Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city rich in history, culture, and culinary delights. When visiting Lisbon, there are several traditional dishes and local treats that you absolutely must try. Here’s a guide to the must-eat foods that will give you a true taste of Lisbon’s vibrant food scene.
Lisbon’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of traditional flavors and fresh ingredients. From the sweet pastéis de nata to the savory bifanas and the hearty caldo verde, each dish tells a story of Portugal’s rich gastronomic heritage. When visiting Lisbon, make sure to explore its vibrant food markets, local eateries, and renowned restaurants to fully experience the diverse and delicious offerings of this beautiful city. Bon appétit!
For Americans visiting Lisbon, it’s easy to gravitate toward what’s familiar. But doing so means missing out on Portugal’s proudest culinary traditions—many of which might seem unusual at first. Think rich, savory stews on a sunny day, or eggs in your dessert (and no, it’s not breakfast). Lisbon’s food doesn’t care about your rules. It’s bold, simple, and soulful—built for sharing and savoring.
Whether you’re a budget traveler or a high-end foodie, Lisbon delivers. But you’ll want to know what to look for. Skip the tourist trap menus and make room for these nine essentials—because nothing kills the vibe like leaving a food city and realizing you didn’t try that one dish everyone raves about.
Read here 1 Day Lisbon Itinerary, the best things to do in Lisbon and around and all the things to know before visiting Portugal!
Read here best breakfast in Portugal, best Vegetarian food in Portugal and Portuguese Food
Quick & Easy Tips
Start your day with a pastel de nata, fresh and warm—preferably from Manteigaria or Pastéis de Belém.
Ask locals where they eat bacalhau (salt cod). Every Lisboeta has a favorite spot.
Don’t skip the tascas. These no-frills taverns often serve the most authentic—and affordable—dishes.
Some of Lisbon’s most beloved dishes can be a shock to the unprepared palate. For example, bacalhau à brás (shredded cod with eggs and potatoes) sounds strange to many Americans—fish and eggs?! But in Portugal, this comfort food is almost sacred. Another divisive dish? Sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines), typically eaten whole—bones, skin, and all—at summer festivals. For locals, it’s a national treasure. For some tourists, it’s a leap.
Even desserts can be controversial. Portugal’s love of egg yolks in sweets (a tradition born in convents) can confuse visitors used to sugary confections. The intensely rich pudim abade de priscos or ovos moles from Aveiro might feel too dense, too “different”—but they’re masterpieces of culinary heritage.
And then there’s the pace of eating. Many Americans are used to quick service and grabbing food on the go. In Lisbon, meals are events. Long, social, and often shared. Asking for the check too early, rushing your espresso, or skipping the couvert (starter bread, cheese, or olives) can make you stand out fast. Lisbon’s food culture demands time—and respect.
Must Foods to Try In Lisbon
1. Pastel de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tart)
Description:
Origin: Belém, Lisbon
Ingredients: Egg yolks, sugar, milk, flour, and puff pastry.
Flavor Profile: Creamy custard with a flaky, buttery crust, often dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Where to Try:
Pastéis de Belém: The most famous bakery, where these tarts originated.
Manteigaria: Another highly regarded spot for fresh pastéis de nata.
Read here how to make Pasteis de Nata
2. Bacalhau à Brás (Codfish à Brás)
Description:
Origin: Portugal
Ingredients: Shredded salted cod, onions, potatoes, eggs, olives, and parsley.
Flavor Profile: Salty and savory with a soft, creamy texture.
Where to Try:
Taberna da Rua das Flores: A traditional tavern serving classic Portuguese dishes.
Solar dos Presuntos: Known for its excellent seafood and traditional fare.
Read here how to make Bacalhau a Bras
3. Sardinhas Assadas (Grilled Sardines)
Description:
Origin: Portugal, especially popular in Lisbon during the Santos Populares festivals.
Ingredients: Fresh sardines, sea salt, olive oil.
Flavor Profile: Smoky and flavorful with a crispy exterior.
Where to Try:
Casa da Índia: Famous for its grilled sardines and other traditional dishes.
Bota Alta: A cozy restaurant offering excellent seafood.
4. Bifana (Pork Sandwich)
Description:
Origin: Portugal
Ingredients: Thinly sliced marinated pork, garlic, white wine, and paprika, served in a crusty bread roll.
Flavor Profile: Juicy and spicy, with the perfect balance of savory flavors.
Where to Try:
O Trevo: Known for its delicious bifanas.
Cervejaria Ramiro: A popular spot for seafood and bifanas.
Read here how to make Bifanas
5. Caldo Verde (Green Soup)
Description:
Origin: Northern Portugal, but popular throughout the country.
Ingredients: Kale, potatoes, onions, garlic, chorizo, and olive oil.
Flavor Profile: Comforting and hearty, with a rich, savory broth.
Where to Try:
Adega São Roque: Offers a fantastic version of this traditional soup.
A Taberna da Rua das Flores: Known for its traditional Portuguese dishes.
Read here How to make Caldo Verde
6. Arroz de Marisco (Seafood Rice)
Description:
Origin: Coastal regions of Portugal.
Ingredients: Rice, a variety of seafood (shrimp, clams, mussels, etc.), tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cilantro.
Flavor Profile: Rich and flavorful, with a slightly soupy consistency.
Where to Try:
Marisqueira Uma: Famous for its seafood rice.
Cervejaria Ramiro: Another excellent spot for seafood dishes.
7. Prego no Pão (Steak Sandwich)
Description:
Origin: Portugal
Ingredients: Thinly sliced beef steak, garlic, mustard, served in a soft bread roll.
Flavor Profile: Juicy and savory, with a hint of garlic and mustard.
Where to Try:
Cervejaria Ramiro: Known for its prego sandwiches.
Cantinho do Aziz: Offers a great prego along with other traditional dishes.
8. Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato (Clams in Garlic Sauce)
Description:
Origin: Lisbon
Ingredients: Clams, garlic, cilantro, white wine, and olive oil.
Flavor Profile: Fresh and garlicky, with a light, savory broth.
Where to Try:
Ramiro: Famous for its seafood, including clams.
Solar dos Presuntos: Known for its traditional Portuguese seafood dishes.
9. Polvo à Lagareiro (Octopus with Olive Oil and Garlic)
Description:
Origin: Portugal
Ingredients: Octopus, potatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs.
Flavor Profile: Tender octopus with crispy potatoes, rich in garlic and olive oil flavor.
Where to Try:
D’Bacalhau: Known for its seafood and cod dishes.
Cervejaria Ramiro: Offers excellent octopus dishes.
Final Thoughts
Eating in Lisbon is more than just filling your stomach—it’s a cultural deep-dive. It’s how locals connect, celebrate, and pass down stories. Whether you’re sitting down to cozido à portuguesa (meat and veggie stew) or indulging in arroz de marisco (Portuguese seafood rice), every bite has roots. And those roots run deep—into history, family, and identity.
The more you open up to trying unfamiliar things, the more Lisbon opens up to you. That includes chatting with your waiter, asking for recommendations, and stepping outside your comfort zone. Sure, you can find a burger in Lisbon. But you didn’t come to Portugal for a burger.
In the end, the foods you’ll remember from Lisbon won’t be just about flavor—they’ll be about place, people, and the atmosphere that surrounded them. So come hungry. Come curious. And let Lisbon show you why it’s quietly one of Europe’s most underrated food capitals.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.