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Lisbon, Portugal
5(604)
15 Guests Max
3 hrs
24h Free CancellationPetiscos are to Portugal what tapas is to Spain or aperitivo is to Italy. In a nutshell, petiscos are small plates meant for sharing with friends over a drink, and not more substantial dishes you might linger on over a set meal. Even the word petisco attests to their small size and social context. The noun petisco roughly translates as a “treat” or “nibble”, while the verb petiscar means the action of heading out to casually snack on a few dishes with friends.
Petiscos — pronounced peh-TEESH-kosh (with a soft “sh” at the end) — grew out of old-school tascas (simple neighbourhood bars) and fishermen’s taverns. Here, people would get together to pick at whatever was simmering on the stove or fresh from the sea. Later, they evolved into entrées in many Portuguese bars and restaurants. But their origins are more humble, and come from a time when abundance was in short supply although variety was aplenty.
Most classic petiscos are simple and unfussy, which is exactly what makes them so good. There’s no fancy plating to distract you. Instead, fresh ingredients, proper seasoning, and creative cooking are what make the difference.
Below are some of the most popular options you’ll find across Portugal.
Given Portugal’s Atlantic situation, it should come as no surprise that seafood petiscos have historically been so popular. Seafood is where Portuguese small plates really shine through, especially in coastal cities like Lisbon and Porto and quaint fishing towns.
Creativity abounds with Portuguese seafood petiscos, but some of our favourites are pastéis de bacalhau (cod fritters that are usually round, golden, and creamy inside), pataniscas de bacalhau (flatter, more rustic and crunchier cod fritters), salada de polvo (octopus salad typically dressed with olive oil, vinegar, onions, and herbs), and amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (clams cooked with garlic, coriander, white wine, and olive oil).
Seafood petiscos pair beautifully with Vinho Verde, a crisp, light-bodied and usually white Portuguese wine. We try Vinho Verde on our Award-Winning Lisbon Food Tour.
Generally, it’s worth seeking out somewhere busy when first trying seafood petiscos. High turnover usually means fresher shellfish and better flavour. For specific traditional restaurants in Lisbon, check out our blog below.
Meatier petiscos tend to be rich, saucy, and designed to keep you going on a long night out. These are the dishes that feel made for cold beers, late evenings, and savoury treats to line the stomach before joining our Lisbon Tipsy Tour.
Good meat petiscos to try include bifanas (thin pork steaks in a tangy, spiced sauce, usually served in a soft roll, pica-pau (small pieces of pork or beef in a garlicky, winey sauce), chouriço assado (smoked sausage grilled (sometimes at the table) on a little clay burner, and moelas (slow-cooked chicken gizzards in a rich tomato and spice sauce).
If you only order one: bifanas are a classic for a reason. But because sharing is caring, we try bifanas and chouriço assado on our Lisbon Food Tour.
Portugal isn’t the most vegetarian-friendly country in Europe, but there are still plenty of petiscos that work beautifully without meat or fish.
Some vegetarian-friendly petiscos options include peixinhos da horta (battered and fried green beans), tábuas de queijos (cheese boards with regional cheeses), and tremoços (a classic bar snack of brined lupin beans that is often consumed with beer)
Lisbon is a fantastic city for petiscos, but the most relaxed and authentic experiences usually sit outside the main tourist zones. The best nights tend to happen in places that feel local, casual, and a little bit chaotic (in the best way).
In terms of districts, we really rate:
👉 Check out our insider guide to authentic restaurants in Lisbon
The default drink with petiscos is usually draught beer. In Lisbon, this beer is often called imperial, while in Porto it’s called fino. With seafood petiscos, a chilled glass of Vinho Verde goes brilliantly.
If reading this has made you hungry (as it should), there’s an easy way to go from research mode to petiscos mode.
Our award-winning Lisbon Food Tour will fully immerse you in Lisbon’s food culture with a passionate local guide, stopping at carefully chosen spots to taste traditional dishes and classic Portuguese flavours.
And if your ideal night out involves a little more sipping and a little less “responsible decisions,” our Lisbon Tipsy Tour is the perfect way to combine local drinks, engaging stories, and the kind of atmosphere you’ll want to bottle and take home.
👉 Join our award-winning Lisbon Food Tour
🍷 Treat yourself to our Lisbon Tipsy Tour
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Lisbon, PortugalBut did you know Portugal has its own culinary wonders?
You’ve heard of the “Seven Wonders of the World,” but did you know Portugal has its own culinary wonders? Now you can discover three of them with an even more exclusive experience on our award-winning Private Lisbon Food Tour, a flavour-packed journey through the historic Baixa neighbourhood.
We take the stress out of planning by curating a unique itinerary, handcrafting a menu that showcases authentic Portuguese dishes, and handling all the logistics so all you have to do is sit back and relax.
The best part? With a dedicated local guide by your side, this private experience ensures personalised attention and the flexibility to explore Lisbon’s food scene at your own pace. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveller, your guide will tailor the experience to your tastes and interests, sharing local stories and culinary insights along the way.
Your private guide will take you through the city's only flat neighbourhood to discover the history of the Portuguese Empire and Inquisition, and see sought-after sites like Igreja do Santo Domingo and the Elevador de Santa Justa.
