Discover some of my favorite foodie finds from our trip to Portugal last week.
I don’t think anyone becomes a Registered Dietitian without being at least a little obsessed with food. I proudly wear the “foodie” label. While I enjoy a good kale salad, I also love french fries, bread, and the occasional dessert when my sweet tooth calls. One lesson I’ve embraced from studying nutrition is that there’s room for everything in your diet—especially when you travel.
On our recent trip to Portugal I ate anything and everything I wanted: pastries for breakfast, freshly baked bread at nearly every meal, and plenty of local specialties. Of course I photographed almost everything because travel and food go hand in hand.
This week I’m sharing the highlights: the dishes and markets that stood out during our time in Lisbon, Nazaré, and Porto. If you’re planning a food-focused trip to Portugal, these picks are a great place to start.
LISBON
Seafood Paella
On our first night in Lisbon we ate at a no-frills local spot that served excellent seafood and paella. It was simple and authentic—exactly what you want when sampling coastal Portuguese cuisine.
The National Melon
We dubbed this fruit the “national melon” because no one could tell us its official name. It’s lighter and a bit more watery than honeydew, but just as refreshing and delicious—perfect for warm afternoons.
Seared Salmon over Avocado Mash from the Ribeira Time Out Market
The Time Out Market in Ribeira is a must-visit. We went twice and loved it. Stalls by a variety of chefs offer everything from traditional steak sandwiches to some of the best sushi I’ve tried. The seared salmon over avocado mash paired with rustic fries was a standout—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
NAZARÉ
Nazaré is a charming fishing town we stopped at on the way to Porto. Though parts of it are clearly tourist-oriented, the town has a relaxed, local feel. We loved wandering the streets and seeing the daily rhythms of a seaside community, like fish being dried in the sun.
Fresh grilled shrimp, straight from the skewer
One of the best meals of the trip was in Nazaré—simple grilled shrimp served right off the skewer. We ate where the locals were eating, and that was the best indicator of quality.
PORTO
Before I fell ill in Porto, I managed to enjoy several delicious bites in this beautiful northern city.
We began a day in Porto with a Bola de Berlim, a traditional Portuguese pastry from a local bakery near the train station. It tasted much better than it looked—light, sweet, and satisfying.
We also toured the port houses across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia for port tastings. Sampling different styles of port was a highlight and a great way to experience the region’s wine culture.
Everywhere we turned there was freshly baked bread from pastelarias—crusty, aromatic loaves that made every meal feel special. I’ll admit I leaned into the carb-loading a little while preparing for a marathon, but honestly, it was all too tempting to pass up.
My travel companion S would add even more favorites—pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts), exceptional chorizo, and a hearty seafood stew—but these picks were some of my personal highlights.
Have you ever been to Portugal? What’s your favorite Portuguese dish?
XO