Enter Portugal

Enjoying good food and wine is considered an essential part of every Portuguese household and the Lisboetas are notoriously fussy about the quality of the food that they eat. For most visitors to Lisbon the restaurant will be the place to experience the dishes of the country.

Seafood Cataplana
Photo Credits: Nuno Calvet

We offer several pieces of advice for those looking for a good meal - often it is the case that the cheaper the restaurant the better the food, look first at the Pratos do Dia (dishes of the day), order the Vinho de Casa (the house wine) and don't be afraid to send it back if its not to your taste, and most importantly, forget about dieting!

The dishes that are traditionally served up illustrate the result of being at the crossroads of the world for so many years. The Romans introduced wine and olives to the countries cuisine and from the Arab invasion came the casserole and the art of frying. The Portuguese explorations of the far East brought Indian pepper and spices into the national dishes. Hot chillies and coffee were brought from Brazil. African influences from Mozambique and Cape Verde can be tasted in variations of Portuguese Feijoada (a stew made with pork and beans).

Bacalhau (salt cod) has long been the favourite Portuguese dish refering to it as Fiel Amigo (old friend). The salt cod shops offer different grades of salt cod ranging from miudo (the offcuts) to especialidade of the highest quality. The salt cod then needs to be soaked for between twelve to eighteen hours before being scaled and cooked in any of a multitude of different ways. There are literally hundreds of different recepies for this dish, with every region, and many individual towns, having their own unique variations.

For lovers of charcoal-grilled food, Portugal is a paradise. Lulas (barbequed squid), sea bass, hake and sardines are available at every restaurant and meat eaters are more than adequately catered for, whether your tastes are for grilled beef and chicken, or sucking pig and wild boar.

The Portuguese are also enormously fond of their puddings and virtually every cafe has a selection of cakes, mousse de chocolate, pudim flan and many other very sweet indulgences.

Casa do Alentejo

A 17th century palace elaborately redecorated in Moorish architectural style, (Neo-Mudéjar), Casa do Alentejo provides a fantastic atmosphere without being costly.
www.casadoalentejo.pt

Terra Vegatarian

Possibly the best vegetarian/vegan restaurant in Lisbon, offering a wide-ranging buffet and vegetarian versions of traditional Portuguese dishes.
www.restauranteterra.pt

Eleven

Joachim Koerper's michelin starred restaurant serves Mediterranean menus in harmony with the seasons, and also features excellent views over the city and gardens.
www.restauranteleven.com

Solar dos Nunes

Established in 1988 by a family from Alentejo, Solar dos Nunes specialises in traditional cuisine in a delightful setting.
www.solardosnunes.com

Cervejaria da Trinidade

Previously a beer hall, Cervejaria da Trinidade contains such stunning azulejos that it is worth a trip for the aesthetics alone. Thankfully, however, they also serve excellent lunches.
www.cervejariatrindade.pt

Pasteis de Bélem

Although this 19th century cake shop is not really a restaurant, the gorgeous decor, savoury pastries and sweet cakes makes this an ideal place for breakfast, brunch or lunch.
www.pasteisdebelem.pt

Solar dos Presuntos

Specialising in traditional cooking from the Minho region of Portugal, Solar dos Presuntos is spread out over several floors, with different rooms in memory of famous clientele.
www.solardospresuntos.com

Olivier

Owned by Olivier da Costa, Olivier serves Portuguese, Spanish and French themed dishes in a luxurious atmosphere.
www.restaurante-olivier.com