When you think of Portugal, two iconic cities likely come to mind: Lisbon and Porto. But what should you eat when visiting these enchanting destinations?
The moment you arrive in Portugal, you'll be greeted by the unique charm that flows through its streets. Picture quaint medieval homes clustered together, creating an almost time-travel-like experience. Climb to the top of a hill, gaze out over the rolling waves of terracotta rooftops, and it's impossible not to fall in love.
Beyond its historic landmarks, Portugal offers a feast for the senses. From chic cafes and boutique shops to alluring fine dining establishments and cozy bistros, missing out on the local cuisine would be a shame. Discover Best Dining Spots in Portugal: Lisbon and Porto Area. Start your mornings with an espresso and a golden pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart), sip cocktails in vibrant bars until late at night, or venture just outside the city to explore scenic wineries. For an unforgettable experience, savor fresh seafood by the seaside as you take in stunning ocean views.
Ready to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Portugal? Let us guide you through the diverse, handpicked culinary delights that await you in this gastronomic paradise!
Lisbon Area
Belcanto
📍 Largo de São Carlos, 10, 1200-410 Lisbon, Portugal
Belcanto is Lisbon's crown jewel of fine dining, boasting 2 Michelin stars under the visionary leadership of Chef José Avillez. Known for his innovative approach, Chef Avillez masterfully blends Portugal’s Age of Discovery heritage with bold imagination, honoring local ingredients and traditional techniques.
Belcanto became Portugal's first-ever 2-star Michelin restaurant in 2014, just two years after earning its first star in 2012, and it continues to captivate diners worldwide. Signature dishes like the Epic Egg—a creative reinterpretation of classic Portuguese egg dishes—showcase the chef’s ingenuity. Other highlights include seaweed-infused dishes inspired by Lisbon’s coastal scenery, perfectly paired with blue lobster, and goat cheese desserts that are as inventive as they are delicious. Also, Don’t miss the exclusive wine pairing featuring Portugal’s finest selections—an experience as memorable as the cuisine itself.
Encanto
📍 Largo de São Carlos, 10, 1200-410 Lisbon, Portugal
Whether you're vegetarian or not, Encanto is a must-visit for a playful, plant-focused fine dining experience. Awarded a Michelin star, this restaurant offers a lacto-ovo vegetarian menu bursting with flavor and creativity, all at a surprisingly approachable price of €135. Expect globally inspired dishes like Indian-style pani puri, Japanese kombu miso soup, and reimagined Portuguese vegetable creations. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients, the menu transcends the concept of “vegetarian” to deliver pure joy on a plate.
The ambiance is warm and intimate, featuring walls adorned with crafts from local Portuguese artisans. From charred vegetables showcasing their natural sweetness to dishes combining seaweed, root vegetables, and fruits, Encanto redefines the potential of plant-based cuisine. Standouts include a dish inspired by lamb sausage, elevated with aromatic spices, and another featuring creamy white beans paired with parsley for a delightful crunch.
Maré
📍 Av. Nossa Senhora do Cabo 9000, 2750-374 Cascais, Portugal
Just a 30-minute drive from Lisbon brings you to Cascais, a former aristocratic retreat now home to Maré, a seafood lover’s paradise overlooking the breathtaking Atlantic. Inside, the restaurant feels like a boutique fish market, complete with live lobsters, prawns, and other crustaceans in tanks, alongside daily catches like turbot, sea urchins, and squid displayed on ice.
The menu highlights Portugal’s finest seafood, including dishes like fresh seabass with red onion and avocado, Portuguese-style seafood rice brimming with scarlet shrimp, crab, and clams, and the ultimate seafood platter. A standout is the carabineiro shrimp, a delicacy so fresh and flavorful, its rich head fat rivals the world’s best sauces. Pair your meal with a crisp white wine, sit back, and savor the ocean’s bounty—it’s worth every minute of the journey.
Porto Area
Euskalduna Studio
📍 Rua de Santo Ildefonso 404, 4000-466 Porto, Portugal
Euskalduna Studio is a trailblazer in Porto’s fine dining scene, where culinary artistry meets innovation. Helmed by Chef Vasco Coelho Santos, this intimate, 16-seat restaurant offers a captivating tasting menu inspired by Portuguese roots with global influences, particularly from the Basque region.
