Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. And when it comes to seafood, Lisbon is a paradise for food lovers. With its location on the Atlantic coast, the city has access to some of the freshest and most diverse seafood in the world. From traditional dishes to modern twists, Lisbon’s seafood restaurants offer a wide range of options for every palate. In this article, we will take a journey through the best seafood restaurants in Lisbon, exploring their history, specialties, and must-try dishes.
Historical Description:
Seafood has always been an integral part of Portuguese cuisine, with a long history dating back to the 15th century. During the Age of Discovery, Portuguese explorers traveled the world and brought back exotic spices and ingredients, including seafood. This led to the development of unique and flavorful dishes that are still enjoyed today.
Lisbon’s location on the Atlantic coast has also played a significant role in shaping its seafood culture. The city’s proximity to the ocean has allowed for a thriving fishing industry, providing locals with a constant supply of fresh seafood. Over the years, this has led to the emergence of numerous seafood restaurants in Lisbon, each with its own unique style and specialties.
1. Cervejaria Ramiro:
Located in the heart of Lisbon, Cervejaria Ramiro is one of the city’s most famous seafood restaurants. Established in 1956, this family-owned restaurant has been serving up some of the best seafood in Lisbon for over six decades. The restaurant’s interior is simple yet charming, with wooden tables and chairs and a bustling atmosphere.
Cervejaria Ramiro is known for its wide variety of fresh seafood, including clams, oysters, prawns, and lobster. But what sets this restaurant apart is its famous “prego” sandwich – a juicy steak sandwich served with garlic butter and a side of fries. This dish has become a must-try for visitors and locals alike.
Sea Me is a modern seafood restaurant that combines traditional Portuguese flavors with a contemporary twist. Located in the trendy Chiado neighborhood, this restaurant has a sleek and stylish interior, with an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work.
Sea Me’s menu is a fusion of Japanese and Portuguese cuisine, offering a unique dining experience. Some of the must-try dishes include the tuna tartare, grilled octopus, and the famous “prego” sushi roll – a combination of steak, garlic butter, and sushi rice. Sea Me also has an impressive selection of wines and cocktails to complement your meal.
For a more traditional seafood experience, head to Marisqueira Azul. This family-run restaurant has been serving up fresh seafood since 1930 and is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The interior is decorated with maritime-themed elements, creating a cozy and authentic ambiance.
Marisqueira Azul’s menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including grilled sardines, clams in white wine sauce, and seafood rice. But the star of the show is their famous seafood platter, which includes a selection of the freshest seafood, such as lobster, crab, shrimp, and oysters. This platter is perfect for sharing and is a must-try for seafood lovers.
A Cevicheria is a unique seafood restaurant that specializes in ceviche – a popular dish in Latin America made with raw fish marinated in citrus juices. Located in the trendy Principe Real neighborhood, this restaurant has a vibrant and colorful interior, with a large octopus sculpture hanging from the ceiling.
A Cevicheria’s menu features a variety of ceviche dishes, each with its own unique twist. Some of the must-try options include the classic ceviche with sea bass, the octopus ceviche with mango and avocado, and the tuna ceviche with passion fruit. The restaurant also has a great selection of cocktails to complement your meal.
For a fine dining experience, head to Solar dos Presuntos. This elegant restaurant has been serving up traditional Portuguese cuisine since 1974 and is known for its impeccable service and high-quality seafood. The interior is sophisticated and classic, with white tablecloths and chandeliers.
Solar dos Presuntos’ menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including grilled fish, seafood rice, and seafood cataplana – a traditional Portuguese dish made with a variety of seafood cooked in a copper pot. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, with over 500 options to choose from.
Lisbon’s seafood restaurants offer a diverse and delicious dining experience, showcasing the city’s rich history and culture. From traditional dishes to modern twists, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So next time you visit Lisbon, be sure to check out these top seafood restaurants and indulge in some of the freshest and most flavorful seafood in the world.
Gonzalo
Founder/Owner of The Lisbon Guide, one of the major blog references in Portugal, established in 2014 and receiving every year 250.000 visitors from all over the world, looking to provide the best experiences in Portugal. In partnership with Portugal Magik for all private tours and transfers across Portugal, Gonzalo loves a good seafood meal at Monte Mar Cascais, and all from Michelin Chef Avillez. Favorite Hotel in Lisbon/Portugal, Penha Longa Resort by Ritz Carlton.
For over 15 years, Gonzalo have been helping thousands of travelers yearly to plan a perfect trip to Portugal. Based in Lisbon/Cascais and working in this field for over 20 years, with multiple ongoing projects. Also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide.
Many years working also as a Private Guide of Lisbon, Sintra, Fatima, Porto, Douro Valley, Evora, and other locations in Portugal.
