Episode 4: Where to Eat in Lisbon

You’ve made it to the beautiful city of Lisbon, now where do you go to eat? Paul and Tori take you inside some of their favorite restaurants in Lisbon and treat you to an interview with João Gomes, the owner of Imperial de Campo de Ourique (Tasca do João).

Cheira Bem, Cheira Lisboa

If Lisbon had a theme song, this would be it. Cheira Bem, Cheira Lisboa (It Smells good, It Smells Like Lisbon) is a song about how wonderful Lisbon smells because of its food. It’s especially popular during the Feast of St. Anthony that takes place in June, when many neighborhoods in the city have outdoor parties and grill sardines, meat and other foods.

Dessert in Lisbon (Sobre mesa)

Dessert in Portugal is an integral part of the meal. We especially love fresh fruit (and it is even better with port wine). Some fruit options:

  • Ananas; abacaxi: Pineapple
  • Cerejas: Cherries
  • Pera: Pear
  • Laranja: Orange
  • Morangos: Strawberries

Childhood Favorites

You can usually find Paul and Tori’s childhood favorite treats on the menu:

  • Leite Creme: Portuguese Crème brûlée (Paul’s favorite)
  • Arroz Doce: Portuguese rice pudding (Tori’s favorite)

Cakes, Pastries and Tarts

  • Pastel de nata: Custard tarts. You can get them in most bakeries. Patéis de Belem and Manteigaria are two spots well known for pastéis de nata. Pastéis de Belem is in Belem, while Manteigaria has spots in Chiado and Timeout Market, a high-end food hall near Cais do Sodre. There are a lot of stalls from famous restaurateurs, and a great way to taste test your way around Portuguese cuisine

Where to Eat in Lisbon

  • Leitaria Baiana: Paul and Tori’s breakfast spot 
    • Recommendation: Get the chouriço e ovo sandwich
  • Bom Jardim: Spectacular rotisserie chicken restaurant
    • Recommendation: Add piri piri (hot sauce) to the chicken and get a bottle of Muralahas vinho verde
  • Cascais Remo: Wonderful Lisbon tasca in the Praça da Alegria neighborhood
    • Recommendation: Get the Bacalhau à Brás or the Bacalhau Atlejana
  • O Cacho Dourado: Large, bustling restaurant with fast, professional service
  • Farol da Santa Luzia: Nice, intimate spot with a beautiful outside view. A little upscale; perfect for a night out
  • Imperial de Campo de Ourique: Beloved tasca, owned by João Gomes. Listen to the interview to learn more about what makes this place so special

Episode Music

All music on this episode was recorded live at Duque da Rua, a wonderful fado bar just steps from the Rossio.

Musicians: Tiago Fins, Fernando Soares and Júlio Madaleno
Outgoing song: Sung by Vitor Fernandes

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