Lisbon isn’t just about pastéis de nata and historic tram rides; it’s also a city where lunch can be an experience in its own right. Whether you’re into sampling local wines, exploring the vibrant markets, or learning to cook authentic Portuguese dishes, Lisbon offers plenty of ways to fill your midday hours with flavor and fun. One standout is the Wine and Cheese Tasting Lunch in a Portuguese Wine Bar, which combines expertly paired wines with local cheeses—an ideal choice for wine lovers who want to understand Portugal’s vinicultural traditions. The city’s diverse culinary scene means you can also enjoy tours that include seafood, hidden neighborhoods, or even a full-day kayak adventure paired with a picnic on the coast.
To help you navigate this flavorful scene, here’s a quick overview of the top lunch experiences in Lisbon, each offering a unique taste of Portuguese culture. From intimate tastings and culinary classes to scenic boat rides and private city tours, these options provide something for every palate and schedule. All of them promise memorable flavors and authentic encounters that go beyond the typical restaurant meal.
1. Wine and Cheese Tasting Lunch in Portuguese Wine Bar
At number 1 on our list, the Wine and Cheese Tasting Lunch in a Portuguese Wine Bar offers an intimate and educational experience. Priced at $69.51 per person, this 2-hour session is perfect for anyone eager to learn about Portugal’s famed wine regions while enjoying a curated cheese and charcuterie board. The small-group format ensures personal attention from your guide, who will explain flavor profiles, grape varieties, and regional differences that shape Portuguese wines. The reviews highlight how exceptional this experience is, with one guest saying, “This was the best wine tasting I’ve done worldwide.” It’s ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking a relaxed, informative outing with a delicious pairing to match.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for wine lovers wanting a deep dive into Portugal’s viniculture paired with local cheeses.
2. Lisbon Small-Group Walking Tour: Wine, Seafood Lunch, Ferry Ride
For around $67.20, the Lisbon Small-Group Walking Tour: Wine, Seafood Lunch, Ferry Ride blends culture, history, and flavors in a 4-hour adventure. Starting in vibrant neighborhoods like Mouraria and Chiado, your guide shares local stories while you explore colorful streets. The tour is packed with tastings—seafood, pastries, wine, and coffee—culminating in a short ferry trip across the Tagus River. Reviewers praise guide Chon for his enthusiasm and knowledge, making it a lively and authentic experience. It’s best suited for those who want to combine sightseeing with a variety of traditional bites and drinks in a manageable time frame.
Bottom Line: A lively, compact tour that offers a taste of Lisbon’s multicultural neighborhoods and culinary delights.
3. From Lisbon: Arrábida Natural Park Kayak Tour with Lunch
The Arrábida Natural Park Kayak Tour with Lunch is a full-day escape for $67. Kayaking along stunning coastlines, snorkeling in clear waters, and relaxing on a beach make this perfect for active travelers. What sets this apart is the opportunity to paddle to Portugal’s most beautiful beach and enjoy a picnic lunch with ocean views. Guides are attentive, and reviews highlight how memorable the experience is—one calling it “the highlight of their trip.” It’s best for outdoor enthusiasts who want a mix of adventure and relaxation, with a focus on natural beauty. Note that in higher winds, the tour adjusts to ensure safety.
Bottom Line: An excellent adventure for those who want to combine physical activity with picturesque scenery and a seaside meal.
4. Lisbon: Portuguese Wine and Cheese Tasting with Lunch
Priced at $68, the Portuguese Wine and Cheese Tasting with Lunch offers a 2-hour taste of Portugal’s regional wines paired with local cheeses and charcuterie. The setting is a specialist wine bar, where you’ll sample six distinct wines from different regions. Caio, the host, is praised for his in-depth knowledge and friendly style, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The included lunch elevates this tasting, turning it into a full sensory experience. It’s ideal for those wanting a refined, relaxed way to learn about Portuguese wine and food culture.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for wine aficionados and foodies looking for an intimate, educational experience in a cozy setting.
