Livability scores

• Walkability 17 / 20
• Rail Connectivity 11 / 15
• Public Transit 8 / 10
• Affordability 10 / 15
• Safety 8 / 10
• Air Quality 7 / 10
• Quality Of Life 6 / 10
• Food Culture 4 / 5
• Car Free Practicality 8 / 5

Food guide

Lisbon’s food culture blends Atlantic seafood, hearty regional dishes, and café pastry traditions, rooted in maritime history and colonial spice routes. The city’s identity centers on bacalhau, grilled sardines, bifanas, and pastéis de nata, enjoyed in humble tascas, modern food halls, and iconic pastelarias.

Signature dishes

• Bacalhau (salt cod, e.g., Bacalhau à Brás)Shredded salt cod cooked with onions, potatoes or fries, and eggs, often baked or pan-fried.
• Sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines)Whole fresh sardines grilled over charcoal, simply seasoned with coarse sea salt, often served with bread and salad.
• Pastel de nataSmall flaky tart filled with rich egg custard, usually sprinkled with cinnamon; Lisbon’s most famous pastry.
• BifanaWarm sandwich of thin marinated pork slices in a crusty roll, often dressed with mustard or chili oil.
• Cozido à portuguesaHearty boiled stew of mixed meats, sausages, and vegetables, served with broth and sides.
• Caldo verdeTraditional soup of potatoes, thinly sliced greens, and chouriço sausage.
• Sapateira recheada (stuffed crab)Stone crab shell filled with a creamy mix of crab meat, roe, egg, aromatics, and seasonings, served with claws and bread.
• Polvo à lagareiroRoasted octopus with “punched” potatoes, garlic, coriander, and generous olive oil.

Where to eat

• Time Out Market Lisboa (Mercado da Ribeira) Food hall / marketHistoric central market turned curated food hall with stalls from top Lisbon chefs and restaurants.
• Cervejaria Ramiro Seafood cervejariaClassic Lisbon seafood house known for ultra-fresh shellfish, shrimp, and prawns in a lively setting.
• Pasteis de Belém PastelariaIconic bakery famous for original-style pastéis de nata, often with long lines around the block.
• Manteigaria PastelariaHistoric pastry shop specializing in freshly baked pastel de nata throughout the day.
• Cervejaria O Trevo Tasquinha / snack barSmall traditional spot renowned for cheap, tasty bifana sandwiches and simple Portuguese dishes.
• Taberna do Mar Modern tavernCreative small restaurant noted for sardine nigiri and playful takes on Portuguese seafood.

Markets & food shopping

• Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market Lisboa)
• Mercado de Campo de Ourique
• Mercado de Arroios
• Mercado de Alvalade