Portuguese gastronomy is renowned throughout Europe and the world for its distinctive flavours. Thanks to its advantageous position on the Atlantic coast, the country has been able to make the best use of its resources. You will find many high-quality meat dishes such as Barrosa beef from Minho or lamb from Serra da Estrela. Among the main delicacies you will also find cod, cooked in a variety of ways...or even barely at all. Bacalhau (cod) is the star of Portuguese cuisine: it is hard to miss this tasty fish dish. There is even an old Portuguese saying that in Portugal there are more cod dishes than days in the year.
You may also note that the Portuguese use a lot of bay leaves, olive oil and cinnamon to season their various recipes.
In the centre of Lisbon you will find many places where you can sample the specialities so dear to the Portuguese people, including many shops dedicated to local cheese. Visit Queijaria, in the centre of Lisbon, for a tasting session before leaving with the cheese of your choice.
Sample a pastéis de nata in Belém
These little round flans baked in puff pastry and sprinkled with cinnamon are all the rage in Portugal! Visit the Fábrica dos pastéis de Belém, one of the oldest pastry shops in the city. The recipe has been kept secret since the invention of the pastry in the 19th century, and only the pastry chefs seem to know it. You'll probably have to queue up to take home some pastéis de nata from the Fábrica dos pastéis de Belém: only the pastry shops in this neighbourhood are allowed to call themselves pastéis de Belém. This means that gourmets can end up waiting dozens of minutes for these delicacies.
Looking for a couple of good places to enjoy a delicious traditional meal? Here are a few to try during your Lisbon holiday.
Rua Serpa Pinto, Chiado
This is a modern Portuguese restaurant with a menu featuring excellent cod dishes. The decoration is unique with fake fish hanging on the wall and a bright dancing jellyfish.
Travessa das Inglesinhas 28, Lapa
The informal ambience of this restaurant gives it a warm, welcoming feel. It is a favourite with the locals, so booking is advisable as it tends to be get busy. The menu includes seasonal fruit and vegetables, to support local producers, as well as many fish and meat dishes.
Rua da Barroca 13, Lisbonne 1200-047, Portugal
+351 21 826 0132
This charming wine bar serves cheese platters and local charcuterie accompanied by excellent Portuguese wines. The value for money is outstanding and the setting is delightfully picturesque.
Calcada do Marques de Abrantes 94, Lisbonne 1200-720, Portugal
+351 21 395 0953
The chef of this restaurant is from Alsace, so the dishes are a good mix of Portuguese and French cuisine. This is one of the best addresses in the whole of Lisbon, so be sure to make a reservation if you want to enjoy the excellent food at Lisboete Restaurant.
