Lisbon: Portuguese Cuisine Food Tour with 17 Tastings

Lisbon: Portuguese Cuisine Food Tour with 17 Tastings – A Deep Dive into Flavors

If you’re exploring Lisbon and want to truly taste the city’s soul, a food tour like this one from Oh! My Cod Tours offers a fantastic way to do so. Since 2016, this experience has been the first of its kind in Lisbon, blending history, culture, and mouthwatering dishes into an engaging 4-hour journey. Led by knowledgeable guides and carried out in small groups, it promises a genuine taste of Portugal’s culinary heritage.

What draws us to this experience? First, the focus on small, family-run establishments ensures authentic dishes made with love. Second, the diversity of tastings—from starters to desserts and drinks—means you get a comprehensive look at Portuguese cuisine. Lastly, the tour covers three distinct districts, each with its own character and stories, giving you a well-rounded perspective.

A potential consideration? Given the 2.5 km walking distance with some stairs, it’s probably best suited for those comfortable on their feet. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for vegans, but vegetarians, celiacs, and pescatarians can be accommodated with prior notice.

This tour suits curious travelers who want more than just sights—those eager to savor local flavors, learn about Lisbon’s history through food, and enjoy small-group intimacy. If you’re after an immersive, delicious, and educational experience, this tour could be a perfect choice.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Authentic Experiences: Small restaurants and shops run by local families provide genuine flavors.
• Diverse Tastings: 17 tastings including starters, main dishes, petiscos, desserts, and drinks.
• Cultural Insights: Guides share stories about Lisbon’s history, culture, and culinary influences.
• Accessible Content: Suitable for vegetarians, celiacs, and pescatarians with prior notice.
• City Coverage: Explores three of Lisbon’s oldest districts—Alfama, Mouraria, and Baixa.
• Value for Price: At $131, the tour offers a substantial sampling and learning experience, especially considering the variety and quality of food.

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour is a thoughtfully curated introduction to Lisbon’s culinary scene, blending food with local stories. Over approximately 4 hours, you’ll visit four carefully selected spots in three historic neighborhoods, each offering a different slice of Portuguese life.

Starting Point: R. Augusta 2 and Baixa District

You’ll meet your guide under the iconic Arch of Rua Augusta, right at Praça do Comércio. From here, the stroll begins with a guided tour of Baixa, Lisbon’s bustling downtown area, lasting about 20 minutes. Here, you’ll get a quick overview of the city’s recent history and urban layout, setting the stage for what’s to come.

First Food Stop: Baixa Food Market Visit & Wine Tasting

Next, you’ll explore a local food market, enjoying Lisbon’s fresh produce, cheese, and pastry stalls. The highlight here is a wine tasting paired with local delicacies. Reviewers note that the stop lasts around 40 minutes, allowing plenty of time to soak in the lively market atmosphere and sample a variety of flavors.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Moving to Mouraria: Guided Tour and Tastings

Mouraria, the neighborhood famous for its multicultural vibe and historic ties to Fado music, gets its spotlight with a brief guided tour of 25 minutes. This area is vibrant with narrow alleys and colorful tiles, and guides share stories about its historic significance.

In Mouraria, you’ll indulge in wine and food tastings lasting about 2 hours. Expect a selection of Portuguese petiscos—small plates that showcase the country’s love for seafood, meats, and hearty flavors. Multiple reviews mention the careful curation of dishes and the chance to try exclusive recipes cooked specifically for tour guests, which elevates the experience beyond typical restaurant fare.

Santa Maria Maior & Alfama: More Tastings and Nostalgic Vibes

The journey continues into Santa Maria Maior and Alfama, two districts dripping with charm. In Santa Maria Maior, you’ll enjoy a guided 40-minute walk, learning about the area’s historical layers. Then, in Alfama, Portugal’s oldest district, you’ll experience more wine and food tastings over an hour, soaking up its unique atmosphere that blends tradition with everyday life.

Participants often comment on the beautiful views and lively streets—perfect for pairing your bites with scenic moments. The tour wraps up at the Museu do Fado, where you can reflect on the musical and culinary journey you’ve experienced.

The Food and Drink Tastings

The 17 tastings are designed to give you a full spectrum of Portuguese cuisine. They include cheese and pastries, fish and meat, both savory and sweet, alongside a variety of beverages like Portuguese wines, Port, liqueurs, coffee, juices, and water. Notable highlights include exclusive dishes prepared for the tour, which you won’t find in regular restaurants.

According to multiple reviews, the quality of food is excellent, with some dishes cooked just for the group, adding an extra special touch. The drink options complement the flavors perfectly, allowing you to appreciate Portuguese wine and port in authentic settings.

Group Size and Tour Dynamics

Limiting groups to 10 participants ensures that the experience feels intimate and personalized. The tour involves walking around 1.6 miles (2.5 km) with some stairs, so comfortable shoes are a must. The relaxed pace balances walking, tasting, and resting, making it accessible yet lively.

The small group setting also means you get plenty of opportunity to interact with your guide, ask questions, and get personalized recommendations. Guides are knowledgeable about Lisbon’s history, food, and culture, which adds depth to the tasting experience.

Value for Money

At $131, this tour offers a comprehensive tasting experience, with up to 11 food tastings and 6 drinks included. When you consider the quality, exclusivity, and insights offered, it’s a solid investment for food lovers and cultural explorers alike. The fact that all dishes are prepared for the group and led by experienced guides makes the price reasonable, especially given the personalized, small-group approach.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking and some stairs.
• Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and water—Lisbon can be sunny and warm.
• Make sure to inform the tour provider at least 72 hours in advance if you have dietary restrictions like vegetarianism, celiac disease, or pescatarian preferences.
• Tours start from R. Augusta 2, near major transport options like Metro, Tram 28, and Praça do Comércio.
• The experience is not suitable for vegans and not wheelchair accessible.

Final Thoughts

This Lisbon Portuguese Cuisine Food Tour offers a well-rounded, tasty, and educational glimpse into Portugal’s culinary traditions. It’s ideal for those who want to combine food, culture, and history in a relaxed setting. The focus on local family-run spots guarantees authenticity, while the varied tastings ensure you leave with a true sense of what makes Lisbon special.

Perfect for foodies, culture seekers, and first-time visitors looking for a fun, manageable way to explore Lisbon’s old districts. The small-group format and expert guides make it a comfortable yet immersive experience—one that will likely leave you craving Portuguese flavors long after the tour ends.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, covering four food stops and multiple tastings across three districts.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is under the Arch of Rua Augusta, right in front of Praça do Comércio.

Is it suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
Yes, vegetarians, celiacs, and pescatarians can be accommodated if you inform the tour provider at least 72 hours in advance. It is not suitable for vegans.

What’s included in the price?
Up to 11 food tastings (cheese, pastries, fish, meats, desserts) and up to 6 drinks (wines, Port, liqueurs, coffee, juices, water).

Can I join if I have mobility issues?
The tour involves walking 1.6 miles (2.5 km) with some stairs, so it’s best suited for those with good mobility.

Are group sizes large or small?
Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and an appetite for discovering authentic Portuguese flavors.

Is this tour LGBTQ2S+ friendly?
Yes, it is LGBTQ2S+ friendly and includes LGBTQ2S+ places afterward.

Are transfers included?
No, transportation to and from the meeting point is not included; plan to arrive at R. Augusta 2 on your own.

You can check if your dates are available here: