thick cream layers in between the cookie layers. And the best part is that their cake is made with plant-based cream. So even visitors who are lactose intolerant or vegan can enjoy this traditional Portuguese treat!

Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan

Pastel de Nata at Pasteis de Belem

Pasteis de Belem is a must-visit when you’re in the Belém neighborhood, which also has other attractions such as the Belem Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery.

The pasteis de nata at Belém are slightly different from the ones you’d find in other places in Lisbon. Here, the filling is made with egg and sugar (which gives them a yellowish color and a more intense flavor), whereas traditionally pasteis de nata are filled with cream.

These sweets have their origin in the 19th century when Jerónimos Monastery monks began to make them as a way of life. Nowadays, you’ll find them at the cafeteria next door, where they are produced and sold.

During high tourist season in Lisbon (especially on weekends), you may have to queue to be able to sit down. However, there is a counter at the door where the pasteis are sold in nice boxes. They last up to three days.

Inma from A World To Travel

Pasteis de nata at Castro

Can’t get enough of pasteis de nata? Head to Castro!

Located in Rua Garrett, this little bakery has some of the best custard tarts in Lisbon!

The place is quite small and it’s usually busy, but you can get your pasteis de nata to-go.

Cake and coffee at A Brasileira

Established in 1905, A Brasileira is one of the oldest cafes in Lisbon. As you step inside, you’ll be transported to a bygone era – the cafe has an elegant Belle Epoque decor and vintage ambiance.

It also serves a selection of delicious cakes and pastries, which you can pair with their signature coffee.

Throughout the years, the cafe has served as meeting place for intellectuals, artists, and writers, including local poet Fernando Pessoa.

Due to its historical significance, this cafe is always busy. You may need to queue for a table.

What to eat in Lisbon (a quick list)

Feeling a little overwhelmed by all the food options in Lisbon? Here’s a list of the top dishes and desserts to try:

• Bacalhau
• Pata negra
• Chourico
• Pasteis de nata
• Bolo bolacha
• Tigelada

Also, make sure to wrap up your meal with a glass of ginja!

This sweet and cherry-flavored liquor is made from infusing sour cherries, known as ginja berries, in a base spirit such as aguardente, a type of Portuguese brandy. The result is a rich, aromatic drink that is typically served in small, chocolate-lined cups.

If you’re a wine lover, you’ll also want to try some port. Almost every restaurant in Lisbon will have a nice selection of local wines.

Frequently asked questions

Still have some questions about food and drink in Lisbon? Let’s answer some of them!

Recommended Lisbon food tours

Now that you know what to eat in Lisbon, let’s look at some of the best food tours in the city.