Lisbon’s food scene is often reduced to a few well-known dishes like bacalhau, pastéis de nata, and grilled sardines. But behind the tourist-favorite staples lies a vibrant culinary world that locals keep close to their hearts. 

If you want to eat like a true Lisboeta, it’s time to venture off the beaten path and discover the spots and flavors that rarely make it into travel guides. From unmarked taverns to centuries-old desserts, here’s how to experience Lisbon through a local’s tastebuds.

Hidden Restaurants in Lisbon Only Locals Know

Away from the bustling tourist corridors, Lisbon hides tiny restaurants that serve up big flavors. These places may lack fancy signage or central locations, but they offer the kind of soulful, unpretentious traditional Portuguese food locals seek out week after week:

Zé dos Cornos

Tucked away near Martim Moniz, Zé dos Cornos is a no-frills tasca known for its grilled pork ribs and budget-friendly prices. The menu is short, the portions are generous, and the vibe is unmistakably local. Get the ribs with rice and fries, and prepare to eat elbow-to-elbow with locals during lunch hour.

A Baiuca

In the heart of Alfama, A Baiuca doubles as a tiny restaurant and a Fado house. By day, it serves traditional home-style Portuguese food like caldo verde and bacalhau com natas. At night, the intimate space fills with the haunting sounds of live Fado, performed not by professionals but by the locals themselves.

Cantinho Lusitano

Located in the quiet Príncipe Real neighborhood, Cantinho Lusitano offers a refined take on traditional petiscos (Portuguese tapas). This cozy spot specializes in lesser-known dishes like favas com entrecosto (broad beans with pork ribs) and roasted peppers in olive oil. It’s perfect for slow, conversational meals.

Marisqueira Nunes Near the Monastery

A short walk from the tourist-heavy Jerónimos Monastery lies a seafood sanctuary few outsiders stumble upon. Marisqueira Nunes is known for impeccably fresh shellfish, garlic shrimp, and razor clams all served in an authentic setting without the inflated prices or crowds.

Pastelaria 1800

This neighborhood pastry shop might not look like much from the outside, but inside it’s a whirlwind of flaky puff pastries, custard tarts, and savory empadas flying off trays. Fast, cheap, and always busy with locals grabbing breakfast or a late-afternoon coffee, it’s a snapshot of Lisbon’s everyday food culture.

Beyond Bacalhau: Underrated Portuguese Dishes Locals Crave

Bacalhau might be Lisbon’s national food, but it’s far from the only dish locals crave. These underrated gems offer a fuller, more satisfying picture of what Lisbonites actually eat:

Polvo à Lagareiro

Octopus may intimidate some, but in Portugal, polvo à lagareiro is a rustic favorite. The octopus is roasted until tender, then drenched in garlic, olive oil, and parsley and served with smashed potatoes. It’s rich, savory, and beautifully simple. 

Sardinhas Assadas

Grilled sardines are a summer staple, but they’re not just festival fare. Locals look forward to sardinha season every June during the Santo António festival, when restaurants served whole, fresh off the grill, with a rich smoky flavor. They’re eaten with crusty bread or atop a simple salad.

Bifana

The bifana may be humble, but it’s the working-class hero of Lisbon’s street food scene. This marinated pork sandwich is typically served hot, inside a crusty roll, and seasoned with mustard or piri-piri. You’ll find the best ones at hole-in-the-wall snack bars near train stations.

Francesinha

Though it hails from Porto, the francesinha has earned a cult following in Lisbon. This decadent sandwich stacks steak, sausage, and ham inside thick bread, all drenched in melted cheese and a beer-based tomato sauce. But beware, it’s not for the faint of heart or the small appetite.

Sweet Surprises: Lisbon’s Most Overlooked Desserts

Lisbon's dessert scene goes far beyond the famous pastel de nata. Many traditional sweets come from convent recipes and are still handmade in local bakeries today.

Trouxas de Ovos

Made from delicate egg yolk threads wrapped into tight golden rolls, trouxas de ovos are a convent-born dessert with a texture between fudge and flan. Sweet, rich, and almost glowing in color, they’re often spotted in old-school bakeries. Pair with espresso for a classic finish to a meal.

Farófias

Light and airy, farófias are egg-white meringues poached in milk and topped with cinnamon and sweet syrup. It’s an old-fashioned dessert that locals often associate with childhood or family dinners. You can often find them at family-run tascas.

Toucinho do Céu

Despite the name (“bacon from heaven”), there’s no pork in toucinho do céu. The dessert gets its name from the buttery richness of its almond and egg yolk base. It's dense, sweet, and often dusted with powdered sugar.

Doces Conventuais

These “convent sweets” come in all shapes and names (papos de anjo, barrigas de freira, encharcada) but they share common roots in egg yolks, sugar, and medieval monastery kitchens. They're rich, unique, and often regional specialties worth seeking out.

Secret Sips: Lisbon’s Most Loved Hidden Cafés & Bars

If you want a drink with a story, Lisbon delivers with tucked-away bars and cafés that blend great flavor with unforgettable ambiance:

Ponto Final

Accessible via ferry from Cais do Sodré, Ponto Final sits at the edge of the water in Almada. Tables stretch right to the dock, giving you uninterrupted views of the Lisbon skyline and the setting sun. Pair grilled fish or clams with white wine, and you’re golden.

Manteigaria

Skip the lines at Belém and grab your pastel de nata at Manteigaria instead. Here, you can watch the custard tarts being filled and baked behind glass while sipping a strong bica (espresso). The balance of flaky and creamy is near perfect.

Red Frog Speakeasy

Marked only by a red frog on the door, this hidden speakeasy delivers high-concept cocktails in a moody, vintage setting. Ring the doorbell, slip inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered Lisbon’s best-kept secret.

Final Bites: How to Eat Like a Local in Lisbon

Eating like a local in Lisbon isn’t about chasing every trendy restaurant or ticking off a checklist of famous dishes. It’s about stepping into family-run tascas, lingering over coffee without rushing, and choosing flavor over flash. 

To truly experience the city’s food culture, trust your instincts and your senses. Follow the scent of grilled sardines, peek into places with handwritten menus, and say yes to the unfamiliar. You might not recognize every name on the dish, but that’s part of the discovery.

Andrew Motiwalla

Andrew is the Founder of The Good Life Abroad and has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years. His first experience living abroad was as a Peace Corps volunteer. He is also the Founder of Discover Corps, a company specializing in meaningful vacations for families. Learn More about Andrew Motiwalla