The menu is an ever-evolving journey, blending tradition and creativity. Signature dishes include pão de ló with foie gras, a decadent twist on Portugal’s iconic sponge cake, and perfectly cooked aged beef with local vegetables. Each plate is a visual masterpiece, meticulously crafted to highlight the finest seasonal ingredients.
The restaurant's open kitchen adds to the immersive dining experience, allowing guests to witness the artistry and passion behind every dish. Complement your meal with the expertly curated wine pairings, which feature standout Portuguese vintages. For those seeking an intimate, avant-garde dining adventure, Euskalduna Studio is a must-visit in Porto.
Seixo Restaurant
📍 Quinta do Seixo, Douro Valley, Portugal
Nestled in the breathtaking Douro Valley, Seixo Restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience surrounded by rolling vineyards and the iconic Douro River. Located at Quinta do Seixo, a historic port wine estate, the restaurant marries stunning scenery with elevated Portuguese cuisine.
The menu celebrates the region's rich culinary traditions with a contemporary twist. Highlights include roasted octopus paired with Douro olive oil and heirloom potatoes, and suckling pig cooked to perfection with a crispy skin that melts in your mouth. Seasonal ingredients take center stage, with dishes often incorporating figs, walnuts, and locally sourced herbs.
No visit to Seixo is complete without indulging in their port wine pairing. Each dish is thoughtfully matched with Quinta do Seixo’s exceptional wines, from crisp whites to bold reds and, of course, world-class ports. The panoramic views of the valley provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal, making Seixo an essential stop for both food and wine lovers.
Cafés & Snack Spots
Manteigaria – Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata
📍 Multiple Locations – google it!
Manteigaria is hailed as a temple for Portugal’s iconic dessert, the pastel de nata. Renowned for its flawless balance of creamy custard and crispy, flaky pastry, this shop is a must-visit for anyone in Lisbon. Here, freshly baked tarts are always served warm, perfectly paired with a sprinkle of Portugal’s signature cinnamon powder.
Loved by both locals and tourists, the small shop’s charm lies in its simplicity. One bite of the golden tart fills your mouth with silky sweetness and buttery crunch, an experience bound to lift your spirits. With multiple locations across the city, it’s easy to drop by for a quick indulgence.
For an added treat, watch the baking process through the open kitchen—it’s a feast for the eyes as much as the palate. After enjoying Manteigaria’s classic, venture nearby to Castro for a taste of their egg tarts, and decide for yourself which one reigns supreme. Spoiler: they’re both incredible!
A Brasileira
📍 R. Garrett 120, 1200-205 Lisbon, Portugal
A Brasileira, established in 1905, is one of Lisbon’s most historic and beloved cafes. This iconic spot is famous not only for its coffee but also as the favorite haunt of Portugal’s legendary poet Fernando Pessoa. A bronze statue of Pessoa sits by the entrance, making it a favorite photo op for visitors.
Step inside to experience its timeless charm, with marble-topped tables and classic decor that make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. The best pairing here? A strong espresso alongside a warm pastel de nata—a simple yet quintessential Lisbon treat. Whether you visit in the morning for a quiet start to the day or in the evening to soak in the city’s literary and cultural vibe, A Brasileira offers a perfect blend of tradition and relaxation. Don’t miss this chance to savor coffee the way locals do!
As Bifanas do Afonso
📍 R. da Madalena 146, 1100-340 Lisbon, Portugal
Located in the heart of Lisbon’s Old Town, As Bifanas do Afonso is a no-frills eatery famous for serving bifana, Portugal’s beloved pork sandwich. Thinly sliced pork is marinated in garlic, onions, and chili, then tucked into a crusty roll. Think of it as a Portuguese take on a comfort food classic—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Popular with locals and tourists alike, this tiny spot often sees long lines, especially during lunch hours. For a quicker experience, visit in the morning and enjoy a bifana as a hearty breakfast. Don’t forget to slather on some mustard and spicy piri-piri sauce for an extra kick.
With no seating inside, you can savor your sandwich while standing by the shop or head to a nearby plaza to enjoy it alfresco. Just remember, it’s cash only! As Bifanas do Afonso is proof that sometimes the simplest foods are the most unforgettable.
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