Rick Steves Claims This Underrated European City Is A Great Destination For Foodies

Typically, when people think of foodie destinations across Europe, they imagine chowing down on the best authentic pizza in Italy, enjoying buttery croissants from mouth-watering bakeries in France, or perhaps savoring some small bites and delicious wines in Spain. While these places are, of course, some of the top spots for food lovers, there are other excellent destinations that seemingly never even cross travelers' minds. Perched along the Atlantic coast is a city you may not think of as a culinary paradise. Lisbon, Portugal, stands out for dishes like salted cod, grilled sardines, and the delicious dessert pastel de nata. The city has also seen an influx of new restaurants — with some incorporating traditional flavors and others going in entirely new directions. 

In 2012 (at the height of Lisbon's economic woes), the late Anthony Bourdain came to Lisbon to film an episode of "No Reservations." During this trip, Bourdain shared advice for spotting the best local places to eat, chatted with fellow chefs, and, of course, chowed down on Portuguese cuisine. While Bourdain's visit is probably not the reason for Lisbon's sudden influx of new restaurants (including 17 with Michelin stars), it certainly didn't hurt.

Bourdain isn't the only travel aficionado who praises Lisbon as a fabulous foodie destination. On his blog, Rick Steves celebrates this seaside destination and encourages those who love trying new flavors to make their way toward the "ramshackle but charming city proud of its tasty delicacies and heavenly wines." 

For those looking to experience different tastes of Portugal without having to leave one space, Steves suggests heading to Time Out Market Lisboa (aka Mercado da Ribeira), one of the best spots for foodies. The enclosed market hosts 26 restaurants led by accomplished local chefs, plus a cooking school, coworking space, concert venue, eight bars, six kiosks, five shops, and a disco/bar. According to Steves, Time Out Market is "the place to join the young, trendy, and hungry crowd grazing among a wide variety of options, convening at communal tables in the center." The cuisine ranges from pizza and pasta to fresh seafood, burgers, steaks, sandwiches, desserts, and wines. While the market can be a great place to enjoy a delicious meal and soak in a fun atmosphere, it (like most everything nowadays) may not be the cheapest option for those seeking an authentic Portuguese meal. If you don't mind spending a little extra cash, however, it's a fun spot to gather with friends after a long day of sightseeing. 

There is also some authentic, delicious cuisine you simply must try. For starters, don't listen to your parents when they say you can't have dessert first — on vacation, there are no rules. Not trying a pastel de nata on a trip to Lisbon would be practically sacrilegious. These custard-filled pastries are the perfect bite-sized treats to keep your energy up as you conquer the momentous hills toward your next destination. Another tasty cheap eat to try is a bifana — a marinated pork sandwich (sometimes with cheese) on a bun that is as simple as it sounds. Douse it in mustard and chili oil, and you've got yourself the perfect afternoon snack.

While Lisbon is teeming with new foodie destinations to try, it can sometimes be a challenge knowing which ones are the best. To combat the frustration of not knowing where to go, Steves suggests joining a food tour, which he says are typically "three- to four-hour tours that introduce aspiring foodies to Portuguese culture while filling your stomach at the same time." If you're looking to dive deep into Portuguese cuisine, this is a great option, as these tours will take you to try and learn about numerous dishes. You can typically find good options through sites like Airbnb, Get Your Guide, Culinary Backstreets, or Inside Lisbon. 

After spending your day enjoying the many culinary delights the city has to offer, visitors can make their way to a bar offering the delicious dessert wine that is port. Although originally from Lisbon's neighboring cousin, Porto, this sweet drink is offered all around Lisbon. For a taste, head to Taylor's, a small but delightful tasting room right in the Alfama neighborhood. Visitors can also check out the Lisbon Winery, a little spot Steves claims has "a passion for the best Portuguese wines, cheeses, and meats." No matter where your taste buds lead you, Lisbon is a growing culinary capital to delight all the senses and should be added to any foodie's bucket list.