48-Hour Lisbon Food Itinerary (Halal-Friendly Guide for Foodies)

Lisbon is a paradise for food lovers, and yes – you can savor its iconic flavors while staying halal-friendly. In this 48-hour Lisbon food itinerary, we’ll take you through Portugal’s capital with an eye (and appetite) for halal Lisbon restaurants and local delicacies. Expect two days of delicious, culturally respectful dining that skips pork and alcohol but loses none of the fun. From the famous custard tarts to sizzling seafood and aromatic curries, here’s where to eat in Lisbon in just two days. (And don’t worry, this isn’t a strictly religious tour – it’s a general foodie adventure with halal-friendly choices.)

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Halal Dining Tips in Lisbon:

• Embrace Seafood & Veg: Portuguese cuisine offers plenty of seafood (which is naturally halal) and vegetarian dishes. Grilled codfish, sardines, and vegetable stews are flavorful staples you can enjoy freely.
• Halal-Certified Eateries: Lisbon has a growing number of fully halal-certified restaurants – from Indian and Pakistani to Middle Eastern spots – especially around neighborhoods like Martim Moniz and Arroios. These are great for worry-free meat dishes.
• When in Doubt, Ask: Many regular restaurants serve wine or pork by default. Don’t hesitate to ask if a dish can be prepared without alcohol or pork. The locals are friendly and used to accommodating dietary needs, so you can dine with confidence.

TripFast knows the importance of finding great food that meets your needs. Let’s dive into our day-by-day halal-friendly foodie guide to Lisbon!

Day 1: Exploring the Old City Flavors

Your first day in Lisbon blends historic sights with mouthwatering bites. Get ready to wander through ancient neighborhoods, fuel up on local treats, and discover halal-friendly gems in the city center.

Morning: Alfama Exploration & a Sweet Start

Start your adventure in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, known for its maze of cobbled lanes and stunning viewpoints. Begin at sunrise or early morning by riding the iconic Tram 28 up to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, a panoramic terrace overlooking the red rooftops and the Tagus River. As you soak in the view, slip into a nearby café for breakfast.

Pastel de nata (Portuguese egg tart) is a must-try Lisbon treat, and it’s halal-friendly – made simply with eggs, sugar, and flaky pastry. Order a couple of these warm pastéis de nata and a bica (espresso) for an authentic Lisbon breakfast. Local bakeries are everywhere – if you’re near Alfama’s backstreets, you might find a family-run pastelaria where the tarts are fresh out of the oven. It’s a sweet, creamy start to your day and will give you energy for exploring Alfama’s Moorish alleys and perhaps the imposing São Jorge Castle above (originally a Moorish fort, it’s a nod to Lisbon’s Islamic history).

Lunch: Halal Delights in Martim Moniz

By midday, make your way downhill to Martim Moniz, a vibrant multicultural area renowned for its diverse food scene. This neighborhood is a haven for halal cuisine, thanks to its large international community. For lunch, treat yourself to a hearty halal meal at one of Lisbon’s top-rated spots here. A great choice is Zaafran, an elegant Indian restaurant tucked in Martim Moniz, known for its halal-certified dishes and warm service. Indulge in a fragrant lamb biryani or creamy chicken curry with naan – the flavors are rich, and everything is prepared to halal standards.

If you’re craving something different, nearby you’ll also find Taste of Pakistan, a beloved eatery serving homestyle Pakistani curries and grilled meats, and plenty of vegetarian options too. The Martim Moniz square often has street-food kiosks as well; you can grab a quick falafel wrap or samosas if you prefer a lighter, on-the-go lunch. Whichever you choose, you’ll experience the spice and soul that Lisbon’s halal restaurants have to offer.

After lunch, take a little time to walk around Martim Moniz’s open plaza. On weekends, you might catch an outdoor market or live music. This area showcases Lisbon’s cultural diversity – within a few blocks you’ll see Asian supermarkets, Middle Eastern bakeries, and African souvenir shops. It’s a perfect example of how Lisbon embraces global influences.

Afternoon: Sights & Snacks in Baixa and Chiado

Following your meal, it’s time to stroll through Baixa, Lisbon’s downtown grid, and Chiado, its chic shopping quarter. As you walk off lunch, you’ll pass grand plazas like Praça do Comércio by the river and the bustling Rua Augusta pedestrian street. Street performers, statue-studded squares, and gleaming tiled buildings make this walk a delight.

