Lisbon is a city with a rich seafood culture, and it’s no wonder that seafood restaurants are popular among locals and tourists alike. With the Atlantic Ocean on its doorstep, it’s no surprise that Lisbon offers some of the best seafood in the world. In this article, I’ll be exploring the top-rated seafood restaurants in Lisbon, the best seafood dishes to try, unique seafood dining experiences, sustainability and seafood, and much more. Join me on this culinary adventure as we explore the seafood scene in Lisbon.
Introduction to Lisbon’s seafood scene
Lisbon’s seafood scene is one of the most vibrant and diverse in Europe. The city’s location on the Atlantic coast has given it an abundance of fresh seafood, which has been enjoyed by locals and visitors for centuries. The city’s seafood restaurants are known for their quality, diversity, and affordability. From small family-run establishments to high-end restaurants, Lisbon has something to offer for everyone.
One of the most unique aspects of Lisbon’s seafood scene is the city’s love for canned seafood. Canned fish has been a staple of Portuguese cuisine for over a century, and Lisbon is home to some of the best canned fish stores in the world. These stores offer a wide range of canned seafood, including sardines, tuna, and octopus, which are perfect for taking home as souvenirs.
Factors to consider when choosing a seafood restaurant in Lisbon
Choosing a seafood restaurant in Lisbon can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the city. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a seafood restaurant:
Location: Lisbon is a large city, and some of the best seafood restaurants are located outside the city center. Consider the location of the restaurant and how easy it is to get there.
Menu: Look for a restaurant that offers a wide range of seafood dishes. This will give you the opportunity to try something new and experience the city’s seafood culture.
Price: Seafood can be expensive, especially in high-end restaurants. Consider your budget when choosing a seafood restaurant.
Reviews: Reading reviews from other diners can give you an idea of the restaurant’s quality and service.
Top-rated seafood restaurants in Lisbon
Lisbon is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the world. Here are some of the top-rated seafood restaurants in Lisbon:
1. Cervejaria Ramiro: This iconic seafood restaurant has been serving up some of the best seafood in Lisbon since 1956. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, especially the giant tiger prawns, which are a must-try.
2. Marisqueira Uma: Located in the heart of Lisbon, this seafood restaurant is known for its fresh shellfish and seafood platters. The restaurant offers a wide range of seafood dishes, including lobster, crab, and prawns.
3. Sea Me: This modern seafood restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its sushi-style seafood dishes. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and creative dishes, such as the tuna tataki and the sea urchin caviar.
Best seafood dishes to try in Lisbon
Lisbon offers a wide range of seafood dishes, and it can be overwhelming to choose which ones to try. Here are some of the best seafood dishes to try in Lisbon:
1. Grilled sardines: This classic Portuguese dish is a must-try when in Lisbon. The sardines are grilled to perfection and served with boiled potatoes and a salad.
2. Cataplana: This traditional seafood stew is made with a variety of seafood, including clams, mussels, and prawns. The stew is cooked in a copper pot and served with crusty bread.
3. Bacalhau: This salted cod dish is a staple of Portuguese cuisine. The cod is soaked in water to remove the salt, then cooked with onions, garlic, and potatoes.
Unique seafood dining experiences in Lisbon
Lisbon offers some unique seafood dining experiences that are not to be missed. Here are some of the most unique seafood dining experiences in Lisbon:
1. Mercado da Ribeira: This food market is home to some of the best seafood stalls in Lisbon. Visitors can choose from a wide range of seafood dishes and enjoy them in a communal dining area.
2. Time Out Market: This food hall is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Lisbon. Visitors can choose from a wide range of seafood dishes and enjoy them in a lively atmosphere.
3. Canned fish stores: Lisbon is home to some of the best canned fish stores in the world. Visitors can purchase a variety of canned seafood, including sardines, tuna, and octopus, to take home as souvenirs.
Sustainability and seafood in Lisbon
Sustainability is an important issue when it comes to seafood. Lisbon is committed to sustainable fishing practices and offers a wide range of sustainable seafood options. Here are some of the ways that Lisbon is promoting sustainability in its seafood industry:
1. MSC certification: The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certifies seafood that has been sustainably caught. Many seafood restaurants in Lisbon offer MSC-certified seafood.
2. Local sourcing: Many seafood restaurants in Lisbon source their seafood from local fishermen, which promotes sustainable fishing practices.
3. Education: Many seafood restaurants in Lisbon educate their customers about sustainable fishing practices and the importance of choosing sustainable seafood.
How to make the most of your seafood dining experience in Lisbon
To make the most of your seafood dining experience in Lisbon, here are some tips:
1. Try something new: Lisbon offers a wide range of seafood dishes, so don’t be afraid to try something new.
2. Pair your seafood with local wine: Portugal is known for its wine, and many seafood dishes pair well with local wine.
3. Ask for recommendations: The staff at seafood restaurants in Lisbon are knowledgeable about the seafood dishes and can offer recommendations.
Other culinary delights in Lisbon
While Lisbon is known for its seafood, the city offers many other culinary delights. Here are some of the other foods to try in Lisbon:
1. Pastel de nata: This creamy custard tart is a staple of Portuguese cuisine.
2. Bifana: This pork sandwich is a popular street food in Lisbon.
3. Francesinha: This sandwich is a Portuguese take on the French croque-monsieur and is made with ham, sausage, and melted cheese.
Conclusion
Lisbon’s seafood scene is one of the most vibrant and diverse in Europe. From traditional seafood restaurants to modern sushi-style eateries, Lisbon has something to offer for everyone. By following these tips and recommendations, you can make the most of your seafood dining experience in Lisbon. So, come and savor the taste of the ocean in one of the best seafood destinations in the world.
Passionate traveler, travel planner, private tour guide, and travel article writer in Portugal. Owner of The Lisbon Guide with more than 250.000 pages visited every year (5 million views in 12 years)
I'm based in Lisbon/Portugal and experienced in travel planning, tour guiding, and entrepreneurship since 1996, and guiding customers for over 20 years across Portugal. Helping customers from all over the world, planning their stay in Portugal. I'm also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide, assisting thousands of travelers yearly to plan their perfect trip.
*Disclaimer: All articles on this website express solely my opinion, and some services can be provided directly by myself, or through any partner.
