What I Ate in Lisbon: Seafood, Bifana Sandwiches & Must-Try Lisbon Food
- Meredith Peters
- Mar 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 2
Lisbon completely surprised me when it came to food.
I expected great seafood. That part was obvious. But I didn’t expect how often I’d find myself going back for the same dishes again, or how many meals would stand out long after I returned home.
If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, the food alone is reason enough to go.
Seafood in Lisbon: Simple, Fresh, and Done Right
Seafood is at the center of Lisbon’s food scene, and it shows up everywhere, from casual spots to well-known restaurants.
At Cervejaria Ribadouro, you can choose your lobster or crab straight from the tank, something that’s common at many of the larger seafood restaurants throughout the city. The lobsters, called lagosta in Portuguese, are cold-water lobsters and look different from what we’re used to in the U.S. They don’t have the large front claws and have a more elongated shape.
They were some of the largest I’ve ever seen, but what stood out even more was how tender they were. Not overcooked, not tough, just perfectly done.
Shrimp and clams became a regular order for me, and every time they arrived in a garlic, butter, and white wine sauce that was so good it could have been eaten with a spoon. And the bread was just as memorable. It was perfect for soaking up every last bit of that sauce.
The Bifana Sandwich I Can’t Stop Thinking About
I don’t usually order pork sandwiches because I’m not typically a fan.
Which is exactly why this one stands out.
We tried a bifana sandwich on our food tour at Solar Da Madalena, a small, casual local spot that most people would walk right past if not for the huge pot of pork simmering in the window and the steady stream of locals coming in for lunch.
The sandwich itself is simple, but the preparation is what makes it so good.
The pork is thinly sliced from the loin or leg, then marinated for hours, often overnight, in white wine, garlic, paprika, and bay leaves. It’s then slowly simmered in that same liquid, sometimes with olive oil or lard, until it becomes incredibly tender. The result is juicy, flavorful pork with a rich, savory sauce that soaks into the bread.
And the roll deserves its own mention. Slightly crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and sturdy enough to hold all of that flavorful meat and sauce without falling apart.
They serve piri piri on the side, and it is extremely hot. A little goes a long way, but it adds just the right kick.
It was so good that we went back the next day and ordered it again.
Pastel de Nata: The Dessert I Didn’t Expect to Love
I didn’t expect to love pastel de nata since custard is not my favorite.
But these were different.
The pastry is made up of delicate, flaky layers that crisp up beautifully, filled with a smooth custard that’s lightly sweet without being heavy.
Most places serve them with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, which adds another layer of flavor without overpowering the pastry.
I had them at several cafés throughout Lisbon, and every one of them was good.
A Seafood Dinner Worth Slowing Down For
One of the most memorable meals of the trip was at Solar dos Presuntos, a popular restaurant in Baixa, right in the heart of the city center.
This is the kind of place where the experience starts before your meal even arrives.
There was a staff member whose sole job was to carve ham from a whole leg. He moved through the restaurant with a table on wheels, slicing pieces fresh and serving them to guests. It’s one of those details that adds to the experience without making it feel over the top.
The service stood out in other ways too. The sommelier came over, asked what types of wine we usually enjoy, and then asked for our price range. He casually mentioned they had bottles starting around 28 euros and going up into the thousands.
I gave him a range around 35 euros, and the bottle he selected came in just under that and paired perfectly with the meal.
We ordered the lobster paella for two, served with a whole lobster and a fried egg on top.
We gave it our best effort, but there was no finishing that dish.
The bread here was constantly refilled, which made it very easy to keep going back for another bite.
Bacalhau: A Portuguese Staple Worth Trying More Than Once
Cod, or bacalhau, is everywhere in Portugal, and it’s prepared in more ways than you can count.
On our food tour, I tried pastéis de bacalhau, small cod fish cakes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They were simple and really well done.
My favorite version, though, was bacalhau com natas, which I had in Sintra. It’s a baked dish made with pieces of cod, potatoes, onions, and a creamy sauce, finished in the oven.
It’s filling, comforting, and one of those dishes that’s worth trying at least once while you’re there.
Why Lisbon’s Food Stands Out
What surprised me most about Lisbon wasn’t just the quality of the food. It was how consistently good everything was.
Meals are relaxed. No one rushes you. You’re meant to sit, enjoy, and take your time.
And some of the best things I ate were the ones I didn’t expect to order in the first place.
If Lisbon is on your list, the food alone is worth the trip
It's one of those places where the meals become part of the experience, not just something in between.
If you’re planning to dine at popular restaurants, it’s smart to make reservations. You can do this ahead of time or ask your hotel concierge for recommendations and have them handle it for you.
And if you want help planning where to go, what’s actually worth your time, and how to experience it the right way, I can help you put it all together. Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation with me ▶️https://linke.to/TravelConsultationWithMeredith Travel With Meredith, LLC
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