Seafood Heaven in Lisbon: Where to Find the Freshest Catch

Lisbon, Portugal’s coastal capital, is a dream destination for seafood lovers. With its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the city boasts some of the freshest and most flavorful seafood dishes in Europe. From bustling markets to cozy tascas and Michelin-starred restaurants, here’s where to find the best seafood in Lisbon and what to order.

1. Cervejaria Ramiro: A Seafood Institution

No visit to Lisbon is complete without dining at Cervejaria Ramiro. Known as the “seafood temple,” this bustling spot serves a wide variety of shellfish and other seafood delights.

What to Order: Start with clams in garlic butter (amêijoas à bulhão pato), savor tiger prawns, and don’t miss the buttery scarlet shrimp (carabineiros). Finish with a prego (steak sandwich) for a quintessential Lisbon twist.
Location: Avenida Almirante Reis, Intendente

2. Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market): A Culinary Haven

This vibrant market brings together some of Lisbon’s best chefs and food vendors under one roof. For seafood, the options are plentiful and expertly prepared.

What to Order: Grilled octopus, bacalhau à brás (a classic codfish dish with eggs and potatoes), or oysters shucked to order.
Location: Cais do Sodré

3. A Cevicheria: A Modern Twist on Seafood

For a creative take on seafood, A Cevicheria offers a contemporary menu inspired by Peruvian and Portuguese flavors. The interior, featuring a giant octopus sculpture, is as impressive as the dishes.

What to Order: Opt for the signature ceviche or the octopus with sweet potato and corn. Pair your meal with a refreshing pisco sour.
Location: Príncipe Real

4. Solar dos Presuntos: A Lisbon Classic

This iconic restaurant specializes in traditional Portuguese seafood dishes. With its warm, old-world charm, Solar dos Presuntos is a must-visit for a hearty meal.

What to Order: Try the arroz de marisco (seafood rice), stuffed crab (sapateira recheada), or monkfish stew (caldeirada de tamboril).
Location: Baixa

5. Sea Me: Seafood with a Contemporary Flair

A modern marisqueira (seafood restaurant), Sea Me blends Portuguese and Japanese influences for a unique dining experience.

What to Order: The tuna tataki, grilled sardines, and sashimi platters showcase the restaurant’s creative approach to fresh seafood.
Location: Chiado

6. Marisqueira Uma: The Arroz de Marisco Specialist

If you’re craving the ultimate arroz de marisco, head to Marisqueira Uma, a cozy, no-frills spot famed for its hearty, flavorful seafood rice.

What to Order: Arroz de marisco, of course! It’s rich, aromatic, and packed with prawns, clams, and crab.
Location: Baixa

7. Tasca da Esquina: Elevated Comfort Food

Chef Vítor Sobral’s Tasca da Esquina reinvents traditional Portuguese seafood dishes with an elevated, contemporary twist.

What to Order: The codfish tasting menu is a highlight, featuring creative preparations of Portugal’s beloved bacalhau.
Location: Campo de Ourique

8. Mercado de Campo de Ourique: A Local Gem

For a more laid-back experience, visit this lesser-known food market, where locals gather to enjoy fresh seafood and other culinary delights.

What to Order: Grilled sardines, oysters, or a seafood platter. Wash it down with a glass of Portuguese vinho verde.
Location: Campo de Ourique

9. Ponto Final: Seafood with a View

Hop on a ferry across the Tagus River to Ponto Final, a charming riverside restaurant that offers stunning views of Lisbon’s skyline along with incredible seafood.

What to Order: Savor grilled dourada (sea bream) or octopus salad while soaking in the waterfront ambiance.
Location: Almada

10. Doca Peixe: Fine Dining on the Waterfront

Located along the docks of Santo Amaro, Doca Peixe offers an upscale seafood dining experience with views of the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge.

What to Order: Grilled whole fish of the day, paired with one of their excellent Portuguese wines.
Location: Santo Amaro Docks

Seafood Specialties You Must Try in Lisbon

Bacalhau (Salted Cod): Portugal’s national dish, prepared in countless ways.
Sardinhas Assadas (Grilled Sardines): Especially popular during the summer festivals.
Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (Clams in Garlic and Cilantro): A simple yet divine starter.
Lulas Grelhadas (Grilled Squid): Lightly seasoned and perfectly tender.
Polvo à Lagareiro (Octopus with Olive Oil and Garlic): A beloved dish for octopus enthusiasts.

Tips for Enjoying Lisbon’s Seafood

Timing Matters: Lunch is typically served from 12:30 PM to 3 PM, and dinner starts around 7:30 PM.
Reservations: Popular spots like Cervejaria Ramiro and A Cevicheria often require reservations. Book in advance to secure your table.
Ask for Recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask your server for pairing suggestions with local wines like vinho verde or a robust Douro red.
Freshness First: Look for daily specials—these often highlight the freshest catch of the day.

Conclusion

Lisbon’s seafood scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re indulging in a decadent arroz de marisco or savoring the simplicity of grilled sardines by the waterfront, every bite tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and the bounty of the Atlantic Ocean.

Ready to explore seafood heaven? Lisbon’s treasures await—bon appétit, or as the locals say, bom apetite!