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Lisbon is stunning, but when it comes to food culture, it’s absolutely extraordinary! Whole neighborhoods are filled with restaurants, and there are endless dining spots to suit every taste. You could explore the city for an entire month and still be left wanting more. Portugal is rich in seafood, with sardines as the "national fish," featured everywhere from specialty canned goods shops (not my favorite, I admit) to fish restaurants serving fresh sardines in the summer (starting in May) and frozen ones year-round. I spent five days in Lisbon, and here’s my culinary experience summary.
Food Tour
Whenever I arrive in a new city lately, I make sure to book a food tour for the first or second day. A guided food tour has several advantages: you’ll likely taste local foods that might not be served to you otherwise, and nearly every dish comes with a story of how it originated and evolved. Food history often provides great insight into a place’s heritage. Plus, the guide—being local and knowledgeable—will always have recommendations for great spots to eat throughout your trip. In Lisbon, we booked a tour through WithLocals, a company that connects travelers with local guides worldwide. We chose Diogo, who was fantastic; beyond the tastings, he also gave us a city orientation.
Breakfast Spots
Lisbon truly excels in breakfast! Locals love late breakfasts, and the brunch options are nearly endless.
Cotidiano Lisboa - A lovely café with a diverse breakfast menu. It’s relatively small and fills up quickly, so arrive early or be ready to queue.
Dear Breakfast - Super popular in the morning; delicious breakfasts. Be prepared for a line if you come a bit after opening.
Nicolau Lisboa - Another popular spot, and probably the best breakfast we had in Lisbon. The place opens at 9:00, and there was already a line by 9:05—worth the wait!
Caffè di Marzano Vermuteria - Italian café with great breakfast options. Perfect for sitting outside in the morning before it gets too warm.
Lunch/Dinner
Ofício - A seafood restaurant we stumbled upon by chance, and it turned out to be one of the best meals of the trip. Unique flavors that were a delightful surprise.
Oficina do Duque - Highly recommended. The menu focuses on fish and meat; try to sit outside.
Honorato Belém - A local burger chain we were advised to try. We ate at the Belem branch near the Jeronimos Monastery. Tasty, though not life-changing, it’s a great lunch spot.
Tascantiga - A recommended tapas restaurant in Sintra. Small yet satisfying dishes of meat and fish. It’s great to sit outside and enjoy the view.
Ramiro - We wouldn’t have found this place if not for the food tour. Located about a 15-minute walk from central tourist Lisbon, it’s famous for a rich seafood menu, from shrimp and lobster to the most unique types of seafood I’ve ever encountered. The authentic atmosphere made it a unique experience.
Boa-Bao - Probably the most recommended Asian restaurant in Lisbon, and rightfully so. It’s one of the best places I’ve eaten at recently. Perfect bao buns and fantastic fish dishes. Arrive at opening to secure a table, as they don’t take reservations.
Sea Me Peixaria Moderna - One of the best fish restaurants ever. You can either order set dishes from the menu or choose fresh seafood from the display. For sushi lovers, they also prepare custom sushi from the freshest fish. A true paradise for seafood enthusiasts! Make a reservation in advance.
Ice Cream and Sweets
Pastéis de Belém - The original place that created this pastry and the only one that can call it "Pastéis de Belém." There’s always a line, so be prepared.
Manteigaria - Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata - A well-known chain specializing in Pastéis de Nata. We bought a few to take home (they keep for up to three days in the fridge).
Casa do Licor Pastel de Nata - Tasted on the food tour, this shop also makes liqueur from the filling of the Pastéis.
Santo António - A bakery for Pastéis de Nata in the Alfama neighborhood near São Jorge Castle.
Gelados Santini - Highly recommended ice cream with natural, authentic flavors.
Gelato Therapy - Another great gelato spot in Alfama.
More recommendations in the highlights!
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