Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, has been named one of the world's best cities for food in a recent survey by Time Out and Intrepid. The city secured a spot in the top 10, with 86% of locals rating its food scene highly.
Affordable Dining and Must-Try Dishes
According to the survey, 63% of locals agreed that dining out in Lisbon is not too expensive. Time Out highlighted trendy spots like Tosta and Bibs as being at the heart of the city's sandwich craze. They also noted a shift in fine dining, with tasting menus becoming more laid-back and affordable. Travelers are advised to opt for authentic, casual, and welcoming restaurants that blend creative menus with traditional Portuguese cuisine.
Local specialties to try include abidela arancini and beef tartare à Brás. Of course, no trip to Lisbon is complete without sampling pastéis de nata, the iconic custard tarts.
Beyond Food: Exploring Lisbon
Aside from its food scene, Lisbon offers plenty of attractions. Visitors can climb Castelo de São Jorge, stroll through Praça do Comércio, or wander its charming streets. The city boasts pretty squares for al fresco dining, trendy shops, and parks perfect for summer days.
Getting There
Flights from Birmingham to Lisbon start at just £15 and take under three hours. Affordable one-way flights are also available from Manchester (from £21) and London Stansted (from £27), according to Skyscanner.
Top 20 Foodie Destinations for 2026
Time Out's list includes Lima, Bangkok, Mexico City, Barcelona, Ho Chi Minh City, Melbourne, Beijing, Athens, London, Lisbon, Cape Town, Osaka, Bengaluru, Naples, New York, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, Marseille, Copenhagen, and Medellín.
