What to eat in Lisbon: typical dishes and the best areas

Lisbon is a city that can also be discovered through its gastronomy. From traditional recipes and iconic sweets to dishes full of flavour, eating in the Portuguese capital is part of the travel experience.

If you are planning a getaway, here is a simple guide to some of the typical dishes to try in Lisbon and the best areas to enjoy them.

Typical dishes to try in Lisbon

Portuguese cuisine has many must-tries, but these are some of the dishes worth adding to your gastronomic route through Lisbon:

• Pastéis de Belém: Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside and perfect with a little cinnamon or icing sugar.
• Bacalhau à Brás: One of Portugal’s most popular recipes, made with shredded cod, straw potatoes, egg, onion and olives.
• Carne de porco à Alentejana: A dish that combines marinated pork with clams, potatoes and spices.
• Pastel de bacalhau: A kind of cod croquette or fritter made with potato and parsley, ideal as an appetiser or for an informal meal.
• Caldo verde: A traditional Portuguese soup made with potato, cabbage and chorizo.

Where to eat them: the best areas in Lisbon

Lisbon is a perfect city for eating well without straying too far from its main routes. These areas are good options for trying Portuguese cuisine during your visit:

• Baixa and Chiado: Perfect for a central meal between sightseeing, shopping and urban walks. In Chiado, you will also find classic tascas, cafés and restaurants with more contemporary proposals.
• Belém: An essential stop to try the famous pastries and combine gastronomy with monuments such as Belém Tower or Jerónimos Monastery.
• Bairro Alto: A good area for dinner, drinks and enjoying the evening atmosphere.
• Cais do Sodré and Mercado da Ribeira: A practical option if you are looking for variety, atmosphere and different gastronomic proposals in one place.

Tips for eating in Lisbon

Before sitting down at the table, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Book in advance if you want to go to well-known restaurants.
• Try the traditional tascas: they are often a great option for eating well.
• Ask for the dish of the day, as it is often the best choice.
• Leave room for a typical sweet, especially if you pass through Belém.
• Do not stick only to the most touristy areas: sometimes the best dish appears on the least expected street.

Eating in Lisbon is a way to discover the city from another perspective. Its dishes speak of tradition, family recipes and the Portuguese way of enjoying the table without rushing.

From a freshly made pastel de Belém to bacalhau à Brás in a traditional tasca, each gastronomic stop adds another experience to your trip to the Portuguese capital.