🐟 Top 7 Fish and Seafood You Must Try in Portugal

Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean have always been inseparable. With over 900 km (560 miles) of coastline and one of Europe's oldest fishing traditions, it's no surprise that seafood is at the heart of Portuguese cuisine.

Whether you're visiting Porto, Lisbon, the Douro Valley, or the Algarve, tasting fresh fish and seafood is an essential part of the Portuguese experience. From simple charcoal-grilled fish to world-famous shellfish, here are the dishes you shouldn't leave Portugal without trying.

🐟 Bacalhau (Salt Cod)

Portugal's national obsession. Although cod is imported from the North Atlantic, the Portuguese have perfected the art of salting and preparing it. Locals proudly say there are more than 1,000 different recipes for bacalhau.

Don't miss: Bacalhau à Brás, Bacalhau com Natas, and Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá.

🐟 Sardinhas Assadas (Grilled Sardines)

Nothing says Portuguese summer like freshly grilled sardines. During the June festivals, especially São João in Porto and Santo António in Lisbon, the smell of sardines fills the streets.

🐟 Robalo (Sea Bass)

A delicate white fish with a buttery texture, usually grilled whole with olive oil, garlic, and lemon.

🐟 Dourada (Gilthead Sea Bream)

One of Portugal's favourite fish. Light, tender, and incredibly fresh, it's commonly served with boiled potatoes and salad.

🐙 Polvo (Octopus)

A true Portuguese classic. Slow-cooked until perfectly tender, it's often roasted with garlic and generous amounts of olive oil.

Don't miss: Polvo à Lagareiro.

🦑 Lulas (Squid)

Whether grilled over charcoal or stuffed with herbs, squid is a staple in Portuguese coastal restaurants.

🦐 Camarão (Prawns)

From simple garlic prawns to luxurious red prawns (Carabineiros), Portuguese prawns are incredibly fresh and full of flavour.

🦪 Amêijoas (Clams)

One of Portugal's most famous seafood dishes is Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato—clams cooked with garlic, olive oil, white wine, and fresh coriander. Perfect for sharing with fresh bread.

🦪 Mexilhões (Mussels)

Fresh Atlantic mussels are usually steamed with garlic, herbs, and white wine. Simple, healthy, and delicious.

🦪 Navalhas (Razor Clams)

A Portuguese delicacy with a sweet, delicate flavour. Usually grilled or sautéed with garlic and butter.

🦪 Percebes (Goose Barnacles)

One of the rarest seafood delicacies in Portugal. Harvested from wave-battered Atlantic cliffs, they have an intense ocean flavour and are highly prized by seafood lovers.

🦀 Sapateira (Brown Crab)

Often served cold with a creamy, seasoned filling inside the shell, perfect for sharing as a starter.

🦞 Lavagante (European Lobster)

Portuguese lobster is a premium seafood choice, usually grilled or simply steamed to preserve its natural sweetness.

🦪 Berbigão

These small shellfish are especially popular in southern Portugal. Cooked with garlic, olive oil, white wine, and fresh herbs, they're perfect as a starter or paired with a cold Portuguese beer.

🍚 Seafood Rice

If you only order one seafood dish, make it Arroz de Marisco. This rich, flavourful rice is packed with prawns, clams, mussels, crab, and other fresh seafood, creating one of Portugal's most iconic meals.

Another fantastic option is Arroz de Tamboril, a creamy monkfish rice that combines tender fish with aromatic herbs and a rich seafood broth.

Final Tip

Portuguese seafood is all about freshness. Most restaurants prepare their fish simply—grilled over charcoal with olive oil, potatoes, vegetables, or salad—allowing the incredible quality of the ingredients to shine.

If you love seafood, Portugal is one of the best destinations in Europe. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—you'll likely discover some of the freshest and most memorable seafood you've ever tasted.

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🌊 Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed discovering some of the main fish and seafood that make Portuguese cuisine so special. From the smoky sardines of summer to the tender octopus roasted in olive oil, each dish tells a story of the Atlantic and the people who live by it.

If you’d like to taste them for yourself, I’ve prepared a list of my favorite fish restaurants in Porto — places where you can experience these flavors exactly as locals do.

Fish Restaurants