travel for taste
Lisbon food scene

Portugal · The food guide

Lisbon.

Photo · Eilis Garvey

Lisbon's food is the cuisine of a maritime empire that ran out of money and never globalized its recipes. 20 bookable food tours below — plus the neighbourhoods and dishes the city is built around.

Top picks

What we’d book first

Updated 2026-07-02

Editorial picks · live inventory

Private Tour Évora - Wine Tasting - Beautiful Medieval Village of Monsaraz

No. 02

Private Tour Évora - Wine Tasting - Beautiful Medieval Village of Monsaraz

10h
Book on Viator

Disclosure When you click Book on Viator or Book on GetYourGuide, we may earn a commission if you complete a booking. Picks are editorial, not by commission rate. Prices and availability are pulled live from the partner.

The guide

Lisbon's food is the cuisine of a maritime empire that ran out of money and never globalized its recipes. Most of what's here (salt cod prepared a hundred ways, grilled sardines in summer, custard tarts from a single recipe) has barely changed since the 18th century. The city's tascas, the neighborhood diners, are still the cheapest sit-down meals in any Western European capital. The seafood is exceptional. The new generation of chefs has finally started to update things in the last decade, but the foundation is unchanged: simple ingredients, lots of olive oil, salt cod, pastries, and an entire culture of café-grade espresso.


Where to focus

Four neighbourhoods to anchor a few days of eating

Alfama

The hilltop neighborhood the earthquake of 1755 spared. Steep lanes, fado houses, small tascas. Touristy but the food is mostly honest if you walk away from the lookout points.

Bairro Alto

Bar district at night; surprisingly good lunch spots and bakeries during the day. Quiet 7 AM, dead 14:00, busy 22:00.

Cais do Sodré / Mercado da Ribeira

The rebuilt food market is full of well-known operators under one roof. Touristy but useful as a one-stop survey.

Belém

Worth the tram trip for one thing: Pastéis de Belém, the original custard tart bakery since 1837. Skip the queue and eat inside.


What to eat

The dishes the city is known for

  1. 01

    Bacalhau

    · Salt cod, prepared 'a thousand ways': fried, baked, in cream, with potatoes. The national obsession.
  2. 02

    Sardinhas assadas

    · Grilled sardines, June through August. Eaten on bread, smell apparent for blocks.
  3. 03

    Pastéis de nata

    · Custard tart with a flaky pastry shell. Pastéis de Belém in Belém; Manteigaria for the everyday version anywhere else.
  4. 04

    Bifana

    · Pork sandwich, marinated and pan-fried, on a fresh roll. Lunch food, 4 euros.
  5. 05

    Caldo verde

    · Kale and potato soup with chouriço. Winter food, served at almost every tasca.
  6. 06

    Ginja

    · Sour-cherry liqueur, drunk from a chocolate shot glass at A Ginjinha near Rossio. A pre-dinner ritual.

Practical notes

Meal timing, tipping, payment

Lunch 12:30–15:00, dinner 20:00–22:30. Tipping 5–10%; rounding up at tascas. Cards are widely accepted. The couvert (bread, olives, cheese put on the table without asking) is not free; refuse it if you don't want to pay for it.

All 20 food tours

Updated 2026-07-02

The full list · sponsored partner links

  • 01
    Private Special Tour Around Lisbon and Wine Tasting

    Private Special Tour Around Lisbon and Wine Tasting

    Come with us to visit the statue of Christ the King, enjoy the Arrabida National Park Mountain with one of the most beautiful view of Atlantic Ocean, explore the Bacalhoa Palace where our Queen Catarina de Bragança lived

    8h
  • 02
    Private Tour Évora - Wine Tasting - Beautiful Medieval Village of Monsaraz

    Private Tour Évora - Wine Tasting - Beautiful Medieval Village of Monsaraz

    09am Leave direction to Alentejo, Cross the Bridge Vasco da Gama, the Biggest Bridge in Europe with 14 km , after it´s possible to see Vineyards, Cork Trees and one of typical Alentejo views, with many stork nests  Appro

    10h
  • 03
    Private Cultural and Foodie Experience in Lisbon

    Private Cultural and Foodie Experience in Lisbon

    We're a team of foodie insiders, who know what foodies are looking for. Our guided tasting tours take you on a culinary adventure through a selection of Lisbon's most famous neighborhoods combining delicious food and dri

    4h
  • 04
    Belem Highlights (including the the famous pastries!)

    Belem Highlights (including the the famous pastries!)

