Travel Tuesday: Lisbon

With pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, Autumn is the perfect time for a city break foodie adventure. In a four part series Kimberly Button will explore  Europe’s freshest culinary destinations which make for a perfect gourmet Autumn break. Last week Barcelona this week Lisbon.

Lisbon was once called the ‘ocean capital of the western world’ and remains one of the best places in Portugal to experience traditional and contemporary sea food. From the city’s markets selling octopus, tuna, monkfish, shrimp, sardines, clams and snails to the tiny quiosques (kiosks) serving fish soup, fresh sea food in some variety is found around every corner.

Whilst Lisbon has plenty of top-notch restaurants, you are also never far from a simple, cheap but flavoursome meal. Explore this beautiful city by foot and follow your nose to find its best kept foodie secrets. You’ll soon be adopting the local’s relaxed approach to dining as you lick your fingers after dipping your soft bread roll in the buttery lemon and parsley sauce of your Bulhão Pato (clams). On the flipside of Lisbon’s (sea) food scene is its love of sweet creations, such as the delicious array of pastéis de natas from its many tiled bakeries.

The good news is Lisbon is a city with seven hills, so there are plenty of opportunities to burn-off calories in search of stunning viewpoints from which to take in the city’s beautiful colours and architecture.

Foodie Experiences

For an unpretentious spot that never fails to disappoint, join locals to dine on delicious fresh fish at Ramiro.

Sol e Pesca is a tiny fishing tackle shop-turned-bar made famous by owner Henrique Vaz Pato. His inventive tapas dishes and cookbook elevated one of Portugal’s main staples – the tinned fish. Wrapped in modern artistic designs, tins of sardines, mussels, squid, octopus, tuna and eels line the shelves of Sol e Pesca.

Taking time to discover Portugal’s impressive wines should be a must on a trip to Lisbon. Lisbon Winery offers quality port and food tastings in their wine bar.

Lisbon’s Mercado da Ribeira (Avenida 24 de Julho 49) is popular with chefs and locals, and has a large food pavilion offering everything from bifanas (traditional Portuguese pork sandwiches) to full meals cooked by esteemed chefs.

Gourmet stays

Residencial Florescente rents comfortable rooms on a thriving pedestrian ‘foodie’ street.

 

About the writer:

As a writer and digital consultant to travel brands, Kimberly shares her passion for off the beaten track adventures. Currently she lives and writes from her home in the French Alps.

Photo credits:

Pasteis de nata, cc licensed flickr image by We Love Lisbon

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