You’ll visit handpicked eateries to savour a variety of traditional Portuguese petiscos, including bifana, chouriço, and fresh seafood, each thoughtfully paired with four local drinks. Sip on Ginjinha, Portugal’s beloved cherry liqueur, and sample regional wines such as the refreshing Vinho Verde.
And of course, no Portuguese food tour is complete without something sweet. You’ll end the tour with a classic dessert, leaving your sweet tooth fully satisfied.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want a deeper connection to Lisbon’s food culture, our private tour offers a more intimate and enriching experience than a standard group outing.
So what are you waiting for? Eat like a local, with a tour tailored just for you; book your Private Lisbon Food Tour today.
4.97(203)Lisbon, PortugalYou might have heard of the “Seven Wonders of the World”, but did you know this phrase also applies to food? Try three of the seven wonders of Portuguese cuisine on our Lisbon Food Tour, an award-winning experience through the neoclassical Baixa neighbourhood. With everything pre-arranged, you’ll skip the crowds; no queues, no guesswork, just authentic Portuguese flavours, served stress-free.
A local guide will take you and a group of fellow foodies on a comprehensive gastronomic tour of the only flat neighbourhood in the city, featuring the best of "new Lisbon" after the devastating earthquake of 1755.
Our route starts from the river Tagus and takes us through magnificent squares like Praca do Comercio, making our way toward the heart of Baixa. This is where we'll discover the history of the Portuguese Empire and Inquisition, and see sought-after sites like Igreja do Santo Domingo and the Elevador de Santa Justa.
Along the way, we'll stop at local, family-owned eateries to try traditional petiscos and drinks. Tantalise your taste buds with Portuguese classics like codfish, chouriço, and seafood rice, before indulging in the city's street food featuring bifana, a sandwich stuffed with simmering meat, and a salgado, battered and fried. Then, wash it all down with perfectly paired drinks like green wine, local beer, and Ginjinha, a traditional cherry liqueur.
And of course, no Lisbon Food and Wine Tour would be complete without a sweet treat. To end your tour, you’ll satisfy your sweet tooth with a classic Portuguese dessert before continuing the night with your newfound friends.
What are you waiting for? Eat like a local and book our Lisbon Food Tour today.
5(604)
Lisbon, PortugalThe hills in Lisbon are no joke so it’s best to stay hydrated with the Lisbon Tipsy Tour. Forget about a mundane walking tour— this is where history meets a night out on the town. Meet fellow travellers from around the world while exploring Lisbon’s bustling nightlife with a local, expert guide.
We’ll kick off the tour at Largo do Carmo where we’ll introduce you to the darker side of Lisbon’s history. You’ll hear a dramatic and bloody love story between a Portuguese prince and a Spanish lady of the court. After such a riveting retelling you’ll deserve a drink–or four, so we’ll head into Bairro Alto to discover some local, trendy bars. Start the night with a refreshing drink before breaking the ice over more twisted and fascinating tales. You’ll hear scandalous stories you won’t hear on your standard walking tour, including facts about Lisbon’s naughty past that will make you gasp.
As the adventure continues, we’ll visit some of the most sought-after bars in the city including the only one that serves a one-of-a-kind shot you can only find there. If you’re still thirsty for more you can get more shots in exchange for giving up your bra—yes you’ve heard that right. A bra for shots? It’s a win-win! You’ll also try a long drink featuring bitter almond liquor and other classic Portuguese shots. Learn about the origin stories of locally loved drinks all the while discovering Lisbon’s hidden gems. Still thirsty? The tour might be over, but the night is still young. Take to the streets and continue exploring Lisbon’s nightlife with your newfound friends.
Forget the standard boring walking tour. Learn about history all the while sipping on tasty, local drinks because let’s be honest, if you’re going to do a tour you might as well do it tipsy.
4.98(205)
Lisbon, PortugalLet’s explore all of Lisbon’s hills together! The Portuguese capital isn’t just winding cobblestone streets and beautiful squares, it’s also the second oldest city in Europe with centuries of history to uncover. On this private tour, your dedicated guide will take you back in time to explore the best bits of the city, while sharing stories, facts, and legends that bring Portuguese culture to life.
With your private guide, you’ll wander through four of the city’s most bustling neighborhoods, including Chiado, Bairro Alto, Baixa, and Alfama. Over two hours, uncover 3,000 years of Lisbon’s history along with plenty of hidden gems—at your own pace, with plenty of time for questions and photo stops.
Your route includes the viewpoint of Santa Justa, where you’ll take in jaw-dropping views of Lisbon. You’ll also pass the city’s oldest café as well as Bertrand bookshop, the longest-operating bookshop in the world. Along the way, hear about the devastating earthquake that rocked Lisbon more than two hundred years ago and reduced the Royal Palace to ruins. You’ll also step into the birthplace of Fado, a soulful musical tradition developed over centuries in the tavernas and back alleys of Alfama.
Make the most of your time in Lisbon with a tour designed just for you. Your private guide will answer your burning questions, share insider recommendations, and ensure every moment of your walk through Lisbon is unforgettable.
4.98(252)
