Lisbon Food Tour: 10+ Tastings, Wine & Secret Dish Walk

Summary

Walk Lisbon’s winding lanes tasting cheeses seafood pork sandwiches & pastel de nata

You’ll taste your way through Lisbon’s neighborhoods with more than ten local specialties — from bacalhau to creamy pastel de nata — plus regional wines and liqueurs. Walk historic streets with a local guide who shares stories behind each bite. There’s laughter, surprises (that secret dish!), and plenty of time to soak up Lisbon’s flavors.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my first bite of bacalhau in Alfama to taste like both the sea and someone’s grandma’s kitchen — but that’s exactly what happened. Our guide, Marta, kept laughing at how wide my eyes got every time she handed us something new (“wait till you try the bifana,” she said). We started near Rossio Square, dodging trams and the smell of roasting chestnuts, then ducked into a tasca where the walls were covered in football scarves and the old men at the bar barely glanced up from their tiny glasses of Ginjinha.

There was this moment — maybe halfway through — when we tried Portuguese cheese with honey and I swear you could hear the clink of forks and nothing else for a second. The city outside was noisy but inside it felt slow, almost sleepy. Someone asked about the difference between pastel de nata and pastel de Belém (I still can’t say it right — Marta corrected me gently), and suddenly we were talking about family recipes and who makes it best. I liked that she didn’t rush us; if anything, she seemed to enjoy our confusion over which wine went with which petisco.

The Santa Justa Lift looked even taller after a glass of vinho verde (maybe two?). I remember touching the cool stone walls as we climbed towards Castelo de São Jorge, thinking about how many layers this city has — literally and otherwise. By dessert (the pastel de nata really is as good as everyone says), we were all sticky-fingered and happy-tired. I keep thinking about that secret dish too; I won’t spoil it, but it wasn’t what I guessed at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lisbon city center food and sights tour

• Visit Castelo de São Jorge
• Pass by Alfama district
• See Santa Justa Lift
• Pass Largo do Carmo convent
• Pass Rossio Square
• Taste Portuguese cheeses and fishes
• Try succulent pork sandwiches
• Enjoy Pastel de Nata dessert
• Sample local wines and spirits
• Discover secret dish

Top questions

How many tastings are included on this Lisbon food tour?

The tour includes over 10 different tastings of local delicacies along with drinks.

Is wine included in the Lisbon food tour?

Yes, local wines such as vinho verde, port wine, craft beer, and Ginjinha liqueur are included.

What neighborhoods does the food tour visit?

The tour explores areas like Alfama, Rossio Square, Largo do Carmo, and passes by Santa Justa Lift.

Are vegetarian or dietary options available?

You should contact the provider in advance to discuss any dietary requirements so they can accommodate you.

How much walking is involved in this Lisbon food tour?

The tour involves a fair amount of walking through central Lisbon; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at a central location in Lisbon.

What is the secret dish mentioned in the tour?

The secret dish is revealed during the tour; it's part of the experience and not disclosed beforehand.

What’s included

Your day includes more than ten tastings — think artisan cheeses with honey, fresh fish dishes like bacalhau with spinach and potatoes, crispy pastéis de massa tenra pastries, traditional pork bifana sandwiches, petiscos tapas plates, gourmet canned fish (yes really), artisan chocolates, plus creamy pastel de nata for dessert. You’ll sip regional wines including vinho verde and port wine along with Ginjinha cherry liqueur or craft beer if you prefer. Non-alcoholic options are always available too. All led by a local guide as you walk between stops in Lisbon’s historic center before ending pleasantly full (and maybe just a little tipsy).