Food and drink
Local Dishes and Drinks to Try in Lisbon: A Guide
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Short answerIn Lisbon, you must try pastéis de nata (custard tarts), bacalhau (salt cod), and grilled sardines, along with drinks like ginjinha (sour cherry liqueur) and vinho verde (green wine). For the real thing, head to local tascas and bakeries rather than tourist-heavy spots; travellers report that Pastéis de Belém is a classic spot for pastéis de nata, and Time Out Market offers a variety of options.
Pastéis de Nata
Pastéis de nata are Lisbon's most iconic pastry: a flaky tart filled with egg custard, often sprinkled with cinnamon. Travellers report that they are divine and one user had at least one every day. For the authentic experience, try them at Pastéis de Belém, a historic bakery in Belém. Other conventual pastries like Ovos Moles, Doce de Azeitão, and Barrigas de Freira are also worth seeking out, as 56 users agree.
You can find pastéis de nata in most bakeries and cafés across the city. A Brasileira in Baixa is a classic café where you can enjoy one with a coffee. Prices can be as low as €1.20, even at a beach in Vila Nova de Gaia, and they are superior to those abroad. Remember to say 'pastel de nata' for one and 'pastéis de nata' for more than one.
Bacalhau and Seafood
Bacalhau (salt cod) is a staple of Portuguese cuisine, prepared in countless ways. For fresh seafood, head to restaurants like Aqui há Peixe in Bairro Alto or Senhor Peixe in Parque das Nações. These spots specialize in fish and seafood dishes that reflect Lisbon's coastal location.
Grilled sardines are a summer favorite, especially during the Festas de Lisboa in June. You can find them at local tascas and markets. O Prado in Belém is a Portuguese restaurant that offers regional dishes, and Floresta de Belém is another option for regional cuisine. For a more casual experience, try O nosso prego - Loja III in Belém, which specializes in steak sandwiches.
Local tipSkip the tourist menus and look for restaurants where the menu is only in Portuguese; these are more likely to serve authentic dishes at fair prices. Also, try ginjinha at a tiny bar in Baixa, where it's often served with a cherry.
Drinks: Ginjinha and Vinho Verde
Ginjinha is a sour cherry liqueur served in small shot glasses, often with a cherry at the bottom. It's typically enjoyed at tiny hole-in-the-wall bars, especially in the Baixa and Alfama districts. Vinho verde is a young, slightly fizzy green wine that pairs well with seafood and is a refreshing choice in warm weather.
For wine lovers, many restaurants offer a good selection of Portuguese wines. Solar dos Presuntos in Bairro Alto is a regional restaurant where you can try local wines with traditional dishes. Note that the couvert (bread, butter, cheese) brought to your table is not complimentary unless told otherwise; if you eat it, it goes on the bill.
Where to Eat Like a Local
To find the real thing, avoid places with someone waving you in from the door, as that often targets tourists. Instead, look for tascas (small taverns) filled with locals. Travellers report that Time Out Market is a food court with many great restaurants, but for authenticity, venture into neighborhoods like Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Belém.
In Alfama, be cautious of high prices: a chouriço can cost €10, and a table with 2 chouriços, salad, sangria, and bread could be €25-30. For budget-friendly options, Restaurante Santa Rita in Alfama offers authentic, cheap Portuguese dishes in a shared-table setting. Velha Gaiteira is another charming spot with a prix fixe meal for €12.50. In Baixa, Leitaria Camponeza focuses on quality meats, fish, and seafood with mains around €15-30.
What travellers report
Sintra is often misty; one user says it is even better in misty weather because the castle is average and overcrowded, but the park covered in mist is like a fairy tale.
In Portugal, tipping is not expected; in cafés and bakeries people generally do not tip at all, particularly when drinking coffee at the counter.
Fado and Dining
Fado is Portugal's traditional music, often performed in intimate restaurants. Clube de Fado in Alfama is a renowned restaurant where you can enjoy a meal accompanied by live fado. Lisboa em Fado in Baixa offers daily evening shows for about €19. These venues provide a cultural experience alongside your dinner.
For a modern twist, 100 Maneiras in Bairro Alto is a fine-dining restaurant that offers a tasting menu. Pateo - Bairro do Avillez was the most expensive meal of the trip for one traveller, but still affordable compared to the states, with a cool experience and ambiance. Remember that tipping is not expected; in cafés and bakeries, people generally do not tip at all, particularly when drinking coffee at the counter.
Questions people ask
What is the most iconic food to try in Lisbon?
Pastéis de nata (custard tarts) are the most iconic. Travellers report they are divine and one user had at least one every day. Try them at Pastéis de Belém for the classic experience.
Where can I find authentic bacalhau dishes?
Restaurants like Aqui há Peixe in Bairro Alto and Senhor Peixe in Parque das Nações specialize in seafood, including bacalhau. O Prado in Belém also offers regional Portuguese dishes.
What drinks should I try in Lisbon?
Ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur, and vinho verde, a young green wine, are must-tries. Ginjinha is often served in small bars in Baixa and Alfama, while vinho verde pairs well with seafood.
Is tipping expected in Lisbon restaurants?
Tipping is not expected. In cafés and bakeries, people generally do not tip at all, especially when drinking coffee at the counter. In restaurants, locals may round up the bill or leave about 5 percent if service was good.
What should I avoid when eating out in Lisbon?
Avoid restaurants with someone waving you in from the door, as it often targets tourists. Also, be aware that couvert (bread, butter, cheese) is not complimentary unless told otherwise; if you eat it, it goes on the bill.
Compiled from OpenStreetMap, Wikivoyage and traveller reports. Confirm prices and opening hours locally. About
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