my fave Tascas in Lisbon

my fave Tascas in Lisbon

Kayla Harnage
Tascas are the heart of Portuguese cuisine. They’re the lifeblood. They’re the no fuss, local joint, people watching, grandma’s cooking type of place. You can’t leave Portugal without going to at least one tasca for lunch, ok? And I’ve made it easier for you because these are the best: Btw, order a plate of the day. Don’t ask the waiter what’s best on the menu because it’s all good. Maybe the dish will be out of your comfort zone but isn’t that what traveling is all about? * A plate of the day (Prato do dia) usually comes with a main course, dessert, and coffee ** Bring cash with you just in case they don’t take card! Bom apetite!
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Casa dos Passarinhos
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Located in the Campo de Ourique neighborhood

Order the mussels, fish of the day, and any meat. Don’t forget the arroz doce for dessert.

The waiters are some of the friendliest I’ve ever met.

Cantinho d’Ourique
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€ / €€

Campo de Ourique neighborhood

Order the octopus and enjoy the lovely staff!

Último Porto
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A bit difficult to get to — if you go during the week, there’s a bridge that connects the docks to this restaurant. If you go during the weekend, I would suggest driving or taking an Uber.

Try the grilled fish (obviously)

The cuttlefish is fantastic, too

O Tachadas
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A stable in the Madragoa neighborhood.

All of the grilled meats are fantastic!

Tasquinha do Lagarto
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Located a bit out of the touristy center but worth it if you’re in the Campolide area.

I recommend the grouper rice or octopus!

Casa do Alentejo
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My love for this place has no limit.

Alentejo is a region in the center/south of Portugal known for its meat + hearty dishes. The wine is strong and vibrant. Just so you know, Portuguese wine is famous for its grape blends. They are masters are blending!

So, this place is an association for people from Alentejo to gather together and share their local customs/cuisine and just this year (2023) they celebrated their 100 year anniversary! 🥳

When you enter, you’re instantly transported to a Moorish palace, admire the beautiful azulejo tiles, turn to the right and enter through the tavern.

The dishes are petisco style (small plates) but they do have a few main dishes if you’re not into sharing!

I recommend the tomato soup, clams, carne porco alentejano, migas, and sericaia for dessert!

A Merendinha do Arco Bandeira
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Located close to Rossio square.

Really friendly staff and really tasty sardines.

Do be warned that it fills up quickly during lunch time so try going early or after the lunch rush!

Cantinho de São José
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Located on a side street of the main Avenida da Liberdade is this local gem. Squeeze inside for a table at lunch or dinner and have a true “Portuguese” experience.

Ran by 2 Portuguese men with their 2 wives cooking in the back. They change the menu weekly? daily? I’m not sure I can’t keep up, but whatever the first three dishes on the menu are will typically be your best bet. This could range from squid or cow’s tongue but I promise it’s delicious!

Floresta do Alcaíde
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Located in a really central location on Calçada do Combro with a really great daily menu which includes a plate of the day, drink, dessert, and coffee for €8.

Feels like eating your grandma’s cooking for sure!

Any dish here is worth trying.

Ritalinos
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€/€€

Located in the Lapa neighborhood with a wide variety of meat, fish, and appetizers (entradas) and an extensive wine list.

The service is next level so it’s a bit fancier than your casual tasca.

Honestly, every dish is delicious!

A Parreirinha do Paraíso
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Located in the Alfama/Santa Apolónia area is this local spot!

An idea would be to go on a Tuesday or Saturday - head first to the flea market (Feira da Ladra) and then walk here!

I recommend the octopus rice, sardines, and any of the desserts!

Padaria do Povo
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€/€€

Located in the heart of Campo de Ourique is this stable of a restaurant. Climb the stairs and get a table outside on the patio. Order some petiscos (small plates) and enjoy!

I recommend the octopus salad, alheira, clams, and fried cuttlefish.

Thank you for reading and I hope this list could help :)

Additionally, I am accepting tips if you’ve found this to be educational 💞

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kayla Harnage
local guide in Portugal 🇵🇹 (also with extensive knowledge of destinations in Italy 🇮🇹) Hi! Olá 👋🏼 my name is Kayla and I am an American living in Lisbon, Portugal. Since moving to Lisbon 4 years ago, I’ve thrown myself into the local culture and immersed myself in all things Portuguese! The heartbeat behind these curated guides are to continue preserving the local traditions and customs of this small, yet magnificent country. Please feel free to contact me for any questions! Obrigada, Kayla 🤍
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