A Foodie’s Journey Through Portugal

Victoria Ruzzo
2 days ago
3 min read

If you’re a traveler who believes that the best way to know a country is through its food, then Portugal should be at the top of your culinary bucket list. Beyond the pastéis de nata and bacalhau, Portugal offers authentic, deeply local food and wine experiences that connect you with its land, history, and people. So, pack your appetite and let’s explore three unforgettable stops for foodies in Portugal.

Quinta de Sant’Ana: Love Story Through Wine

Just 30 minutes north of Lisbon lies Quinta de Sant’Ana, a breathtaking estate where wine, history, and romance blend together in the most delicious way. This century-old farm was once a royal gift - King D. Luís offered it to the actress Rosa Damasceno, whom he had fallen in love with. He even had a private theater built on the estate for her.

Today, it’s a family-run winery that offers one of the most authentic and charming wine experiences in Portugal. Surrounded by rolling vineyards, historic buildings, and a serene countryside landscape, Quinta de Sant’Ana is a great option for a relaxing afternoon with friends, wine lovers uniting over these private tastings, and couples looking to spend quality time. The experience is flexible - you can taste a variety of wines and decide whether or not to tour the vineyard, and enjoy traditional Portuguese food in a charming countryside picnic among the vines. This experience is not just a tasting - it’s an immersion into the heart of Portuguese wine country.

Évora: Olive Oil Tasting Under a 2000-Year-Old Tree

Travel southeast into the Alentejo region and you’ll find yourself in Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its Roman ruins and golden plains - but for foodies, it’s also olive oil heaven. Visit a traditional olive grove and mill that dates back to Roman times and experience the essence of Portuguese extra virgin olive oil. You’ll walk among ancient olive trees, learn about the pressing and production process, and then settle down for a guided tasting that opens your palate to the complex, peppery, buttery world of artisanal olive oil. What makes this olive oil tasting experience truly special is that you'll sample a range of local oils side-by-side, learn how to identify quality and flavor profiles, and enjoy seasonal, home-cooked dishes. Most memorably, it all takes place beside a 2,000-year-old olive tree, offering a serene and symbolic reminder of the deep roots and enduring tradition of Portuguese olive oil production. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just love good olive oil with bread, this is a soul-soothing, flavor-filled experience that brings you closer to the land.

Coimbra: Eat Like a Local

In central Portugal, the city of Coimbra is famed for its historic university - but for those in the know, it’s also a gastronomic treasure trove. If you’re looking to dive deep into local culture, this walking food tour is the perfect blend of history, tradition, and taste.

You’ll explore the charming downtown area, meet the locals, and indulge in a progressive tasting menu that spans traditional taverns, bustling markets, and cozy cafés. This is Portugal in its most unfiltered, generous form: no fancy frills, just bold flavors, warm people, and a deep love for food that spans generations. Check out the list below for some of the stops along the way:

Lena’s Stuff - regional breads, jams, honey, natural juice or tea.
Toca do Gato - codfish cake, pork ears, and gizzards paired with Bairrada wine.
João dos Leitões - iconic roast suckling pig with sparkling wine or sangria.
City Market - (Fridays & Saturdays) sample olives and lupins.
Café Santa Cruz - sip on Beirão liqueur or regional medronho brandy.
Fangas Mercearia & Bar - boards of regional cheeses, sausages, and craft beer tastings.
Pastelaria Briosa - taste conventual sweets and strong Portuguese coffee.

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