BROWSE HOTEL COLLECTIONS
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A Guide to Portuguese Food & the best Cities to enjoy Portuguese Cuisine
Portuguese cuisine is slowly but steadily getting on the foodies' culinary map. And even though the country is not among the most popular culinary destinations in Europe, things are changing. We all know and love the delicious custard tarts, Pasteis de Belém, however, Portuguese cuisine is much more than this popular delicacy.
Facing the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is a feast of fish and seafood, while its mountainous landscapes are known for offering the yummiest meat dishes. The heavy use of aromatic herbs such as coriander, pepper, ginger, curry, saffron, and paprika make every Portuguese dish an intriguing mix of flavors.
Facing the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is a feast of fish and seafood, while its mountainous landscapes are known for offering the yummiest meat dishes. The heavy use of aromatic herbs such as coriander, pepper, ginger, curry, saffron, and paprika make every Portuguese dish an intriguing mix of flavors.
What to eat in Portugal
Cozido is one of the most popular national dishes of Portugal, with plenty of variations around the regions of the country. It is a mixture of fresh vegetables and meat, often chicken and pork, paired with smoked sausages, including paprika-spiced chourico and cumin-flavored blood pudding.
There are also many fish specialties included in the top dishes of the country with the most popular (always freshly fished) being rock bass “robalo,” gilthead seabream “douradas,” scabbard fish “peixe-espada,” and horse mackerel “carapaus.”
Meat is widely used in Portuguese cuisine, so while visiting the country, don't miss out on tasting the most famous dishes prepared with beef, pork, or chicken.
Cheese lovers will find their place in Portugal since different kinds of cheese are considered must-try delicacies when traveling to the country. The most popular one is “Queijo da Serra,” a delicate sheep cheese made in the region of Serra da Estrela. Equally popular are the creamy cheeses of Azeitao, “Serpa,” “Cabreiro”, and “Queijo da llha,” which are also used in many traditional dishes.
Wine in Portugal
Portuguese wines are worldwide famous, with the renowned Madeira wine being the most popular one. Whether it's in Lisbon or Madeira, you should definitely have a tasteful glass of wine along with a platter of local cheeses, a unique gastronomic experience that's highly recommended!
Douro Valley is the most popular wine region in Portugal, with fertile vineyards and a picturesque landscape that will help you take a break from the dull cityscape. It's the best place to dive into the rich wine history of Portugal, try some of the most authentic local wines and even see the entire wine-making procedure, including how grapes are grown, harvested, and pressed.
Porto, on the other hand, is home to many historical port lodges featuring wine from Douro Valley, boosted with an aguardiente spirit, aged in barrels, and bottled. In Alentejo, you may find several small vineyards, where you can try Malbec and Cabernet wines, known for their fruity flavors.
Smart tip: Lisbon is a top destination to visit for food in Portugal, as it has an excellent collection of Michelin-starred restaurants and local eateries serving a plethora of the best dishes the country has to offer.
Are you interested in visiting Portugal? Check out our Hotel Collections here for amazing accommodations options!
The Best Hotels with Restaurants in Portugal
The coastline, cities, and countryside of Portugal have an unparalleled array of hotels with dining options and stylish lounges.
From the Algarve to Lisbon to Porto, you will find excellent boutique hotels, countryside villas, and luxury hotels that used to be former palaces, with elegant gastronomic settings, offering exceptional wine-tasting and culinary experiences always combined with views to the sea, the mountains, or romantic city landscapes.
Some of the best dining hotels in Portugal have also Michelin-star restaurants within their premises, where famous chefs prepare various dishes for you, based on regional and popular international flavors.
Find here the best dining hotels, boutique palaces, and countryside villas with gourmet restaurants and lounge bars in Portugal!
From the Algarve to Lisbon to Porto, you will find excellent boutique hotels, countryside villas, and luxury hotels that used to be former palaces, with elegant gastronomic settings, offering exceptional wine-tasting and culinary experiences always combined with views to the sea, the mountains, or romantic city landscapes.
Some of the best dining hotels in Portugal have also Michelin-star restaurants within their premises, where famous chefs prepare various dishes for you, based on regional and popular international flavors.
Find here the best dining hotels, boutique palaces, and countryside villas with gourmet restaurants and lounge bars in Portugal!
The 4 most popular eateries in Portugal
Adegas, wine cellars that may also have a restaurant or bar on their premises. However, some Adegas may be dedicated only to winemaking and not be open to the public.
Tascas, small restaurants, usually family-run, serving excellent food at very reasonable prices. This type of eatery is frequently visited by locals.
Pastelarias, pastry shops or else the place where you will start your every day with delicious pastries.
Marisqueiras, seafood restaurants serving among others mouthwatering fish, oysters, and lobsters. You will find them on the coasts of Portugal, however, bring your credit card with you since they are expensive.
Discover the top places for food travelers in Portugal!
Tascas, small restaurants, usually family-run, serving excellent food at very reasonable prices. This type of eatery is frequently visited by locals.
Pastelarias, pastry shops or else the place where you will start your every day with delicious pastries.
Marisqueiras, seafood restaurants serving among others mouthwatering fish, oysters, and lobsters. You will find them on the coasts of Portugal, however, bring your credit card with you since they are expensive.
Discover the top places for food travelers in Portugal!
Featured Hotel Collections in Portugal
Food Tips
| There are many fish specialties included in the top dishes of the country, while the most popular choices (always freshly fished) are rock bass, gilthead seabream, scabbard fish, and horse mackerel. |
| Meat is widely used in Portuguese cuisine, so while visiting the country, don't miss out on the most famous dishes prepared with beef, pork, or chicken. |
| Different kinds of cheese are must-try delicacies when travelling to Portugal. The most popular one is “Queijo da Serra,” a delicate sheep cheese made in the region of Serra da Estrela. Also, the creamy little cheeses of Azeitao, “Serpa,” “Cabreiro,” and “Queijo da llha” are frequently used in many traditional dishes. |
| Portuguese wines are popular all over the world, with the renowned Madeira wine being the most famous. Enjoy a tasteful glass of wine together with a delicious platter of local cheese, and introduce yourself to a whole new set of gastronomic experiences! |
Travel Info
How to get there
- By car
- By air
- By train
- By ferry
- By bus
Move around
- Railway
- Metro
- Buses
- Taxi
- Uber
Ideal for
- Beach holidays
- Luxury holidays
- City breaks
- Honeymoon & wedding
- Wellness & spa
- Sightseeing
- Shopping
- Weekends
- Relaxation in nature
- Hiking
- Fine-dining
- Lgbt holidays
- Couples holidays
- Wine tasting
- Local gastronomy
- Water sports
Destination Type
- Country
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Hotels for Food Lovers
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