    The Portuguese began their exploration of the world from here at Belém therefore it’s a perfect place to begin your exploration of Lisbon. There are many things to do in Belém apart from eating the famous "Pasteis de Bel

    4h
  • 05
    Lisbon by Night Private Tour with Dinner and Fado Show

    Lisbon by Night Private Tour with Dinner and Fado Show

    Fado song is the night face of Lisbon. In this tour, we will listen to this unique music, with tearful tones played by Portuguese guitars. Fado, elected Intangible Heritage of Humanity, is more than just a musical style,

    3h
  • 06
    Lisbon Sunset Sailing – Small Group (max 10) Wine & History

    Lisbon Sunset Sailing – Small Group (max 10) Wine & History

    • Led by Rui, a passionate Lisbon native who shares real stories and cultural insight — this is not just a cruise, it’s a historical experience on the water • Small group atmosphere (maximum 10 guests), ensuring comfort,

    2h
  • 07
    Wine Tour from Lisbon to Setúbal and Arrábida

    Wine Tour from Lisbon to Setúbal and Arrábida

    Discover the beauty of Arrábida and the flavors of the region of Setúbal in this small group experience from Lisbon. During the day, cross the iconic 25 April Bridge and explore stunning landscapes overlooking the ocean

    6h
  • 08
    Setúbal Wine Tour from Lisbon with 2 Wineries and Tastings

    Setúbal Wine Tour from Lisbon with 2 Wineries and Tastings

    Discover the flavors of the Setúbal region in a small group wine experience from Lisbon, ideal for those looking for authenticity, landscapes and unforgettable moments. During the day, visit prestigious local wineries a

    5h
  • 09
    From Lisbon : Évora & Alentejo Wine Tasting Tour

    From Lisbon : Évora & Alentejo Wine Tasting Tour

    Prepare to discover Évora, one of Portugal’s most fascinating cities and UNESCO World Heritage Site. During this tour, you’ll explore some of its most iconic monuments, including the intriguing Bone Chapel, famous for it

    7h
  • 10
    For small group in Lisbon with fado and dinner show

    For small group in Lisbon with fado and dinner show

    Discover where the famous Fado was born, experience this unique and so Portuguese musical culture where the melody will make you travel. In this tourist excursion in the evening, enjoy to know and stroll through the old

    3h
  • 11
    Lisbon 4 Foodies Tour - From Street Food to Awarded Chefs’ Portuguese Delicacies

    Lisbon 4 Foodies Tour - From Street Food to Awarded Chefs’ Portuguese Delicacies

    The most complete tour for food and wine lovers in Lisbon. More than 25 different food and beverages that will make you love the Portuguese gastronomy - you'll eat Codfish, Sardines, Pork Meat and Poultry dishes, Cheese

    3h
  • 12
    Old Town Tuk Tour Alfama Graca and Ginjinha Tasting

    Old Town Tuk Tour Alfama Graca and Ginjinha Tasting

    Explore the historical heart of Lisbon on the Old Town Tuk Tour, taking you through the charming districts of Alfama and Graça. Traverse narrow streets and steep staircases while stopping at iconic landmarks like the Lis

    1.5h
  • 13
    Descubra os Vinhos e a Gastronomia de Setúbal: Partindo de Lisboa

    Descubra os Vinhos e a Gastronomia de Setúbal: Partindo de Lisboa

    Setúbal oferece uma combinação única de experiências gastronômicas autênticas, paisagens deslumbrantes, riqueza cultural e uma hospitalidade calorosa. É uma oportunidade de mergulhar na essência da região, criando memór

    8h
  • 14
    Private Day Tour With Guide to Évora and Monsaraz

    Private Day Tour With Guide to Évora and Monsaraz

    Spend a magical day in one of Portugal’s most historic cities on this private tour to Évora from Lisbon. Wander through ancient cultural landmarks such as the St. Francis Church, the chapel of bones, and the temple of Di

    8h
  • 15
    Private Day Tour Arrabida, Sesimbra & wine tastings from Lisbon

    Private Day Tour Arrabida, Sesimbra & wine tastings from Lisbon

    If there is a tour that we can consider as a true "sightseeing tour", this is the one. You'll have the opportunity to know Arrábida Natural Park, one of the most beautiful spots near Lisbon. Founded in 1976 and covering

    8h
  • 16
    Private Tour of Sintra The Glorious Garden of Eden with Pickup

    Private Tour of Sintra The Glorious Garden of Eden with Pickup

    Embark on a stress free full day private tour to Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais. Choose to visit palaces and castles like the Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Moorish Castle National Palace and more. Enjoy a guided v

    7h
  • 17
    Visionary Underground Asian Food Experience

    Visionary Underground Asian Food Experience

    Did you know that the first Europeans to arrive in India were the Portuguese? Come discover through flavors how two continents became intertwined forever. Join us for a gastronomic exploration of Lisbon's underground Asi

    4h
  • 18
    Evora Ancient City & The Alentejo Private Luxury Wine Tour

    Evora Ancient City & The Alentejo Private Luxury Wine Tour

    Have a walk in the Historic Centre of Évora, one of the oldest medieval cities, UNESCO's World Heritage in Portugal. This museum-city, whose roots go back to Roman times. Have the unique opportunity to experience a histo

    7h
  • 19
    Lisbon Luxury Tagus Wine Tour Experience

    Lisbon Luxury Tagus Wine Tour Experience

    A perfect way to visit one of the most important and rising wine regions of Portugal. Tagus wine region. Travel in a luxury vehicle with a local driver and guide. Enjoy visiting a winery, guided by a wine expert. You

    4h
  • 20
    Arrabida Full Day Private Tour with Wine Tasting

    Arrabida Full Day Private Tour with Wine Tasting

    Explore the beautiful fishing town of Sesimbra on a full day guided tour. Start the day at the stunning Sado Estuary and watch the bottle nose dolphins swim along the white sand beaches. Spend the day exploring the stun

    8h