Portugal · DINING EXPERIENCES
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 dining experiences worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Taste Porto through cod cakes, bifanas, Port, ginjinha, market visits, and local taverns on a small-group walking tour with optional meal.
“Maria was FANTASTIC!!! Knowledgeable, kind, and fun! Food was really good and the walking wasn't too much. 10/10”
Taste sardines, seafood rice, pastel de nata, and four Portuguese drinks while exploring Lisbon’s Baixa with a local guide.
“Our guide Ruth is a wonderful girl! She is funny, smart and knows the city very well! Food was amazing! We really enjoyed”
Hear soulful Fado in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto with a local guide, Portuguese dinner, wine or beer, and ginjinha for $57.
“I took part in this tour with my husband and kids (Teenagers) and we had a great time! Our guides, Carolina and Joao were fantastic! We learned a lot about fado music, had a delicious meal and enjoyed the company of lovely people at our table. Thank you for this experience and a special thanks to lovely Carolina!”
Walk Lisbon’s Alfama and Mouraria, eat a Portuguese dinner, and hear live Fado in an intimate traditional Fado house.
“Miguel, our guide, was fantastic, he gave us an overview of the area and its history as well as the history of Fado. Thank you.”
Taste Porto through family-run eateries, local wine, Francesinha, cod, and Caldo Verde on a small-group evening food walk.
“Our guide, “G” was an excellent tour guide who gave us a local’s experience. He was knowledgeable of the food and drinks. He made sure there were vegetarian options at each stop. We had a fabulous time meeting other travelers and sharing food and drinks. Would definitely recommend this tour to other travelers. Thanks G!”
Review of Furnas by night: soak in Poça da Dona Beija, eat volcanic cozido, walk the caldera, and return to Ponta Delgada.
“We spent our last night in Acores with Paulo, he is an incredible guide, sharing stories about the island during the whole journey. Also the dinner and the hot spring were very nice too. Hardly recommend this experience.”
Cook a Portuguese dinner in Lisbon with wine, local products, and hands-on guidance in a friendly small-group class led by skilled chefs.
“Enjoyed learning about the different foods used in Portuguese cooking. We were able to participate and also learn the differences between American and Portuguese cooking. Liked some better than others.”
Watch Madeira’s sunset from Pico do Arieiro, then enjoy optional homemade dinner and drinks at a rustic mountain mill.
“This was the best activity we did while in Madeira, definitely check this out! The food was surprisingly good too! Bundle up for the wind and enjoy the views!”
Soak in Furnas hot springs after dark, eat volcanic Cozido stew, and explore São Miguel with hotel pickup and a small group.
“Paulo did a great job on this tour, he explained and described a lot of fun facts about the island and guided us through the places with so much patience. Definitely a tour to do, food was amazing and the hot springs very beautiful and relaxing.”
Enjoy dinner, soulful Fado, and historic azulejos at Mesa de Frades in Lisbon, a 2.5-hour Portuguese music experience for $70.
“The Fado music was really great to hear. We enjoyed the two guitarists and the singer. The service for dinner was excellent and the meal very enjoyable. ( maybe dessert lacked a bit of presentation but very delicious) A great night!”
Tour Fonseca’s historic Porto cellars, taste Bin 27 and Siroco with live Fado, then add a three-course Portuguese dinner at WOW Porto.
“This is a must do in Porto. The fado music was wonderful and well explained by the singer. The location in the wine cellar makes it more special. The tour was sorry but very informative with an excellent guide.”
Walk Lisbon’s Alfama and Mouraria, learn Fado’s story, then enjoy Portuguese dinner, wine, and live music for $59.77.
“Wonderful evening with our guide Ness. He’s friendly and knowledgeable. Learned so much about the local culture of Fado and the dinner and Fado performance was amazing. Definitely a wonderful experience. Highly recommend this tour.”
Spend three hours with Portuguese petiscos, flowing wine, and powerful live Fado in an 18th-century Lisbon chapel built over a Roman theater.
“What an amazing experience. The venue from the outside does make you question if you're in the right place but once you step inside and go down into the club you won't be disappointed. We'd already decided before going that we might not stay for the whole 3 hours, I think we were probably one of the last to leave. There was 3 different vocalist, 2 female and one male and their voices were incredible. I had been warned that Fado was sad but I don't know if the music was more upbeat than normal but I definitely didn't feel sad. Also the food, we love Tapas so thoroughly enjoyed…”
Enjoy a three-course Madeiran dinner, folk dancing, drinks, hotel transfers, and an evening view of Funchal for $53.
“it was a really really fun experience, food was good and great value for money! we were in a group of all different nationalities, but if everyone is friendly you have a great time (like we did) and even make new friends!”
Taste Azorean wines and local dishes on a small-group evening walk through Ponta Delgada, with dinner, culture, and practical food tips included.
“Incredible wine, delicious food, cheeky tidbits of local history… this tour deserves all five stars (I wish I could give it six). The guides are friendly, humorous, and knowledgeable. The food is fabulous— make sure to arrive with an empty stomach, because you won’t want to leave anything on your plate! Our only regret is not doing this tour sooner into our time in the Azores— our guides had countless suggestions for restaurants, bars, and other local experiences, and I only wish we had more time to do them all before our flight home. Obrigada!”
Pick a coastline, a cellar or a cave.
