If you’re visiting Lisbon, tasting bacalhau, Portugal’s beloved salt cod, is an absolute must. This dish has been part of the Portuguese identity for centuries. Sailors once carried it on long sea voyages because of its ability to stay preserved for months without refrigeration. Over time, it evolved from a survival food into one of the most cherished ingredients in Portuguese kitchens.
Today, bacalhau is a staple at family gatherings, Christmas dinners, and Sunday lunches across the country. With over 365 recipes – one for every day of the year – it’s a culinary tradition you simply can’t skip when in Lisbon.
In this guide, our expert local guides at Portugal Guided Tours share their top 3 places to try bacalhau in Lisbon. From rustic neighborhood tascas to elegant historic dining rooms, these restaurants each offer a different perspective on this national treasure.
Top reasons to try Bacalhau in Lisbon
- A taste of history – every bite connects you to centuries of maritime exploration and culinary ingenuity.
- Incredible variety – from flaky grilled fillets to creamy baked casseroles, bacalhau takes on countless delicious forms.
- Authentic flavors – Lisbon’s chefs honor tradition, using quality olive oil, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs.
- Cultural connection – eating bacalhau is part of Portugal’s social fabric, tied to celebrations and seasonal traditions.
- Perfect for food lovers – with rich texture, savory depth, and endless pairings, it’s a dish that satisfies adventurous palates.
Our selection for Bacalhau Lisbon
1. Zé da Mouraria – Best for Bacalhau à Zé da Mouraria
📍 Address: R. João do Outeiro 24, 1100-292 Lisboa
🕐 Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
📞 Reservations: Not accepted – arrive early
Tucked away in Lisbon’s historic Mouraria neighborhood, Zé da Mouraria is the kind of place where locals linger over long lunches, and every table is filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the irresistible aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil.
What to order: Bacalhau à Zé da Mouraria, a hearty oven-roasted cod dish with layers of garlic, onions, golden potatoes, and fresh parsley, all drizzled generously with olive oil. The potatoes soak up the savory juices, creating a perfect bite every time.
Insider tip: Come with an appetite. Portions are famously generous, easily feeding two.
Getting there: Take the metro to Rossio or Martim Moniz. From there, stroll into the winding lanes of Mouraria, one of Lisbon’s most authentic districts. It’s worth arriving early to secure a table, especially at the smaller original location.
2. Laurentina – O Rei do Bacalhau – Best for Grilled Bacalhau
📍 Address: Av. Conde de Valbom 71A, 1050-067 Lisboa
🕐 Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
📞 Reservations: Recommended (+351 217 979 511)
Laurentina has earned its nickname, “The King of Codfish,” with decades of dedication to perfecting Portugal’s most famous dish. The restaurant offers nearly every classic bacalhau recipe imaginable, but the grilled version here is legendary.
What to order: Bacalhau à Laurentina, a thick, tender cod fillet grilled over charcoal, served with roasted potatoes, seasonal greens, and garlic-infused olive oil. The grilling process adds a delicate smokiness that enhances the fish’s natural sweetness.
Wine pairing: Try it with a crisp Vinho Verde for a refreshing balance, or a Dão red for a richer, more robust experience.
Getting there: Hop off the metro at São Sebastião (red or blue line) and enjoy a short walk through Avenidas Novas, an elegant district filled with tree-lined streets and local shops.
3. Casa do Bacalhau – Best for Variety & Atmosphere
📍 Address: Rua do Grilo 54, 1900-706 Lisboa
🕐 Hours: Mon–Sat, 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
📞 Reservations: Recommended (+351 218 877 285)
Casa do Bacalhau sits inside a beautifully restored 18th-century royal stable, blending history with modern comfort. Inside, vaulted ceilings and warm lighting create a relaxed but refined atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely meal.
What to order: Bacalhau com Natas – delicate flakes of cod baked in a creamy béchamel sauce with onions and potatoes. Rich, comforting, and utterly satisfying, it’s a dish that wins over first-time visitors and locals alike.
Extra options: The menu features over a dozen bacalhau recipes, making it a great spot for those who want to sample different styles in one place.
Getting there: Take the green metro line to Olaias, then walk 10 minutes through a quiet residential area. Being slightly off the tourist trail means a more relaxed dining experience.
Insider tips for enjoying Bacalhau in Lisbon
- Come hungry – Portions can be very generous, especially in family-style restaurants.
- Reserve in advance – Laurentina and Casa do Bacalhau are popular with both locals and tourists.
- Pair with local wine – Portuguese wines are designed to complement rich seafood dishes.
- Try more than one style – Each preparation brings out different flavors and textures.
Go beyond restaurants – Join a guided food tour to discover hidden tascas, market stalls, and family-owned eateries.
Choosing the right Bacalhau experience
A great bacalhau experience it’s about where and how it’s served. The best spots combine fresh ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and an atmosphere that feels unmistakably Portuguese.
At Portugal Guided Tours, our small-group Lisbon Food Tours are led by expert local guides who know the city’s culinary scene inside out. We take you to beloved neighborhood restaurants, bustling markets, and off-the-beaten-path eateries where you can taste bacalhau the way locals do.
So, it’s Bacalhau worth trying in Lisbon?
Without a doubt. To eat Bacalhau is to connect with Lisbon’s history, culture, and people through its most iconic dish. Each recipe is a reflection of Portugal’s maritime past, its resourceful kitchens, and its deep love for gathering around the table.
From the bustling lanes of Mouraria to the elegance of Avenidas Novas and the quiet charm of Olaias, these three restaurants showcase the versatility and soul of Portugal’s national dish.
If you want to taste Lisbon’s bacalhau at its finest and explore the city’s other culinary treasures our Lisbon Food Tour is the perfect way to do it. You’ll discover hidden gems, taste unforgettable flavors, and leave with a deeper connection to the city.
👉 Book your Lisbon Food Tour with Portugal Guided Tours today. Come hungry, leave in love with Lisbon.