Lisbon

Ah, Lisbon.

The small seaside city in Portugal does not disappoint. One of the oldest cities in the world, it has done a great job preserving it’s heritage and culture while being incredibly cool and laidback. If you love *good vibes* and excellent food, you’ve come to the right place.

Take a Tuk Tuk ride: these 3-wheeler mopeds are not to be missed! Tuk tuks are great way to get a tour of Lisbon. No need for a reservation, they can be picked up around the city and tend to congregate in busy areas.

Away we go!

Portugal’s most beloved sandwich is the bifana. It’s sliced pork marinated in white wine, garlic, paprika, bay leaves, and vinegar, and served on a soft roll with mustard. You don’t have to drink a beer with it, but you really should.

O Trevo has the best bifanas in the city. And they taste better than they look.

Portugal consumes one fifth of the total cod that is fished around the world. It’s prepared many ways, including the salt cod fritters known as pastel de bacalhau.

Restaurant Pick ($): Yes, you’ve heard of Cervejaria Ramiro. Made famous by Anthony Bourdain, you may be tempted to write this off as a tourist trap. But you shouldn’t. The prawns, lobster, shrimp, crab, oysters, barnacles, clams (and more!) are not to be missed. Go around 3-5 PM and you’ll miss the crowds (otherwise be prepared to wait). Make sure to get the Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato and the red scarlet prawns.

Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato at Cervejaria Ramiro

Restaurant Pick ($$$): Belcanto. Chef José Avillez is THE GUY (or o homem, if you will) in Lisbon and this is his crown jewel restaurant. All the dishes are heavily influenced by the city and culture of Lisbon. My most vivid memory from this meal is them bringing out the live lobsters for me to view before cooking it. Morbid and memorable! Please get the tasting menu and not the alla carte.

Come on, how cute are these?

Amuse bouche bites arrived peeking out of plants. As already demonstrated in my Buenos Aires post, I am a sucker for food brought to the table in kooky ways.

In addition to the food, Lisbon has some of the best street art in the world