Are you heading to Lisbon and looking for Lisbon restaurants where locals eat? When heading to Lisbon we knew we wanted to experience the local food and culture from a locals perspective. The food in Portugal is so delicious. The best way to experience local cuisine is to sign up for a local food tour. We chose to join Taste of Lisboa on a walking Lisbon food tour to go off the beaten path and experience all the Lisbon hidden gems and get a glimpse of where the locals eat. Walking through these non-touristy neighborhoods we learned so much about the history of Lisbon, Fado song roots, and of course, hidden Portuguese food treatures. You will be introduced to spots that locals go every day! The Taste of Lisboa food tour will take you to 7 local Lisbon restaurants where locals eat, away from the crowds and touristy spots. We loved the Downtown-Mouraria Food & Cultural Walk in Lisbon.
Lisbon Restaurants Where Locals Eat | Lisbon Hidden Gems
A walking food tour is a great way to experience a city. I would recommend booking the Taste of Lisboa walking food tour on your first or second day in this city. You will get to taste the great food of Lisbon as well as learn the culture and history of the city from an insider. The 4-hour stroll through Lisbon is lead by a knowledgable local who will lead small groups (max.12), in an intimate leisurely walk through Lisbon and its many Lisbon hidden gems.
Manteigaria Silva Food Markets
Head to Manteigaria Silva for a wonderful selection of Portuguese cheeses, dry-cured meats and of course, Portuguese wine. This gourmet grocery market specializes in charcuterie, fine wines, regional cheeses, canned goods, and several kinds of quality salt cod. We tasted the tastiest Pata Negra cured ham that literally melts in your mouth paired with the famous Portuguese corn bread and olive oil. All this paired with a glass of Portuguese red wine.
Location: Rua Dom Antão De Almada 1 C/D Lisbon, 1100-197 – Portugal
O BURACO SNACK
I didn’t realize how much the Portuguese adore codfish until we learned that there are at least 365 different ways to cook it! One of the tasty ways to prepare it is in the form of cod cakes, also known as Bolinhos de Bacalhau. It is absolutely delicious. Slightly crispy on the outside and creamy and soft in the inside with a mild fish taste. This was paired with a side of tomato rice and the famous Vinho Verde, green wine. This is one of the famous wines of Portugal that is light easy drinking wine, perfect during a hot summer day.
Location: Rua Santa Justa, 29
Zé dos Cornos
This family-owned Mouraria tavern welcomes regulars and first-timers. The restaurant is an extremely small restaurant with communal tables. This is a popular place for locals that you will often see a line out the door. The menu offers typical Portuguese cuisine with an emphasis on pork (the ribs come highly recommended) and bacalhau (dried salt-cod) grilled on the spot. We tried three various kinds of cheese with a quince paste as well as a Bifana sandwich. Bifana is a delicious pork sandwich that is often paired with mustard. For those who like it spicy, be sure to the piri piri sauce.
Location: Beco dos Surradores, 5 (+351)218869641
Tasca Os Amigos Da Severa
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We walked through a beautiful part of the Mouraria neighbourhood that lead us to Tasca os Amigos da Serva. This tiny Ginjinha tavern may be difficult to find but is a local favourite. This is a friendly gathering place has been around for over 40 years, this is unheard of these days. When you walk in you will be greeted by the friendly owner as well as photos covering the walls.
We had a shot of Ginjinha, a sweet Portuguese liqueur that originated in Lisbon and is made of sour cherries. This is certainly an easy drinking liqueur and I can see why it is so popular. This stop had the most charm with a neighbourly feel.
Location: Rua do Capelão, 32
JASMIM DA MOURARIA
This tapas-style bar is another great local restaurant to visit for the true Portuguese style atmosphere. This intimate restaurant offers food options made with canned fish. We enjoyed the sardine toast that came with tasty vinaigrette carrots.
Location: Rua João do Outeiro, 54
Cantinho do Aziz
This Mozambican restaurant that is located in Lisbon’s Mouraria neighborhood was such a nice surprise. This restaurant has been open for over 35 years serving delicious African dishes. The owners are from Mozambique which was a former colony of Portugal.
We enjoyed beef and vegetable samosas. Both were extremely delicious. I also tried the cashew juice. Cashew juice is a slightly tart juice that tastes like a combination of pear and banana. It has a very unique taste. I would highly recommend giving it a try.
Check out some great tips on responsible tourism.
Confeitaria Nacional
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You can’t attend a Lisbon food tour without trying some famous Portuguese pastries. We headed back towards the Rossio Square and stopped at Confeitaria Nacional for a treat. Pastel de nata has always been one of my favourite desserts, but if you haven’t tried one in Portugal then you are missing out. They taste so much better. They are slightly crispy and flakey on the outside with a creamy, custard on the inside. These famous desserts are perfectly paired with an espresso.
We have tried the famous Belem Pasta de nata’s and I can’t taste the difference but ask any local and they will immediately know where it came from.
Location: Praça da Figueira, 18B
The Taste of Lisboa food tour is a great way to experience places that you would not normally go to and food that you may not have a chance to try. Book your Downtown-Mouraria Food & Cultural Walk directly with Taste of Lisboa on their website. To discover Lisbon through the eyes of a local, I highly recommend connecting with Taste of Lisboa Food Tours.
A huge thank you to Rosa our local food guide and to Taste of Lisboa for a delicious afternoon of eating and learning about Lisbon.
