Seafood is at the heart of Portuguese cuisine, and for good reason. With its long coastline, Portugal has access to some of the freshest seafood in Europe. From tender octopus and crispy fried cuttlefish to flavorful seafood stews and grilled sardines, the variety is incredible.
If you’re in Portugal, you definitely don’t want to miss out on tasting the local seafood. With so many options to choose from, here’s a short list of seafood dishes you definitely should try during your visit.
Choco Frito: A beloved specialty in Setúbal, Choco Frito refers to crispy fried cuttlefish. It doesn't have chocolate, despite what the name suggests.
Polvo à Lagareiro: Ready to indulge in some tender octopus? This dish is all about high-quality olive oil, which is why it's called "lagareiro"—named after the workers at olive oil presses. Typically served with boiled potatoes, plenty of garlic, and a generous drizzle of olive oil.
Bacalhau à Brás: My personal favorite cod dish in Portugal! This is a delicious mix of shredded cod, crispy potato fries, scrambled eggs, and garnished with olives and parsley. Simple but incredibly satisfying.
Sardinhas Assadas: Grilled sardines are a Lisbon classic! Between late May and early October, especially during the Santos Populares festival in June, Sardines are a non negotiable.
Arroz de Marisco: A true comfort food! If you love stews, rice, and an assortment of seafood like prawns, mussels, clams, and squid, then this hearty seafood rice dish will be your go-to meal in Portugal.
Camarões à Guilho: Garlic prawns—need I say more? A popular petisco (small dish) in many Portuguese restaurants, these flavourful prawns are sautéed with a generous amount of garlic and olive oil.
Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato: Named after the 19th-century poet Raimundo António de Bulhão Pato, this dish highlights the natural flavors of clams, typically served as a petisco. Pro tip: order some crusty bread to soak up the rich garlic and herb sauce. Thank me later!
Sapateiros Recheados: For a unique culinary experience, try stuffed crab! This dish is made with crab meat, mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, and hard-boiled eggs—a perfect dish for sharing during special occasions.
Perecbes: This is for the daredevils. Percebes or goose barnacles are a type of luxury seafood in Portugal and you won’t find it everywhere. They might look a bit freaky, but their taste is somewhere between clams and lobster.