5. Lisbon Market and Food Tour with Cooking Class and Lunch
For $150.94, this 4-hour Market and Cooking Tour combines shopping, cooking, and eating. It begins with a visit to the Mercado de Arroios, where you select fresh ingredients. Then, a local chef guides you through preparing a Portuguese meal—including starters, mains, and dessert. The class culminates in enjoying your homemade dishes paired with local wines. Reviews mention how much fun and educational the experience is, with one guest noting the enthusiasm of guide Rodrigo. It’s ideal for travelers who want to enjoy local ingredients and cooking techniques.
Bottom Line: A hands-on, flavorful way to learn Portuguese cuisine from market to table.
6. Full Day Rock Climb Adventure Trail from Lisbon with Lunch
The Full Day Rock Climb Adventure Trail at $83 includes a full day of climbing, rappelling, and canyoning in breathtaking coastal scenery. This tour is perfect for active travelers seeking a physically engaging experience with safety gear and personalized attention. Rappelling into canyons and enjoying panoramic mountain-top views make it stand out. Reviewers love the energy of the guides and the stunning vistas, calling it “a fun and surprising day.” Suitable for most fitness levels, this tour combines adventure with a picnic lunch on the beach.
Bottom Line: Ideal for adventure seekers who want a full day of climbing and coastal scenery.
7. Market Tour, Cooking Class And Lunch At Mercado de Arroios
For $204.63, the Market Tour, Cooking Class and Lunch offers a comprehensive cultural and culinary immersion. Visiting a lively local market, you pick fresh ingredients, then learn to prepare traditional dishes with a friendly guide. The class ends with a sit-down meal paired with local wines. Reviewers especially appreciate the personalized attention and the opportunity to learn about Portugal’s food traditions directly from passionate hosts like Antônia. It’s best suited for travelers interested in hands-on cooking and authentic local flavors.
Bottom Line: Great for food lovers who want to cook and eat their way through Lisbon’s markets and kitchens.
8. Lisbon Kayak Tour (Transfer & Lunch)
The Lisbon Kayak Tour with Transfer and Lunch is a full-day outdoor excursion costing $81.89. Paddling along the coast of Arrábida Natural Park, you’ll explore secret beaches, snorkel in clear waters, and end with a seaside picnic. This trip is praised for its well-organized guides and stunning scenery, making it perfect for adventurous travelers who want a mix of water sports and scenic relaxation. The included lunch on the beach rounds out the day. It’s best for active travelers comfortable with kayaking and snorkeling.
Bottom Line: An invigorating way to discover Portugal’s coast with a scenic paddle and beachside meal.
9. Private Porto from Lisbon with Portuguese lunch and Porto wine tasting
For $464.43, this full-day private tour combines city sightseeing with wine tasting. Visiting Porto’s landmarks like the Sé Cathedral and Clérigos Tower, you’ll also tour famous wine cellars and enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch. The personalized service ensures flexibility, making it perfect for those wanting a more intimate experience. Reviewers appreciate how the guide tailored the day and the quality of the included lunch and wine tastings. This tour suits travelers seeking an in-depth exploration of Porto’s culture and cuisine with the comfort of private transport.
Bottom Line: A premium option for wine and history enthusiasts wanting full personalization.
10. Sintra / Cabo da Roca / Cascais full day all inclusive lunch and entrees
At $253.72, this full-day tour offers visits to Sintra’s Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, along with stops at Cabo da Roca and Cascais. The tour includes entry tickets and a delicious lunch, making it a great value. Guests love exploring iconic landmarks and enjoying a scenic coastal drive, with reviews praising the seamless organization and quality of the included meals. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day, combining sightseeing with local cuisine, all in a manageable schedule.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded way to see Sintra’s highlights and relax with an included lunch.
