Tips for eating and drinking on a budget

Portugal is one of our favorite budget destinations for food and drinks. A multitude of fish and meat dishes, not to mention incredible wines for each palette, are available at very reasonable prices in the capital of Portugal.

But in Lisbon, as in any other great metropolis in Europe, it is important when, where and what you eat. These factors can have a dramatic effect on the amount of expenses you end.

In relation:

Lisbon De Lisbon Dining Guide

Are you ready to dinner in Lisbon? Here’s how to eat cheap in this beautiful Portuguese city.

1. Prices feast at a fixed price for lunch

If you want to try a variety of local dishes at a cost fraction, get out of lunch and order the fixed price menu of a local restaurant, called the daytime. Order the same dishes à la carte will cost you about more than twice as much in the evening.

A typical Lisbon lunch associated with a glass of local beer. Photo: Tim C.

2. Research before leaving

Knowing what exists, which is to expect the prices and times that are really open will save you money in your fist, because you will not find yourself stuck in a chain restaurant or a tourist trap because you walked out of goal until you closed everywhere for a break between lunch and dinner. This is true, some of the best low -budget restaurants in the city are closer to a few hours before dinner after serving the daily menus for the lunch crowd.

3. Log the animated main streets

This is particularly true in the old town of Lisbon. If a restaurant is very clearly evident alongside a tourist attraction, or even somewhere very practical, the price is probably more expensive – after all, it pays rent, and the saying says: “Location, location, location.”

If you want to find cheaper dishes in the old town of Lisbon, head to the seaside of things near Fado Museum where you will find a good selection of places at reasonable prices serving authentic local dishes.

In relation: How to spend two days in Lisbon cheap

4. Go where the inhabitants go

When you see a place full of people who speak Portuguese and free from anyone with a camera around the neck, there is a good chance that it is a good place to try authentic and inexpensive local dishes. Another good index? Older people leading the kitchen or serving drinks behind the bar.

You will find a lot of fresh seafood, like these grilled sardines, around Lisbon. Photo: Theo K

5. Eat Portuguese time

If you manage to adapt to the local schedule, you will have much easier to find good deals on local meals. Look for breakfast for offers early in the morning at around 10 a.m. at lunchtime, holidays at a fixed price on a special peak around 1 p.m., while dinner starts around 8 p.m. on weekdays. However, many residents sit for dinner much later with people who have their evening meal at 11 p.m.

6. Snack in neighborhood bars

The bars in the city district may not be much to look at, but they are the perfect choice for a bite and a little food stripped in the bar. Think of olives, chicken pie (chicken pie), And similar associated with a lot of local wine and beer.

Find a classic neighborhood bar for cheap (and tasty!) Eatings in Lisbon. Photo: We love Lisbon

7. Drink house wine

Home wine is good enough in Portugal for just about anyone, with the exception of serious wine connoisseurs. In addition, it is much cheaper than ordering a specific vintage in a bottle.

In relation: 5 belvedere points offering a drink with views in Lisbon

8. Jump the mixed drinks

Mixed drinks can be cheaper in Lisbon than they are in London or Paris, but they can always dig in your daily catering budget. If you don’t want your bar tab soaring, respect the wine and beer.

9. Do not leave a big tip

Services employees are paid in Portugal, and they do not depend on your advice to do so. A point of a few pieces is generally sufficient, but if you get an exceptional service and want to splash, leave something foldable.

10. Jump breakfasts from the hotel

Hotel breakfasts are generally a bit expensive for what you get. Unless breakfast is included with your room, jump it and head for a coffee with milk called a gallon and fresh Cream pastelsA pastry cream filling a flare -wing pastry shell filled with cinnamon and powdered sugar.

The cost? 2 € or less!

And book a cheap hotel in Lisbon and start dreaming of Portuguese pastries.

11. Leave this plate of olives alone

In Lisbon, when restaurants bring out bread and olives before a meal, it is generally not A gift. So, unless you are on your gluten and your olive quota for the trip, jump them. It is much cheaper to nibble fresh bread from the bakery and olives on the market during a picnic in the park.

12. Order half an interior

If you are not very hungry and you do not want to beg a dog bag (bringing your leftovers home is still taboo here), you can always order a half-one, sometimes called mini. Halfs are not available in many European cities, but they are available in Lisbon.

The best part? The mini pratos are landless, from 3-4 € for generous help.

Your advice for eating inexpensive in Lisbon?

Do you have advice for means to save on catering in Lisbon? Share with us in the comments section below!

If you are ready to visit, consult our full list of low -budget hotels in Lisbon.