Planning a trip to Portugal? If you’re a seafood lover, you’re in for a treat. Thanks to its long Atlantic coastline and deep-rooted fishing traditions, Portugal serves up some of the most flavorful and authentic seafood dishes in Europe. From grilled sardines at summer festivals to luxurious seafood rice stews in coastal towns, this guide covers the top 10 seafood dishes you absolutely must try in Portugal. Learn about the best Portuguese seafood restaurants in Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve.
1. Polvo à Lagareiro – Roasted Octopus with Olive Oil
This dish showcases Portugal’s mastery of seafood simplicity. Tender octopus is slow-roasted in the oven with garlic, onion, and a generous amount of high-quality olive oil, then served with “batatas a murro” (smashed potatoes). The result is a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a rustic, garlicky aroma. It is a must-try Portuguese seafood dish!
Where to try it: Olhão, Lagos, Tavira (Algarve) or northern Portugal around Porto.
2. Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato – Garlic & Cilantro Clams
A light yet flavorful starter made with fresh clams, olive oil, garlic, white wine, and a generous handful of chopped cilantro. Named after 19th-century poet Raimundo António de Bulhão Pato, this dish is best enjoyed with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
Best region: Lisbon and Setúbal region. Often served as a “petisco” (Portuguese tapas).
3. Arroz de Marisco – Portuguese Seafood Rice
This is Portugal’s answer to paella – a rich, creamy, and tomato-based rice stew overflowing with seafood like mussels, clams, shrimp, and crab. It’s hearty, aromatic, and served piping hot in a pot. Usually prepared for sharing.
Where to eat: Coastal towns like Figueira da Foz, Peniche, Nazaré or Albufeira.
4. Percebes – Wild Goose Barnacles
One of the most unique and prized delicacies in Portugal. These alien-looking shellfish are harvested by hand from wave-battered Atlantic rocks – a dangerous job that explains their high price. Their intense, briny flavor offers a true taste of the wild sea.
Best enjoyed: Vicentina Coast (Sagres, Aljezur, Vila do Bispo).
5. Sardinhas Assadas – Grilled Sardines
The most iconic summer dish in Portugal. Sardines are grilled whole over charcoal and served with boiled potatoes, peppers, and salad. Simple, healthy, and full of smoky flavor. A must-try during the June festivities.
When & where: Lisbon, Porto, Algarve – especially during Festas de Santo António or São João.
6. Bacalhau à Brás – Salt Cod with Eggs and Potatoes
Portugal has over 365 ways of cooking bacalhau (salt cod), but Bacalhau à Brás is among the most beloved. It’s a mix of shredded cod, scrambled eggs, onions, and straw fries, topped with parsley and olives. Comfort food, Portuguese style.
Tip: You’ll find this dish all over Portugal – it’s a favorite in homes and restaurants alike.
7. Choco Frito – Fried Cuttlefish
Crispy on the outside, tender inside – this dish is made with marinated cuttlefish strips, lightly battered and fried to golden perfection. Served with fries, rice, and lemon. It’s the pride of Setúbal.
Try it in: Setúbal, a port town south of Lisbon known for its choco.
8. Lulas Recheadas – Stuffed Squid
Squid tubes stuffed with a savory mixture of chouriço, rice, and herbs, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is packed with flavor and often served with rice or boiled potatoes.
Best region: Southern Portugal – Alentejo and Algarve.
9. Açorda de Marisco – Seafood Bread Stew
A traditional Alentejo dish made by soaking bread in a garlicky, seafood-infused broth with coriander and sometimes a poached egg on top. It’s warming, rich, and deeply comforting – especially in cooler months.
Where to try: Évora, Beja, or coastal Alentejo towns like Sines.
10. Camarões ao Alhinho – Garlic Shrimp
Simple but addictive: whole prawns or shrimp sautéed in olive oil, garlic, lemon, and sometimes a splash of piri-piri. A great appetizer or light lunch dish.
Commonly found: Algarve beach restaurants and Lisbon tascas.