11. Explore Porto & Aveiro within Riverboat Cruises – Private Full Day Tour from Lisbon
Priced at $481.48, this private tour covers Porto and Aveiro in a single day. Starting with a scenic boat cruise in Aveiro’s canals, the trip continues with Porto sightseeing and includes a traditional lunch. The riverboat cruise adds a special touch, providing views inaccessible by land. Reviewers highlight the personalized guidance and flexibility of the itinerary, making it suitable for travelers wanting a tailored experience with a mix of food, culture, and scenic waterways.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a private, scenic journey with personalized touches.
12. Private Tour: The Mystical, Magical, Medieval Town of Sintra with tickets and lunch
This full-day Private Sintra Tour costs $401.24 and offers a customized experience of Pena Palace, Castle of the Moors, and the town’s enchanting streets. The tour includes entry tickets and a delicious lunch. It’s especially good for first-time visitors or those who want the flexibility to explore at their own pace. The guide’s personalized approach helps uncover hidden details of Sintra’s fairy-tale castles and lush surroundings.
Bottom Line: A flexible, private way to experience Sintra’s magic with hassle-free tickets and meals.
13. Seixal Sailing Cruise – Lunch in a typical restaurant
The Seixal Sailing Cruise with Lunch offers a 6-hour, relaxing sail along the Tagus River with a traditional Portuguese meal included. Priced at $104.08, it’s ideal for travelers who want a scenic, leisurely experience with good food. The cruise passes iconic landmarks, and after sailing, you can enjoy a hearty, authentic meal at a local restaurant. Many reviews emphasize the friendly guides and the beautiful scenery, making it a leisurely way to spend part of a day in Lisbon.
Bottom Line: Laid-back, scenic, and foodie-friendly—great for relaxing river views and authentic local cuisine.
14. Lisbon Hidden Gems Walk: Traditions, Lunch & Ferry Ride
For $69, this Hidden Gems Walk combines sightseeing, local food, and a ferry ride. Covering neighborhoods like Mouraria and Chiado, it includes tasting traditional seafood rice and Vinho Verde. The tour also features a scenic ferry crossing that offers unique views of Lisbon. Guests enjoy the lively guides and the chance to explore lesser-known spots. It’s best suited for travelers curious about Lisbon’s less-touristy side while enjoying a hearty local lunch.
Bottom Line: An engaging, authentic way to explore Lisbon’s quieter neighborhoods with a tasty meal.
15. Private Tour: Coimbra (World Heritage) & Aveiro (Little Venice) tour day trip from Lisbon with lunch
Our final pick is the Coimbra & Aveiro Private Day Trip, costing $497.43. This comprehensive tour features Coimbra’s University and Roman ruins, along with Aveiro’s canals and colorful boats. The day includes a traditional Portuguese lunch and plenty of personalized attention. Reviewers appreciate the flexibility and the knowledgeable guide, making it perfect for those who want a full, relaxing exploration of Portugal’s northern treasures. It’s best for travelers with a full day to spare and a passion for history and scenery.
Bottom Line: A luxurious, customizable experience ideal for culture and scenery lovers.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience in Lisbon
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, interest level, and schedule. If you love learning about wine and cheese, the Wine and Cheese Tasting Lunch offers a relaxed, intimate setting. For those wanting a hands-on culinary experience, the Cooking Class at Mercado de Arroios is unbeatable. Active travelers should look at the Arrábida Kayak Tour or Full Day Climbing Adventure, both combining outdoors and a meal.
If you prefer a scenic, cultural tour with food, the Lisbon Small-Group Walking Tour or Hidden Gems Walk deliver a mix of sightseeing and local flavor. Private tours like the Porto or Sintra full-day trips appeal if you want tailored experiences or a more relaxed pace.
In summary, Lisbon’s lunch scene is diverse and dynamic. For a refined sip-and-pairing, the wine and cheese tours shine. For hands-on culinary learning, the market and cooking classes are top-notch. Active adventurers will love kayaking or rock climbing, while those looking for cultural richness can’t go wrong with private day trips to Porto, Sintra, or Coimbra. Many tours fill up quickly, so booking early is always wise—especially in peak travel seasons. Whatever your taste and travel style, Lisbon offers memorable midday experiences that will leave your palate satisfied and your curiosity satisfied.