Street food and quick bites are both affordable and widely available. Popular options typically cost between €1.50 and €3. Fast food chains like McDonald’s and Burger King offer meals for around €5 to €8.
Casual restaurants, traditional tascas, and local snack bars (pastelarias) serve authentic Portuguese dishes at budget-friendly prices. A meal at a casual eatery usually costs between €8 and €15, while petiscos (Portuguese tapas-style small plates) are often priced around €3 to €6 each. Many local restaurants offer a prato do dia (dish of the day) or menu do dia (daily set menu) including a starter, main course, drink, and dessert for about €10 to €15.
Mid-range restaurants with table service, especially in city centres and tourist areas, typically charge between €20 and €35 per person for a main course and sides. Lunch specials and set menus are common and can offer excellent value.
Traditional Portuguese dining experiences, such as fresh seafood platters, grilled fish, or regional meat dishes like cozido à portuguesa, usually range from €25 to €50 per person, depending on the location and type of restaurant.
Fine dining establishments in Lisbon, Porto, and other major cities feature tasting menus and contemporary Portuguese cuisine, with prices from €60 to €120 per person. Michelin-starred venues and high-end international restaurants fall toward the higher end of this range.
Cafés are a staple of daily life in Portugal. An espresso (bica) typically costs around €1 to €1.50, while cappuccinos or specialty coffees with pastries range from €3 to €6.
Tips for Saving Money:
- Look for menu do dia or prato do dia offers at lunchtime for a filling, affordable meal.
- Visit tascas and local neighbourhood restaurants for authentic dishes at lower prices than tourist hotspots.
- Stop at markets and pastelarias for inexpensive snacks and pastries to enjoy on the go.
