My curated list of delicious spots to try, from iconic bites to local favorites – organized by region.
Porto
Breakfast & Coffee
- Majestic Café
Belle Époque-era café with ornate interiors—carved wood, mirrors, chandeliers. Expect a lineup; go early. - Castro
Home of one of the best pastéis de nata in the city.
Lunch & Dinner
- Taberna Santo António
Authentic and beloved by locals. - O Bom Talher
A down-to-earth local spot with traditional flavors. - O Escondidinho
Classic Portuguese dishes in an old-world setting (open since 1927), but with a refined touch. - Conga
Famous for their bifana (spicy pork sandwich). - Café Santiago
Great choice for a casual and local Francesinha - Pedro dos Frangos
Known for frango piri-piri (spicy grilled chicken) and pork tripe. - Adega São Nicolau
Cozy and compact, serving up comforting Portuguese homestyle dishes. - Brasão Aliados
Our favorite Francesinha in the city. Great for brunch or hangover food—get a reservation if you can! - Lado B
Another top contender for the Francesinha (“Little Frenchie”). - Pregar
Casual vibe with outdoor seating. Known for beef sandwiches, burgers, and sangria. - Postigo do Carvão
A classic for traditional Portuguese food. - Cantina 32
Great spot near hotels. Offers a mix of meat and seafood plates—perfect for sharing. - Cachorro Gazela
Anthony Bourdain-approved spot for cachorrinhos (mini spicy Portuguese hot dogs). Since 1962. Hot fries, cold beer. - Taxca
For traditional Portuguese petiscos (think tapas) - Venham mais 5 – O original
Portuguese Tapas and the best Prego sandwich
Lite Bites / Tapas / Wine
- Taberna do Largo
Near hotel. Tapas, wine, cheese, cozy setting. - Tapa Bento
Portuguese-style tapas. - Wine Quay Bar
Perfect riverside spot for a wine and cheese plate before crossing the bridge. (Cash only.) - Mind the Glass
Cozy atmosphere with 600+ bottles of wine to choose from.
Other Foodie Spots
- Mercado do Bolhão
Local market with wine, seafood, cheese, produce stalls, shops, and occasional live music. - Port Houses in Vila Nova de Gaia
Cross the river to explore Portugal’s famous port wine lodges.- Churchill’s 1982 Garden Bar
- Café Soraya – 5 ports for €5 tasting
- Caves Cálem – classic wine tasting
- Graham’s Port Lodge – Port + chocolate + peacocks in the courtyard
- 7g Roaster – Great for a coffee tasting flight
Óbidos
- Chocolate Cups with Ginja
Don’t miss trying the iconic sour cherry liquor (Ginja) in edible chocolate cups!
There are little stands everywhere!
Lisbon
Breakfast & Coffee
- Pastéis de Belém
The pastel de nata gold standard. Go early! - Padria Portuguesa
Local bakery chain—reliable and easy to find.
Lunch & Dinner
- O João
Authentic, only open 12-3. Daily menu on display at the entrance, and many people like to order dishes served in traditional clay pots. - Café de Garagem
Secret sunset bar vibes near Alfama. - Ponto Final
Traditional Portuguese food with jaw-dropping sunset views. Book before you arrive. - Rosa da Rua
Homemade buffet in an artsy 18th-century building. - Esquina da Fé
Solid, affordable Portuguese classics. - Pomme Eatery
Try the chicken lollipops—fun twist on local flavors. - Mirari
Outdoor food market alternative to LX Factory—cooler vibe. - Carmo Rooftop
Pizza, wine, and Santa Justa Lift views. Ideal for sunset. - Chapitô à Mesa
Great views over Lisbon, cozy atmosphere and traditional dishes - Taberna da Baixa
Warm, unpretentious spot for seafood, charcuterie, and tapas. - Cervejaria Ramiro
Iconic 3-floor seafood and beer joint since the 1950s. - Pinóquio
Popular pick for fresh seafood. - Lumi Rooftop
Chic rooftop bar and restaurant—great for brunch, small plates, and cocktails. - O Velho Eurico
Rustic, stone-walled setting for classic regional cuisine. - O Jardim Sr. Lisboa
Beautiful spot with great food and cocktails. Sunny patio bonus. - Rocco
Trendy and stylish. Good for a modern dinner.
Wine Bars & Local Drinks
- Eat at a Tasca
Cheap, no-frills restaurants serving hearty traditional meals. - Ginjinha Sem Rival
One of the best places to try Lisbon’s famous cherry liqueur. - The Old Pharmacy
Converted pharmacy turned wine bar—great atmosphere. - Holy Wine
Tiny, cozy natural wine bar. - Black Sheep Wine Bar
Great for grabbing a bottle and drinking out on the street with friends.
Algarve
- O Camilo (Praia do Camilo)
Clifftop dining with outstanding seafood and coastal views. - Boneco Bar (Algar Seco, Carvoeiro)
Unique spot tucked among the rocks—perfect for drinks or food before starting the scenic boardwalk. - Vai e Volta (Olhão)
Look for rodizio de peixe grelhado (grilled fish buffet) – in the Algarve this is a specialty!