Where to Eat — A Guide
Tascas — The Soul of Portuguese Cuisine
A Tasca is a simple, often family-run tavern — the Portuguese version of a trattoria. Paper napkins, handwritten menus, daily specials on the board, loud chatter, and the best food at the lowest price. Eating in a Tasca means tasting Portugal. Daily menu (prato do dia): €6–10 with soup, main course, and drink.
Cervejarias — The Beer Houses
Cervejarias are larger, bustling restaurants specializing in seafood and beer. Grilled fish, crabs, mussels, and percebes (goose barnacles) — fresh, plentiful, and at fair prices. The most famous: Cervejaria Ramiro in the Intendente district — Lisbon's best seafood restaurant (expect a queue, no reservations). Expect to pay €30–50 per person (seafood is not cheap).
Petiscos — Portuguese Tapas
Petiscos are Portugal's answer to tapas — small dishes for sharing. Unlike in Spain, they are not complimentary with a drink but are ordered. The best:
- Pimentos de Padrón: Grilled Padrón peppers with sea salt. Identical to the Spanish version.
- Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato: Clams in garlic, coriander, white wine, and olive oil. Divine. Soak up with bread.
- Chouriço assado: Chouriço sausage, flambéed in schnapps and served at the table. Spectacular and delicious.
- Queijo de Azeitão: Soft, creamy sheep's cheese from the Setúbal region. Eat with a spoon.