Portuguese Seafood Dictionary
Here are a few Portuguese words to help you when ordering seafood:
| English | Portuguese |
|---|---|
| Fish | Peixe |
| Shellfish/Seafood | Marisco |
| Octopus | Polvo |
| Shrimp | Camarões |
| Clams | Amêijoas / Conquilhas |
| Mussels | Mexilhões |
| Barnacles | Percebes / Cracas |
| Razor Clams | Lingueirão / Navalhas |
| Crab | Caranguejo / Sapateira |
| Oysters | Ostras |
| Cuttlefish | Choco |
| Squid | Lulas |
| Limpets | Lapas |
| Bread-based Stew | Açorda |
Tips for Seafood Lovers in Portugal
Look for marisqueiras (shellfish restaurants) and peixe fresco signs.
Ask for “peixe do dia” (catch of the day) at fresh markets or seaside restaurants.
Pair with local white wines (Vinho Verde, Alentejo whites) or espumante.
Seasonally, seek out percebes along the Vicentina Coast and oysters near Sado River.
For a casual treat, sample conservas (gourmet canned fish)—a Portuguese tradition enjoying modern “gourmet” revivals
Best Seafood Restaurants in Portugal – Where to Eat in Porto, Lisbon & Algarve
Portugal is a seafood paradise with centuries of fishing tradition and a coastline that serves up some of the freshest catches in Europe. Whether you’re craving grilled sardines in Lisbon, octopus stew in the Algarve, or shellfish platters in Porto, this guide will help you discover the best seafood restaurants in Portugal. From traditional marisqueiras to modern coastal dining, here’s where to eat fresh, local seafood across the country’s top regions: Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve.
Best Seafood Restaurants in Porto
Porto’s seafood scene is centered around Matosinhos, a seaside district known for its grilled fish and traditional marisqueiras. Great value, fresh ingredients, and down-to-earth service define the region. Here is a list of the top seafood restaurants in Porto.
O Gaveto – Matosinhos ★ Gourmet
Elegant marisqueira known for percebes (goose barnacles), crab, and grilled fish.
Marisqueira Antiga – Matosinhos ★ Local Favorite
Try their seafood rice and clams à Bulhão Pato. Traditional and affordable.
A Marisqueira de Matosinhos ★ Family-Friendly
Great value and generous portions of classic Portuguese shellfish.
Top Seafood Spots in Lisbon
Lisbon offers everything from high-end seafood dining to simple tascas that serve unforgettable arroz de marisco and garlic shrimp. You’ll find great spots across the city, including in Baixa, Chiado, and the Time Out Market. Here is a list of the top seafood restaurants in Lisbon.
Cervejaria Ramiro – Lisbon ★ Must-Visit
The most famous seafood restaurant in Lisbon. Garlic shrimp, crab, and prego sandwich finale.
Marisqueira Uma ★ Budget-Friendly
Iconic seafood rice spot—expect lines and amazing flavor.
Sea Me – Peixaria Moderna ★ Modern Fusion
Combines sushi, seafood, and Portuguese classics in a trendy Chiado space.
Marisqueira Azul – Time Out Market ★ Central & Casual
Great for sampling different seafood dishes in a lively food hall setting.
Best Seafood Restaurants in the Algarve
With ocean views, fishing villages, and fresh daily catches, the Algarve is a seafood dream. From casual beachside trailers to elegant sunset dinners, you’ll find it all here. Here is a list of the top seafood restaurants in the Algarve.
Cais Ao Mar – Albufeira ★ All-You-Can-Eat
Buffet-style marisqueira with prawns, crab, mussels, percebes – ideal for variety lovers.
O Brader – Armação de Pêra ★ Casual & Local
Popular for razor clams and family-sized seafood platters.
Café Correia – Vila do Bispo ★ Rustic & Authentic
Best spot near Sagres for goose barnacles and simple grilled fish.
Ponto de Encontro – Tavira ★ Quiet Gem
Known for octopus dishes like Polvo à Lagareiro—tender and flavorful.
Akvavit – Alvor ★ Scenic Dining
Refined seafood plates with a sea-view terrace—perfect for romantic dinners.
Pearl Food Trailer – Lagos ★ Cool & Casual
Beachside trailer serving Portuguese oysters and seafood platters with a vi
