Lisbon is a beautiful city, blessed with being the capital of Portugal, into which every food lover melts. The city is very pompous with its ingredients all flaunting tradition, seafood at its freshest, and baked goods moulded by several centuries of cultural influences. An organization run by locals is essential for truly tasting the best foods in Lisbon. The ultimate Lisbon food tour will show you the culinary backstreets, the hidden gems, and the famous restaurants, offering a true Taste of Lisboa. Whether you’re indulging in the freshest seafood, savouring the famous pastel de nata, or enjoying a glass of Portuguese wine, from the avid foodie to the casual traveller, we at Plum Guide make it a point to take care of the finer details to make your trip unusual. This is why we have taken the time to explore Lisbon’s bustling food scene and compile this selection of the very best places to eat in the city. Everything from cherished local haunts to extraordinary culinary outings is on our list, just waiting to make the taste trip of your visit delicious and memorable.
First, allow us to explore what makes the taste of Lisboa one of the best food tours in Lisbon, Portugal, and why it should be included in your travel plans.
Why Choose a Food Tour in Lisbon?
A food tour is the best way to explore Lisbon’s culinary backstreets and experience its authentic flavours. Food tours by locals in Lisbon Portugal are special for an immersive experience of an entire city, in history, culture, and food for an everlasting memory. Joining a food and wine walking tour in Lisbon means you will be tasting some fabulous dishes while learning about their history, their traditions, and where best to enjoy them. From street food in Lisbon to fine dining and home cooking, a food tour is for all in Lisbon, Portugal.
What to Expect on a Lisbon Food Tour?
Joining one of the food tours in Lisbon, Portugal, would open up an opportunity to taste various dishes defining Portuguese cuisine by tasting different drinks paired together. There are a few top items you will probably taste:
1. Pasteis de Nata
To truly go through a Lisbon food venture, one must not miss sampling the famous pastéis de nata, for it is the custard tart of Portugal. These flaky, caramelized confections were first made at Belem, but they are available all over the city.
2. Bifana
The bifana, an easy but spicy marinated pork sandwich in fresh bread, can be introduced to you during a secret food tour in Lisbon. Combine it with a cold Portuguese beer, and it becomes a local favourite for quick and delicious munching. It is a delicious Portuguese sandwich that food lovers can enjoy on Portugal food tours.
3. Bacalhau
A must-eat, Bacalhau is Portugal’s much-beloved salted cod, which you cannot miss tasting when you explore food in Lisbon. Incorporating infinite traditional forms like Bacalhau à Bras and Bacalhau com Natas, the fish serves as a staple protein in Portuguese cuisine. On almost all the best Lisbon food tours, Bacalhau is present among Portuguese favourites—the visitor gets a rich taste of it in small but cozy tascas and the finest restaurants. Be it grilled, baked, or fried, Bacalhau is such a gem of an attraction in Lisbon.
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4. Sardinhas Assadas
Grilled sardines have become increasingly popular with the summer celebrations in Lisbon. Indeed, this seafood with rustic bread and a drizzle of olive oil can best represent the culinary culture of the city. Whether on any of the food tours in Lisbon, Portugal or not, their charred delight should be tasted.
5. Ginjinha
A Lisbon food and wine tour is not complete without a visit to Ginjinha, the famous sour cherry liqueur from the town. Truly a locally flavoured drink, it is made from sour cherries, an infusion of alcohol, sugar, and spices. Served in a small cup with an occasional small cherry at the bottom, Ginjinha stands for a drinking experience close to the rich culinary and cultural heritage of the city.
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Where to find the best food in Lisbon
Explore local food stops and visit with a guide after embarking on a food tour, but should you choose to explore on your own, we have recommended some top spots for you to see:
1. Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira)
The Time Out Mercado da Ribeira culinary market hall in Lisbon, Portugal, brings together the best restaurants, chefs, and local tastes. A typical market contrasts old and new gastronomies and attracts foodies.
2. Cervejaria Ramiro
The city’s most renowned seafood restaurant for fresh shellfish, prawns, crab, and lobster. Enjoy the ambience as it comes alive with the finest seafood palate of every foodie. End the meal with their signature Prego (steak sandwich)
3. Taberna da Rua das Flores
This is a quaint little eatery in Lisbon, combining all the edgy and traditional Portuguese flavours. It is very popular with the locals and all who visit this wonderful city, as it is always thrown around in such tours by locals. Lisbon, Portugal is an undeclared hidden gem. A little warm atmosphere with bright finger food, the city savouring authentic flavor in the rush of its very own food scene.
4. Manteigaria
Manteigaria is a famous pastry shop in Lisbon, Portugal that produces one of the best pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tart). Another must-try for each Portuguese food lover, the silky cream encased in a buttery crisp crust is an experience that must be had right out of the oven.
Conclusion
Foodies in search of unspoiled tastes of the city are bound to engage in The Ultimate Lisbon Food Tour by Locals! Pastéis de nata, bacalhau, and more take tourists on a delectable deep dive into Lisbon’s culinary customs. For anyone interested in booking a ticket for their adventure, checking the Plum Guide website may serve as a great way to find more highly rated experiences. And do remember to keep a lookout for promo codes as discount codes while booking your food tour! Don’t let this chance to taste Lisbon as a true local pass you by!