If you need an afternoon pick-me-up, consider visiting the famous Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira) in Cais do Sodré. This modern food hall is a foodie hotspot featuring dozens of stalls by top chefs. While many vendors sell dishes with wine or ham, you can absolutely find halal-friendly choices here. For example, try a plate of grilled octopus or a salmon burger from one of the seafood stalls, or choose a vegetarian Portuguese dish like peixinhos da horta (green bean tempura) from a traditional booth. And of course, there’s always dessert: grab another pastel de nata from the market’s pastry corner, or a scoop of gelado (gelato) from Santini’s stand – all without any gelatin or alcohol involved. Time Out Market offers something for everyone, so it’s a fun way to sample local cuisine in a casual setting. (Tip: Since this is a public market, just be mindful to avoid the craft beer bar and stick to juice or soda – there’s plenty to enjoy without alcohol.)

With a happy stomach, you can ride the Santa Justa Elevator up to the Carmo ruins for a skyline view, or browse the bookstores and boutiques in Chiado. By late afternoon, you might want to relax at a miradouro (viewpoint) like São Pedro de Alcântara, which overlooks the city – a great spot to watch the golden light on Lisbon’s hills as evening approaches.

Dinner: Sunset Views & a South Asian Feast

As day turns to night, plan for a delicious dinner that continues the halal-friendly journey. One idea is to head towards the Avenida da Liberdade area or Rossio, where you can dine at Zaafran (if you didn’t at lunch) or another highly recommended restaurant. For dinner, Zaafran offers an upscale experience: think tandoori grills, sumptuous biryanis, and spiced curries, all in a refined setting. It’s the perfect place to savor bold flavors after a day of exploration. Alternatively, if you lunched Indian and want a change, try Restaurante Marrakesh, a Moroccan spot not far away, for a comforting tagine and couscous meal. Their menu is halal and they serve classic Moroccan mint tea – a refreshing way to wind down.

Prefer something quick and local for the evening? Take a short walk to Zubir Churrasqueira, a halal Portuguese grill house. There you can enjoy peri-peri chicken or succulent grilled lamb seasoned Portuguese-style (yes, peri-peri is part of Portugal’s spice heritage!). It’s a more casual eatery, great if you’re craving Portuguese barbecue without any pork in sight. The portions are generous – picture a half chicken flame-grilled to perfection, served with fries, rice, or salad. It’s a beloved spot among Lisbon’s Muslim community and anyone who loves a good chargrilled meal.

After dinner, consider experiencing a bit of Lisbon’s famous nightlife (in a halal-friendly way). Stroll through the lively Bairro Alto district to hear traditional Fado music drifting from small bars – you can listen from the street or pop into a café that focuses on music and coffee rather than liquor. To satisfy a late-night sweet tooth, you might stop by a cafe for chocolate salami (don’t worry, despite the name it’s a chocolate biscuit cake with zero meat) or another local pastry like travesseiro de Sintra (almond cream pastry) if available. By the end of Day 1, you’ll have enjoyed a spectrum of Lisbon’s culinary offerings – all deliciously halal-friendly.

Day 2: Culture and Cuisine, Lisbon-Style

Day 2 takes you further afield to discover Lisbon’s historic treasures in Belém and more classic Portuguese flavors. We’ll balance sightseeing with great eats, from famous pastries to seafood and a special dinner to cap off your trip.

Morning: Belém’s Heritage and Bakery Treats

Wake up early and make your way to Belém, a waterfront district west of the city center that’s rich in history – and home to one of Portugal’s most legendary pastry shops. First, immerse yourself in heritage by visiting the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) and the Jerónimos Monastery – two UNESCO World Heritage sites that reflect Portugal’s golden Age of Discovery. After admiring the Manueline architecture and maybe the spot where Vasco da Gama is entombed, it’s time for a mid-morning snack at the source of Lisbon’s sweetest pride.

Just a short walk from the monastery is Pastéis de Belém, the bakery that invented the pastel de nata recipe in 1837. There is often a line out front, but it moves fast and is well worth the wait. Join the queue and treat yourself to a couple of Pastéis de Belém – these custard tarts are warm, cinnamon-dusted delights. The bakery isn’t halal-certified (they even serve ham sandwiches on the side), but rest assured the tarts themselves contain no alcohol or pork, just blissful egg custard and flaky dough. Many Muslim travelers visit and enjoy them; as always, use your discretion, but this is the quintessential Lisbon experience that you shouldn’t miss. Grab a hot galão (milky coffee) to go with your tarts and savor them on a bench outside or in the bakery’s tiled dining room. It’s a little piece of Lisbon history on a plate.

