It’s true, tapas are usually associated with Spanish culture, but if there’s one thing that Portuguese people like to do, it’s eat! Tapas aren’t exactly a novelty in Portugal, but they were traditionally known as petiscos, or snacks. And going out for both snacks and tapas means having something to eat whilst you spend time with friends, a custom which is typical in a city like Lisbon, where people like their meals long and lively. Is there anything better?

In this list, we bring you some of the best restaurants, bars and taverns to try snacks in Lisbon.

Time Out Market – Mercado da Ribeira

Located on Avenida 24 de Julho, the Mercado da Ribeira is a striking building with its impressive dome. The city’s former wholesale market was renovated in 2014 by Time Out magazine and now fuses a traditional market with a space centred around cuisine, with numerous “stalls” owned by renowned Portuguese chefs. The space has a large area with tables for tasting and drinks stalls.

Campo de Ourique Market

Built in 1934, this is one of Lisbon’s oldest working markets, found in the traditional neighbourhood of Campo de Ourique, blending old with new. Alongside traditional vegetable, fruit and fish stalls, it also offers stalls and taverns selling varied cuisine, ranging from seafood to wine, ice-cream, sushi and, of course, Portuguese snacks.

Bairro do Avillez

Located in Chiado, Bairro do Avillez, owned by one of Portugal’s most renowned chefs, is presented in the format of a typical Lisbon neighbourhood, with a grocery store, tavern and patio. This surprising space combines different concepts of dining, bringing together Portuguese snacks and delicacies with a varied range of cheeses and cured sausages to try in the venue, buy as a gift or take home.

Tapisco

As its name suggests, this space openly specialises in tapas and snacks, the first of its kind owned by the chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. Here, octopus salad, Iberian ham croquettes, garlic shrimps and fried cuttlefish come together in perfect harmony. There are also 65 different wines available and heartier dishes, or tachinhos, such as shrimp açorda and black paella.

Tapa Bucho

Tapa Bucho is mainly inspired by Spain, and this is reflected in everything from its food to the decoration of the space, full of warm colours and colourful tiles. But we can also find Portuguese snacks on the menu – which offers a balance between Portuguese and Spanish options – accompanied by a lively atmosphere which encourages sharing.

Clube do Bacalhau

Given the importance of bacalhau (cod) in Portuguese cuisine, we couldn’t leave this place off the list. Cod is the star ingredient on the menu, where you’ll find typical Portuguese food with a twist, in servings intended to be shared. Cod is served in eight different ways: with cream, pickled, in patties, smoked in a wrap or as carpaccio.

Lisbon is the capital of a country with varied, delicious cuisine and these are just a few tips from locals, because there’s a whole world of flavours to explore! Discover these and other culinary gems accompanied by our local guides. Click here to find out about our tours around Lisbon and feel like a real local!