The Serial Expat

Isn’t it always a great time for London?

Lisbon, the food edition! Save me for when you go!

Portuguese food has a special place in my heart. During my first trip to Portugal, while living in Spain, 15 years ago, I discovered the magic of cataplana, Portugal’s answer to paella. There is rich cheese that is served with meals that can be eaten with a spoon, full of deep, tangy, earthy flavor. And the sardines! Pasteis de nata! Suffice to say, Portugal is a most delicious country. You should absolutely plan to eat your way through.

Here are some restaurants in Lisbon that we had personally visited that I would like to recommend to you:

📍Belem - Os Dois Da Torre. Sweet local restaurant that only takes cash. Run by a father and son duo that makes you feel part of the family. Order the clams!

📍Green Street - visually aesthetic street with a variety of establishments and cuisines. We had ended up in Santelmo, which ideally you should book in advance - from start to finish, a perfect meal.

📍 For kitschy drinks experience, visit the Pink Street down the hill (take Elevador de Bica!)

We spent one of the days being kids! Started in one of the world’s best zoos - trust me - followed by visit to the marina and oceanarium in the newer part of Lisbon. Telerific (funicular) of Lisbon is here too, making this a full, busy and satisfying day.

📍 We had lunch at Tacho de Pescador - delicious (but huge portions, beware!).

📍 If you are pressed for food in city center at Rua Augusta, I actually really enjoyed El Tacos Mexican & Cocktails. The fish tacos and my margarita were amazing!

📍 Also a few places we didn’t make it to that was on my list that were recommended:

💫 Mensagem, restaurant with a rooftop view in Chiado

💫 Bar in the shadows of Carmo Convent, overlooking the city. Basically go down the steps around the convent toward Elevador Santa Justa. It’s just facing the lift.

💫 Taberna da Rua das Flores - beloved by locals, and doesn’t take reservations. Arrive at opening time and put your name on the list.

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How many days in Lisbon and how to spend them? Save me!

Day 1
In the morning, start by exploring Chiado and grab Elevador de Santa Justa down to Baixa. Head to Rua Augusta, Arc de Trioumphe and Praca do Comercio.

Start the late afternoon with a climb to the castle, Castelo de Sao Jorge, catch the sunset with a beer in hand and head to dinner in Alfama.

Day 2
Book your visit to the stunning Jeronimos Monastery in advance, followed by a visit to nearby Tower of Belem.

In the afternoon, head over to visit the Carmo Convent with a cooling drink and views from the bar behind the convent. Wander the streets of daytime Bairro Alto toward Elevador de Bica and take an iconic picture of the cute tram. From here explore your dinner options - a diverse array of eats at the Time Out Market in Cais de Sodre or perhaps Green Street. Pink street for drinks and if you are still full of energy and up to experience nightlife, join the local youth in Bairro Alto debauchery after 11 pm.

Day 3
Visit a newer marina area of Lisbon, taking a ride on the Telerific and enjoying one of the excellent restaurants such as Tacho de Pescador.

From here, how about a museum? Perhaps Museum of Contemporary Art or, for a rarer experience, head back to Alfama to the National Tile Museum. Fado can be found here too — skip Clube de Fado, but instead check out Ruo Dos Romedios for a range of places offering the REAL thing.

Ask me anything!

Golden hour sun at Castelo de Sao Jorge, Lisbon 😍 missing it while in rainy England now, trying to decompress from being away lazily eating and drinking our way through Portugal for days upon end.
2023 vs 2008 snaps… I think I am like wine, getting better with age 🤣🤣