Portuguese food

Lisbon’s food scene is a fantastic mix of the old and the new. You have tiny, traditional restaurants tucked down side streets, right alongside busy food markets where you can try a bit of everything.

Planning a holiday or thinking of moving to Portugal in 2025? Then you’re in for a real treat—literally. Portuguese food is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, offering bold flavours, hearty dishes, and rich culinary traditions influenced by Mediterranean and Atlantic cuisines.

Portugal’s got a proper sweet tooth, and it shows—just pop into any pastelaria and you’ll be spoiled for choice. The country takes its pastries seriously, with locals nipping in for a quick coffee and something sweet at all hours.

No visit to Portugal is complete without tucking into at least one pastel de nata. Born in the convent kitchens of Lisbon, this little custard tart has become a national icon.

If you’ve spent any time nosing around Portuguese cafés, you’ll know there’s one local treat that gets everyone talking – the pastel de nata.

Lisbon isn’t short of things it does well, but the custard tarts you’ll spot in every window from Belém to Alfama might be the city’s proudest export. The hunt for the best pastel de nata in Lisbon is a cherished pastime for both locals and newcomers.

Portugal is an incredible destination, but it can quickly feel overwhelming when tourist hotspots become overcrowded. From packed city centres to busy beaches, many visitors flock to the same famous landmarks. However, there's so much more to explore beyond the typical sights.

First things first—what exactly is bacalhau, the Portuguese national dish? In Portugal, bacalhau refers to cod, specifically salt cod, which has long been a cornerstone of Portuguese cuisine.

Vale do Lobo, the renowned Algarve resort, is once again setting the standard for fine dining with the opening of three brand-new restaurants, each offering a unique gastronomic experience.

As Easter approaches once more, it brings forth a delightful season in Portugal where families come together to feast and rejoice.

The first things that come to mind for many when Easter is mentioned are chocolate eggs and Easter bunnies, and while these things are popular in Portugal too, Easter, known as "Páscoa" in Portuguese, has a much more traditional meaning.

Do you have a sweet tooth? Are you a dessert lover? If your answer is yes, Portugal is a great destination for you. Portuguese desserts are known for their rich flavours, use of traditional ingredients, and a sweet indulgence that reflects the country's culinary heritage.

Weekend breaks in Portugal offer a diverse range of experiences, from exploring historic cities to relaxing on beautiful beaches and indulging in delicious cuisine.

Christmas is a time to indulge in food, and Portugal is no exception. Every major holiday in Portugal has its own seasonal dishes and sweet treats, and that of course includes Christmas, with a wide variety of traditional Portuguese Christmas dishes to be found up and down the country during the festive period.

Discover the rich culinary landscape of the Algarve, a region celebrated not just for its stunning beaches but also for its diverse and flavourful cuisine.

Welcome to Portugal, where the sun kisses the horizon and the Atlantic breeze whispers tales of gastronomy. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore the supermarkets that Portugal has to offer, from the bustling aisles of discount chains to the curated shelves of organic and vegan markets.

The Portuguese Government has approved a draft law to reduce VAT on food products, which will now be submitted to Parliament for consideration.

For some years now the vegan phenomenon has been responsible for changing the way of life of many Portuguese people and meat-loving Portugal on the whole.

Christmas in Portugal for most people means gifts, socialising, food and celebration. However, the inflationary scenario in which the country currently finds itself does not favour families.

Portugal prides itself in excellent cuisine, and this is reflected in the number of Michelin stars awarded to the country's restaurants.

High inflation continues to leave its mark in Portugal, with various foodstuffs and basic everyday products rising in price. When it comes to the cost of food in Portugal, this is the case, for example, with bread, which rose 15% in Portugal in August 2022 compared to the same month last year.

What cheese is Portugal famous for? Beyond its stunning landscapes and historic cities, Portugal is also a paradise for food lovers. Traditional Portuguese cheeses are a true highlight of the country’s gastronomy, many of them carrying the prestigious PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) label.

The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago made out of nine volcanic islands, is situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

If exploring a new country via food is your thing, we've got a great addition to add to your list of restaurants to visit in Portugal, as one dining establishment in the county has been named one of the best in the world for another year.