Lisbon is a feast for the senses — sunlight on tiled walls, the scent of roasting chestnuts in the air and the warm hospitality that accompanies every dish. This vibrant city is home to a cuisine that’s both deeply traditional and endlessly inventive. Whether you’re savoring seafood by the Tagus River or biting into a flaky custard tart in a neighborhood bakery, the best foods in Lisbon are rooted in heritage, storytelling and local pride. Wondering what to eat in Lisbon? Here’s a mouthwatering food guide that will take you from street-side snacks to timeless Portuguese classics.
1. Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts)
No trip to Lisbon is complete without tasting a warm pastel de nata. These small custard tarts are made with creamy egg yolk custard nestled in a crisp, flaky puff pastry shell. You’ll often find them dusted with cinnamon or powdered sugar and best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. The original recipe comes from the Belém district’s famous Pastéis de Belém bakery, but countless cafés around the city offer equally delicious versions of this beloved treat.
2. Bacalhau à Brás
Portugal’s love affair with codfish — known as bacalhau — runs deep, with over 365 recipes dedicated to it. One of the most iconic versions is bacalhau à Brás, a savory dish made with shredded salted cod, onions and thinly-sliced potatoes bound together with scrambled eggs. It’s rich and comforting, often topped with parsley and black olives for a briny bite. Locals enjoy it at tascas (small taverns) paired with a glass of vinho verde.
3. Sardinhas Assadas (Grilled Sardines)
Grilled sardines are a summer staple in Lisbon, especially during the city’s famous June festivities. They’re often served whole, charred over open flames and eaten with bread or boiled potatoes. Don’t let the bones intimidate you — these fish are meaty, flavorful and best enjoyed with your hands. A walk through Alfama or Bairro Alto in the evening might just lead you to a sidewalk grill with the irresistible smell of sardinhas in the air.
4. Bifana (Marinated Pork Sandwich)
The bifana is Lisbon’s ultimate on-the-go street food. It’s a sandwich made from thin pork slices marinated in garlic, white wine and paprika, then grilled and tucked into a crusty bread roll. It’s simple, juicy and packed with flavor. Locals often add mustard or piri-piri sauce for a spicy kick, making this humble sandwich a powerful little bite of Portuguese flavor.
5. Polvo à Lagareiro (Octopus With Olive Oil & Potatoes)
Seafood lovers should not leave Lisbon without trying polvo à lagareiro. Tender octopus is roasted until lightly crisped, then drizzled with garlic-infused olive oil and served over smashed, baked potatoes. It’s a rustic dish that’s rich in flavor yet refined in presentation. Many restaurants prepare it in clay dishes to preserve the octopus’ juiciness and add a hint of smoky depth.
6. Caldo Verde (Green Soup)
This iconic Portuguese soup is made with potatoes, onions and finely-shredded kale, traditionally flavored with garlic and slices of chouriço (smoked sausage). It’s a comfort food staple — light enough to begin a meal but hearty enough to satisfy on its own. Caldo verde is often served during festivals, celebrations and family dinners, offering a warm taste of homegrown tradition.
7. Arroz de Marisco (Seafood Rice)
Think of arroz de marisco as Portugal’s answer to paella — without the crust. This dish is a rich, soupy blend of rice, prawns, mussels, clams and sometimes lobster or crab, simmered in a flavorful broth. Often seasoned with garlic, tomatoes and white wine, it’s a celebration of Portugal’s coastal bounty and best enjoyed by the spoonful.
8. Alheira (Smoked Sausage)
Alheira is a unique sausage originally created by Portuguese Jews during the Inquisition as a way to appear as though they had converted to Christianity. It’s typically made with bread and a mixture of meats — such as poultry or game — and flavored with garlic and paprika. The result is a smoky, garlicky sausage often served fried with eggs and fries. It’s both a history lesson and a culinary delight.
9. Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato (Clams in Garlic & Cilantro)
Named after a 19th-century poet, this dish is a flavorful medley of fresh clams steamed in olive oil, garlic, cilantro and a splash of white wine. Light and aromatic, ameijoas à Bulhão Pato is a favorite starter at seafood restaurants and pairs perfectly with crusty bread to soak up the savory juices. It's a must-try for seafood lovers visiting Lisbon.
10. Chouriço Assado (Flaming Chouriço Sausage)
Chouriço assado is not just a dish — it’s an experience. This spicy sausage is grilled over an open flame, often tableside, on a small clay pig-shaped roaster filled with burning alcohol. The result is a smoky, crispy-skinned sausage with a bold garlic-paprika flavor. It’s often served as part of a tapas-style spread and makes a dramatic, crowd-pleasing entrance.
11. Queijo da Serra (Mountain Cheese)
Although not made in Lisbon, this Portuguese mountain cheese is often found on menus and cheese boards throughout the capital. It’s a soft, buttery sheep’s milk cheese from the Serra da Estrela region, known for its rich texture and tangy flavor. Typically served with bread, jam or honey, it makes for a perfect afternoon snack or appetizer.
12. Ginjinha (Cherry Liqueur)
Finish your Lisbon food adventure with a small glass of ginjinha — a sweet and sour liqueur made from sour cherries, sugar and cinnamon. It’s often served in a chocolate cup or a shot glass, with or without a cherry at the bottom. You’ll find tiny bars around Rossio Square that serve nothing but this drink. Locals sip it as an aperitif or a cheerful toast to the end of a good meal.
Food-Focused Excursions in Lisbon
Looking to savor the city beyond pastel de nata and rooftop cafés? Lisbon offers a few unforgettable food-focused shore excursions that blend culture, cuisine and sweeping views:
- Lisbon Sights & Shops: Take in the charm of the city from scenic overlooks like Parque Edward VII before heading to Mercado da Ribeira, Lisbon’s most iconic food hall. Inside, you’ll find a mix of gourmet stalls and traditional vendors offering everything from salted codfish and local cheeses to sweet pastries and artisanal wines.
- Charming Lisbon by Tuk Tuk: Cruise through Lisbon’s historic quarters in a tuk tuk as you pass Saint George’s Castle, the 25th of April Bridge and panoramic viewpoints. Midway through the tour, pause for a tasting of port wine, rustic bread and Portuguese cheeses — a light but flavorful introduction to the city’s culinary identity.
What Are the Best Foods in Lisbon?
The best foods in Lisbon include pastéis de nata, bacalhau à Brás, grilled sardines, bifana sandwiches, octopus à lagareiro and arroz de marisco. But that’s just the start — every dish in this city tells a story. Whether you’re exploring the bustling Mercado da Ribeira or sipping ginjinha in a quiet square, Lisbon’s cuisine invites you to slow down and savor every bite.
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