Lunch: Seafood Experience in the City

After your sweet breakfast, you can return to central Lisbon for lunch (Belém has a few cafes, but for a truly memorable meal it’s best to head back into town). By now, you’ve sampled pastries, South Asian cuisine, and grilled peri-peri – today it’s time for Portugal’s famous seafood. For lunch, indulge in a feast at Cervejaria Ramiro, arguably Lisbon’s most iconic seafood restaurant. Ramiro is a no-frills local institution that has been serving up spectacular shellfish since the 1950s. Despite “Cervejaria” meaning beer house, it’s absolutely fine to dine here and not partake in any alcohol – many people come just for the seafood.

Once seated at Ramiro, you can safely stick to the ocean’s bounty: giant tiger prawns grilled with garlic and butter, amesa de gambas (piping hot garlic shrimp in a skillet), clams in a lemony sauce, and grilled sardines if they’re in season. Grilled sardines with potatoes and salad – a Portuguese classic that’s completely halal-friendly. The beauty of Ramiro is that everything is fresh and cooked simply, highlighting natural flavors. Squeeze some lemon over your fish and dig in! (Just skip the complimentary beer or wine – ask for a sparkling Sumol orange soda or a bottle of water instead; the staff are used to diverse clientele.) Eating with your hands is encouraged here, and don’t be shy about soaking up the garlic sauce with bread. By the end of this meal, you’ll understand why Lisbon is a seafood lover’s dream.

Note: If Ramiro’s queue is too long or you prefer a quieter spot, an alternative is Marisqueira Uma in Baixa, known for its rich seafood rice casserole. Or simply head to any local tasca that has a “Bacalhau” sign – bacalhau à brás (shredded cod with eggs and potatoes) is a hearty traditional dish that contains no forbidden ingredients. Lisbon’s relationship with codfish is legendary (they say there are 365 ways to cook bacalhau!), so this is a great chance to try one of them in halal-friendly form.

Afternoon: Coffee, Culture & Souvenirs

After a lavish lunch, a leisurely afternoon is in order. If you’re near Rossio Square again, enjoy a stroll and maybe an espresso from the historic Café Nicola (one of the oldest cafes, with plenty of non-alcoholic drinks on the menu). This is a good time to do some souvenir shopping – you can safely pick up goodies like tins of Portuguese sardines (the canned varieties make excellent gifts and are naturally halal) or packs of Portuguese coffee. Wander through the Chiado district for artisanal shops; a popular stop is A Vida Portuguesa, a store selling traditional local products, from olive oils to handmade ceramics.

For a cultural digestif, you might visit the Museum of Islamic Art (if open) at the Gulbenkian, or simply relax in the shade at Eduardo VII Park uptown. If you haven’t taken the vintage Tram 28 yet, hopping on in the afternoon for a ride through the city’s hills (from Martim Moniz up through Estrela) is a fun, scenic experience – just try to avoid rush hour crowds. By experiencing Lisbon’s trams, tiles, and friendly atmosphere, you’ll appreciate the city beyond just its food. And yes, feel free to grab an ice cream or fresh juice along the way; there are juice bars and gelaterias scattered around that will quench your thirst on a warm day.

Dinner: International Halal Farewell

For your final evening in Lisbon, enjoy a relaxed dinner that celebrates the city’s international food scene. You’ve sampled Portuguese classics by now, so tonight you might venture back to global cuisine – Lisbon-style. A fantastic choice is 1001 Nights, a Persian/Iranian restaurant that consistently ranks among the best halal restaurants in Lisbon. Located near the center (a short ride from Rossio), 1001 Nights offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with delights: from succulent koobideh kebabs and lamb stews to flavorful vegetarian dishes like grilled eggplant borani. The owners take pride in being fully halal and extremely hospitable. Try their saffron rice and tender grilled meats; it’s a satisfying way to end your trip, with aromas that might remind you of Lisbon’s spice-scented history.

If Persian cuisine isn’t your fancy, other halal-friendly dinner options include revisiting a favorite spot (there’s no shame in wanting another round of those curries or peri-peri chicken you loved!) or checking out a Turkish-Mediterranean place like O Talho (which also doubles as a halal butcher for fresh meat – a unique experience if you’re curious). Lisbon’s halal Lisbon restaurants span many nationalities, so whether it’s Lebanese shawarma at Shish near Restauradores or a cozy Turkish dinner, you have choices. The key is to enjoy what you love most.

After dinner, take one last evening walk through Lisbon’s illuminated streets. Perhaps walk up to Miradouro da Graça or along the riverfront at Cais das Colunas, reflecting on the memories you’ve made. In 48 hours, you’ve toured the city, tasted its treasures, and managed to do it all in a culturally respectful, halal-friendly way. Lisbon has welcomed you with open arms and full plates, showing that dietary needs are no barrier to experiencing the best of its cuisine.

Bon appétit (Bom apetite!) and safe travels as you continue your journey.