Lisboa in Four Acts: A Springtime Story (Part III)

Our Best Bites of Lisboa: The Classics

If there’s one thing we can say for sure, it’s that we ate our way through Lisbon. Food is at the heart of the city, and everywhere we turned, there was something to try. From street snacks to refined meals, each dish offered a taste of the city’s history, culture, and soul. Here’s a recap of our food-filled adventure.

The Bifana Hunt: From Cascais to Casa das Bifanas and Beyond

One of our culinary missions in Lisbon? Finding the best bifana—a deceptively simple pork sandwich that’s an absolute staple in Portugal. Our hunt kicked off in Cascais, where we found our first taste of the local take on this beloved snack. But the real journey was in Lisbon, where we ventured into some of the most famous spots to try the dish.

At Casa das Bifanas, the pork was tender, soaked in just the right amount of seasoning, and served on a perfectly crusty roll. Then came Bifanas do Afonso—where some of us got a taste of the juicy, sauce-drenched version, while others were left with just the legend (and yet another reason to return). Alas, we missed O Trevo. This spot is a must for any bifana lover, and skipping it means we officially have unfinished business in Lisbon. So, the hunt continues. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Crazy for Pastéis de Nata

If Portugal had a national sweet, it would undoubtedly be the pastéis de nata. These golden, flaky custard tarts trace their origins back to the 18th century, when Catholic monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém used egg whites to starch their clothes and found themselves with an excess of yolks—thus, the legendary pastry was born. When the monastery eventually closed, the secret recipe was passed to a local sugar refinery, which opened the now-iconic Pastéis de Belém bakery in 1837. To this day, their version remains the gold standard, drawing endless lines of customers (including us).

But Lisboa isn’t short on contenders. Fábrica da Nata quickly became a favorite of ours, ranking second to Belém. Their rich, velvety custard, encased in a crisp crust, struck the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Manteigaria, another major player, also delivered beautifully caramelized tops and buttery layers. And then there were the unexpected finds—like the Zara store in Rossio, which, in a very Portuguese twist, houses a cozy nook for Pastelaria Rossio (from Aveiro). No matter where we tried them, each bite was a little moment of bliss. Some people collect souvenirs; we collected custard tarts and have no regrets.

Piri Piri Fever: The Chicken That Brought Us Back

Piri piri chicken is one of Portugal’s most beloved dishes, but its roots stretch far beyond Lisbon. The story begins in the 15th century, when Portuguese explorers brought chili peppers from the New World to Africa. Over time, the African-grown piri piri (or peri-peri) pepper made its way back into Portuguese kitchens, where it was transformed into the fiery, tangy marinade that defines this dish today. A staple of churrasqueiras (grill houses) across Portugal, piri piri chicken is a simple but powerful combination of heat, smoke, and citrusy brightness—an addictive flavor that lingers long after the meal is over.

Our first encounter with this spicy masterpiece was at TimeOut Market many years ago where we sampled a variety of local dishes. But the piri piri chicken stole the show—so much so that we had to track down a dedicated spot for it. Fast forward to 2025 and enter O Churrasco, a casual, no-frills restaurant that quickly became our favorite. We ended up there twice, drawn back by the perfectly charred, spice-kissed chicken served with rice and greens. The meal was straightforward but unforgettable—the kind that ruins all future grilled chicken for you. That smoky, spicy perfection had us planning our next visit before we even finished our plates. Some meals are just that good.

The grilled sardine and seafood chronicles

Grilled sardines are more than just a dish in Portugal—they’re a tradition. Especially during the summer festivals, like the famous Santo António celebrations, the air fills with the smoky scent of sardines sizzling over open flames. But lucky for us, they aren’t just a seasonal treat. Almost everywhere we went—whether at a no-frills tasca in Rossio, a bustling spot in Alfama, or a seaside eatery in Cascais—we found them on the menu. Fresh, simply grilled with olive oil and sea salt, and served with roasted peppers or boiled potatoes, they were perfection on a plate. We tried them at every stop, and somehow, they never disappointed. By the end of the trip, it was a ritual, one that connected us to the rhythm of Lisbon in the most delicious way. No matter where we ate them, we felt a little more at home in Lisbon with each plate.

Lisbon fed us well—sometimes too well—but that’s the best kind of travel problem. Every meal, every snack, every drink at the counter felt like a little discovery. Whether it was a crispy, caramelized pasteis de nata, a messy bifana dripping with sauce, or another round of grilled sardines with a seafood platter, we absolutely had to order, the city kept us coming back for more. Some spots were planned, others were happy accidents, but all of them reminded us that food isn’t just about eating—it’s about the places, the people, and the moments that stick with you long after the last bite.

So, consider this an open invitation: go, wander, taste. Find the piri piri that makes you order seconds. Debate your own pasteis de nata rankings. Chase down the best bifana, even if it takes more than one trip. Lisbon’s food scene is one big, delicious adventure—and trust us, you’ll want to keep coming back for more.

Next up: Daytripping and venturing beyond Lisbon.

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Pronti? Via! 

During our stay in Lisboa, we did a combination of independent travel arrangements and organized small group tours to get around. We found local operators, ventured out on our own, or used trusted booking platforms like Viator. For suggestions on activities, check out our Viator Shop featuring our "Spring '25✨Lisboa Favorites & Top Experiences!

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