A Taste of Lisbon: Must-Try Dishes and Where to Eat Them

They say you can’t really know a city until you’ve tasted it. In Lisbon’s case, this means crispy pastries, smoky grilled sardines, slow-cooked stews, and more olive oil than is socially acceptable to drizzle in one meal. The food here is rich in flavor, heritage, and unapologetic comfort — like a culinary hug from your most dramatic but lovable Portuguese aunt.

So loosen your belt (or wear elastic), and follow us through Lisbon’s most iconic dishes — and where to eat them, of course.

🥧 1. Pastel de Nata — The National Sweetheart

Golden, flaky, creamy, and slightly caramelized on top, pastéis de nata are the kind of pastries you promise to “just try one” of… and then find yourself in a buttery spiral of three, maybe four.

Where to go:

• Manteigaria (Chiado or Time Out Market) – Arguably Lisbon’s best. Stand at the counter, order a coffee, and enjoy the magic. Bonus: you can watch them make the pastries fresh behind glass.

• Pastéis de Belém – The original, near Jerónimos Monastery. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s worth it.

📝 Toctoctip: Ask for a little cinnamon and powdered sugar on top. Trust us.

 Pastel de Nata

🐟 2. Sardinhas Assadas — Grilled Sardines

Grilled whole sardines are a summer staple, especially during the Santos Populares festivals in June. They’re smoky, juicy, and unapologetically fishy (in the best way).

Where to go:

• Zé da Mouraria – A no-frills, locals-approved tasca where the sardines come sizzling and the portions are generous. Bring your appetite and don’t wear white.

• Sol e Pesca – A quirky, retro bar in a former fishing tackle shop serving canned sardines like gourmet tapas. Surprisingly chic for tinned fish.

Sardinhas Assadas

🥘 3. Bacalhau à Brás — The King of Salt Cod

Lisbon has 365 ways to cook bacalhau (salted cod), one for every day of the year. À Brás is our favorite: shredded cod mixed with onions, potatoes, and eggs. Comfort food with a Portuguese twist.

Where to go:

• Taberna da Rua das Flores – A cozy, ever-changing menu where the bacalhau à Brás is often reinvented with a modern edge.

• Prado – A stylish farm-to-table spot giving traditional dishes a fresh, seasonal makeover.

 Bacalhau à Brás

🥩 4. Bifana — The Mighty Pork Sandwich

Juicy marinated pork in a soft white bun — this humble sandwich is Lisbon’s answer to a late-night kebab or a quick lunch you actually want to remember.

Where to go:

• Bifanas de Afonso – A tiny hole-in-the-wall near Rossio serving legendary bifanas since the dawn of time (or so it feels). No chairs, no nonsense, just one of the best bites in town. Eat standing up like a local.

• O Triângulo da Ribeira – A proper tasca near Cais do Sodré with juicy bifanas, cold beer, and a lively crowd. Bonus points for the crunchy fries on the side.

Bifana

🐙 5. Polvo à Lagareiro — Octopus, Olive Oil, Bliss

Grilled octopus so tender it could make you emotional. Served with garlic, smashed potatoes and a flood of golden olive oil. Octupus is amazing, but also you should try everything from the Portuguese seafood.

Where to go:

• Cervejaria Ramiro – A Lisbon institution. Order the octopus… and then keep ordering.

• A Cevicheria – Chef Kiko’s upscale Peruvian-Portuguese fusion, where polvo gets a bold, zesty twist.

 Polvo à Lagareiro

🧆 6. Petiscos — Portugal’s Answer to Tapas

Not one dish, but a lifestyle. Petiscos are small plates meant for sharing: think chouriço, pica-pau (marinated beef), queijo amanteigado (buttery cheese), and more.

Where to go:

• Tascardoso – An old-school tavern with heart, soul, and excellent petiscos.

• Bar Alimentar – Just around the corner from Toctoctoc, with a cool vibe and great local wines to match the bites.

🍲 7. Caldo Verde — The Comfort Soup

This beloved soup is simple but soulful: potato purée, shredded kale, and a few slices of chouriço. Often eaten at festivals, winter dinners, and homesick Sundays.

Where to go:

• Adega da Tia Matilde – Homey and hearty. Feels like a warm hug.

• Casa da Índia – Unpretentious, traditional, and right in the heart of Lisbon.

Caldo Verde

🍮 8. Pudim Abade de Priscos — The Dessert You Didn’t Know You Needed

A silky flan made with eggs, sugar, port wine, and... bacon. Yes, bacon. Don’t ask why it works. Just accept that it does.

Where to go:

• Gambrinus – A Lisbon classic that does traditional desserts beautifully.

• Taberna Sal Grosso – For a more low-key spot that surprises with big flavor.

Pudim Abade de Priscos

🍷 And of Course… The Wine!

Pair everything with a glass of vinho verde, Douro red, or a sweet Moscatel de Setúbal. Portugal’s wine scene is vast, affordable, and criminally underrated.

Where to taste:

• By The Wine – Elegant, cozy, and great for tastings.

• Senhor Uva – Natural wine bar with a charming terrace, not far from ToctoctocLisboa.

✨ Final Bite: Come Hungry, Leave Happy

At toctoctocLisboa, we believe the best way to experience Lisbon is to taste your way through it — slowly, joyfully, with good company. Start your day with our homemade breakfast in the garden (yes, there will be cake), and end it at a tiny tasca with a full belly and a full heart.

Because in Lisbon, food is more than a meal. It’s a celebration.