Taste of Lisboa Tour Review

I’m picky when it comes to food tours. With limited time in a city, I want every minute (and every bite) to count. Friends had raved about Taste of Lisboa, calling it the best food tour in Lisbon. Bold claim — and one I couldn’t take at face value. So, of course, I had to put it to the test.

First Impressions

My husband and I showed up at the meeting point in the middle of a winter downpour. I was convinced the rain would ruin the day, but then we met our guide, Rosa. Within minutes, she turned the whole mood around.

Disclosure: I was kindly hosted by Taste of Lisboa for this tour — but, as always, all opinions (and happy taste buds) are entirely my own.

Meet Rosa

Here’s the thing: I can’t stand overly perky guides who sound like they’re reciting from a script. Rosa was nothing like that. She was warm, genuine, and — most importantly — completely at home here. She grew up in Mouraria, the neighbourhood we explored, and her mother still lives there. Between sharing family stories and foodie tips, it felt more like wandering the city with a local friend than joining a tour.

Exploring Mouraria

Mouraria has the charm of a small village tucked inside Lisbon. The name literally means Moorish Quarter, established back in 1147. Remarkably, it survived the devastating 1755 earthquake that levelled much of the city. For centuries it had a rough reputation — gangs, thieves, brothels, the works — but it’s also the birthplace of Fado music, Portugal’s hauntingly beautiful folk style. In 2011, Fado was officially recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s cultural heritage.

Kicking Off with Portuguese Classics

Wandering through a historic neighbourhood is always a treat, and our first stop set the tone perfectly. We ducked into a gourmet shop that’s been part of Lisbon life since 1890 — shelves stacked high with charcuterie, regional cheeses, salt cod, wine, and all sorts of Portuguese staples. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to come back to after the tour to stock up on foodie souvenirs.

Gathered around a wine barrel, we sipped a glass of red and nibbled on silky slices of pata negra (the legendary cured ham). Add in a hunk of rustic cornbread and some fruity olive oil for dipping, and it was a pitch-perfect way to kick off the evening.

Cod (a.k.a. Bacalhau)

Cod is basically royalty in Portugal. No matter where you eat, you’ll spot it on the menu — usually in more than one form. I’ll be honest: on its own, I find cod a bit bland. The magic is all in the cooking — the herbs, spices, and clever techniques that turn this humble fish into something special. And the Portuguese know exactly how to make it sing.

 At our next stop, we tucked into crisp cod fritters served with a side of tomato rice. The fritters were good, but the rice absolutely stole the show. I’m now on a mission to track down a recipe because it’s one of those simple-but-brilliant dishes I know I’ll be making at home. Think risotto vibes, but cooked a little differently — with tomato and garlic giving every grain a burst of flavour. Honestly, it was the kind of comfort food you don’t forget.

Ginjinha (or Just Ginja)

On a chilly night in Lisbon, nothing hits the spot quite like a shot of ginja — a sweet liqueur made from sour cherries. The berries are steeped with cinnamon, sugar, spices, and aguardente for months, and every maker swears by their own recipe. Traditionally it’s served in a little glass with a cherry at the bottom, though we had ours in plastic cups at a tiny backstreet bar. It was the kind of place you’d normally stroll past — but stepping inside meant meeting a larger-than-life owner and a few loyal locals.

Tinned Fish

You might not expect tinned fish to make an appearance on a food tour, but in Portugal it’s a big deal. The variety is staggering, and I couldn’t resist stocking up on a stash of gourmet tins to bring home. What surprised me most was discovering completely new ways to enjoy it. Here, tinned fish isn’t an afterthought — it’s treated with real respect and transformed into something far beyond my usual sardines-on-toast. That’s the beauty of a good food tour: everyday ingredients get reimagined with just a twist or two, and suddenly you’re seeing them in a whole new light.

Something Sweet

You can’t leave Portugal without trying at least one pastel de nata — those irresistible little custard tarts. I’ll admit, during my time in Lisbon I made it my mission to track down the best (purely for research purposes, of course), which meant working my way through more than a few of them.

Our tour wrapped up with a classic Lisbon combo: a shot of espresso (or bica, as the locals call it) and a pastel de nata. I noticed some were almost charred around the edges while others were pale and golden — apparently that’s intentional, so you can pick the finish you prefer. Our group was split right down the middle, which just proves there’s no wrong choice when it comes to these beauties.

 My Overall Impression

I haven’t shared every single thing we ate on the tour — some surprises are best discovered along the way. After all, part of the fun is not knowing what’s coming next.

What really stood out to me was our guide’s passion for local food and culture. It wasn’t just about the tastings, but the little stories and personal insights that brought everything to life. Having a true local lead the way made the experience so much richer.

Mouraria itself was a revelation. Without the Taste of Lisboa tour, I probably wouldn’t have wandered into this neighbourhood — and I’d have missed its charm, history, and atmosphere completely. The food was delicious, yes, but the cultural context made it unforgettable.

If you’re looking for a genuine foodie experience in Lisbon, this really is the tour to book. Taste of Lisboa offers two different food tours, along with market visits and other food-focused activities.

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