Follow in the footsteps of American-based Saul Schwartz and discover what the Portuguese capital has to offer on a gastronomic level. What are the options for vegans and vegetarians in this proud land? daeguFish, meat and poultry dishes? Saul shares tips and suggestions for vegans, vegetarians and healthy foodies visiting Lisbon as he embarks on a gastronomic journey through this city shaped by its ties to Brazil.
saul schwarz
My wife Fern and I spent four days in Lisbon and Sintra in October. Two of the days were spent in the historic center of Lisbon, one day in the beautiful Belém region and one day in Sintra National Park. In this article you can read all about what to see in Lisbon and Belem, and in this article you can read tips on visiting Sintra.
Here are our recommendations on how to discover the gastronomic flavors of Lisbon and Portugal.
Gourmet vegan tastings in Portugal
On the last day of our trip, we had a special vegan lunch with local chef Mateus. We arrived at 12:30pm for a two hour multi-course vegan lunch. The lunch was hosted by the chef and his twin brother at the Ambiente Hostel on Avenida Almirante Reis 86, near the Anjos metro stop. This event was booked through Airbnb for 45€ per person plus tip. The menu included drinks. The Chef also advertises on the Eat With website.
The chef gave the hostel’s dining room a lovely new look by painting the walls and tables. The room can seat up to 20 people, but I had a private meal with just the chef. We were already welcomed by the chef who had prepared a colorful table setting, homemade bread and several spreads including jam and olives. The next course was a delicious soup, followed by a main course with potatoes and the best dessert we had in Lisbon.
Fern and I really loved the traditional Portuguese meal that the chef specially prepared as a vegan meal with a local twist. Chef Mateus used vegetables and fruits purchased from small farmers and local markets. This lunch was one of the highlights of Lisbon.
I had a great time with the chef. He moved from Brazil to Portugal in 2015. This meal revealed his true passion for being in the kitchen and cooking great meals. We had some great conversations throughout the meal.
Lunch at Organi Chiado – Voted Best Vegan Restaurant in Lisbon
Our tour guide Gabriel recommended this excellent vegan restaurant in the Chiado neighborhood. For lunch on the first day of our trip, we enjoyed a special salad with delicious vegetables at an outdoor table on the outdoor terrace. The menu changes daily using seasonal produce, which was a great healthy and natural option for us. Most of our products come from Portugal and use high quality organic ingredients.
Opened in 2016, this restaurant has been voted the best vegan restaurant in Lisbon several times. The restaurant is located on a small historic staircase in Calcada Nova de Sao Francisco and also has an inside dining area. The price was very reasonable.
Outdoor dining at Saldanha Mar Restaurant
The prices were a bit higher than Lisbon average but the food was good. On the second day of our trip, we enjoyed dinner outdoors. The meal started with olives and bread. Next we shared a mixed salad with lettuce and vegetables. The swordfish was particularly tender and flavorful and the main course came with potatoes. The staff were very friendly.
Saldanha Mar is located within the Doubletree hotel on Rua Engenhiero Vieira da Silva 2. A typical dinner in Lisbon doesn’t start before 7pm and is served until 10pm.
Vitamins – Improve your health while in Lisbon
Lisbon has several of these informal restaurants. On the evening of the third day of our trip, we ate at the Chiado branch. We had a selection of appetizing fresh vegetables to choose from for our salads.
The restaurant promotes a healthy lifestyle and its mission is to lower cholesterol levels while increasing vitamin levels. We ordered at the counter from helpful staff. The price was very reasonable.
Brasileira Coffee Shop – Classic
This café in the Chiado district is one of the oldest and most famous cafés in Lisbon. This historic cafe was a meeting place for intellectuals in the past. On the last day of our trip, we sat outside and enjoyed coffee and tea. Opened in 1905, A Brasileira was founded by Adiano Telles, who came to Portugal from Brazil. He was the first person to sell coffee in Portugal. We heard that he initially gave away free coffee for months to get Lisbon residents hooked on coffee!
Lawyers, doctors, teachers, writers and artists gathered in its richly decorated Parisian-style interior. The popular café became a place for artistic and literary gatherings. We took our turns sitting next to the statue outside the cafe of writer Fernando Pessoa, who was once a regular there.
Market – Shop like a local
There are markets throughout Lisbon, mainly for residents’ food purchases. The market near our hotel, Mercardo 31 de Janeiro, was worth an interesting walk. The market had many stalls selling fish and seafood, including the popular dried cod. Other stands were filled with colorful vegetables from local produce. It was fun to get lost for a moment in the vibrant colors and smells. This is the main market in the Saldanha area.
Starbucks
The chain has branches in Lisbon, including at the airport. The menu is slightly different from the American menu. The venti iced tea (largest size) is considerably smaller than the American venti and costs 4.65€.
Mini Market – sells snacks during the day
We went to several small supermarkets to buy some food to take with us during the day. Prices are reasonable but stock is limited.
If you’d like to follow in Saul’s footsteps further in and around Lisbon, check out this article for things to see in Lisbon and Belem and this article for tips on visiting Sintra. To discover more interesting places near Lisbon, head to A Real Jurassic Park in central Portugal, just an hour’s drive from Lisbon.
Saul lives in Alexandria, Virginia, and has lived in the Washington, DC area since 1984. He enjoys traveling throughout Europe with his wife and family, especially interacting with locals and learning about life in those cities and countries.
Saul has previously shared insights about his travels with us. Check out his stories about his travels in the south-west of Ireland (Limerick, Clare and Galway), his tour of modern Athens (beyond the Acropolis) or his fascination with the Vatican: the Pope’s Rome..
