Last Updated on March 25, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: November 18, 2018
Whether hot off the grill or straight from the tin, you have to try sardines in Lisbon. With hundreds of miles of Atlantic coastline, Portugal has always turned to the water to feed its people. You’ll find seafood on the menu at most restaurants in Lisbon, and the city even holds a month-long festival starring the country’s most iconic fish: the humble sardine. Here’s everything you need to know about sardines in Lisbon: how to eat them, where to try them, and more.
Are you coming to Lisbon? Check out our ultimate foodie guide to how to order food in Portugal like a local!
Table of Contents
Saintly Sardines
So what’s the big deal about sardines in Lisbon?
It all started with Santo António (Saint Anthony), Lisbon’s patron saint. As the story goes, during one of his expeditions to Italy, he was having trouble converting the local people, so (naturally) he turned to the fish. Legend has it that the fish listened to his sermon and he took it as a sign from God. This miracle also convinced the locals to hear him out, and his mission was successful.
This story might explain why we associate Santo António with fish, but why sardines in particular? There are various explanations, but the simplest one is that this fish, which is native to the country’s coastline, has long been a symbol of Portuguese culture and pride.
In Lisbon, June 13th is the Day of Santo António. But the entire month of June is also one big celebration, known as Santos Populares. The streets of Alfama, Graça, Mouraria, and Bairro Alto come alive with colorful streamers, fado music, and street food stands selling the main attraction: freshly grilled sardinhas (sardines) served atop a slice of bread, or broa de milho.
Where to Eat Grilled Sardines in Lisbon
If you’re visiting Lisbon in summer, the smell of grilled sardines will tempt you everywhere you turn. The best time to try fresh sardines in Lisbon is between May and October.
The ultimate experience is eating sardines straight from an outdoor grill during the Santos Populares festivities.
- Eating sardines from November to April? If you’re ordering these at a restaurant during this time, they’ll probably be frozen. Make sure to ask before you order!
- Want to try great sardines year round? We recommend going to Farol de Santa Luzia (Largo de Santa Luzia 5) or Último Porto (R. Gen. Gomes Araújo 1), both of which serve fantastic grilled fish all year round.
- A Word to the Wise: While it’s certainly worth trying sardines in Lisbon, they’re not for everyone. Some people love the strong, fishy flavor, and the experience of deboning the fish right on your plate. But, if you take a bite and decide it’s not for you, don’t worry—at least you gave it a shot! You can celebrate Santo António with a bowl of caldo verde or pão com chouriço instead.
Canned Sardines and Conservas
There’s another style of sardines—and other fish—that’s immensely popular in Portugal. We’re talking about conservas, or canned seafood. Unlike the large grilled sardines that you can order at restaurants or from street vendors, canned sardines are small, boneless, skinless, and ready to eat—whether straight from the tin, on a slice of bread, or tossed into a salad.
Since they’re usually preserved with olive oil, herbs, or spicy tomato sauce, canned sardines also have a different flavor than the grilled ones. It’s still a strong taste, but the fishiness is somewhat masked by the other ingredients, making them more palatable for some people.
Conservas are so popular here that it’s easy to assume they’re a Portuguese invention. But, they actually have their roots in France. Napoleon Bonaparte used tinned foods to feed his troops, and the technique caught on in Portugal in the mid-19th century.
Canned fish became especially popular in the mid-20th century, and some of the most successful Portuguese canning factories have been in operation ever since.
Where to Find Canned Sardines in Lisbon
You’ll find conservas all over Lisbon, from the colorful paper-wrapped cans at specialty shops to ordinary brands at the average supermarket. Our favorite places to buy them are the historic Conserveira de Lisboa, and Loja das Conservas (Rua do Arsenal 130). The whimsical O Mundo Fantástico da Sardinha Portuguesa is also a popular option, with locations all over the city, and country.
Canned sardines are delicious, affordable, and make for a great Lisbon souvenir. If you decide to pick some up at the supermarket, look for these brands: Minerva, Manná, Ramirez, Bom Petisco, and Nuri. You’ll also find canned tuna, mackerel, octopus, codfish, and many other kinds of conservas—we suggest trying as many as possible.
Local’s Tip: if you want to have a whole conservas feast, head to Sol e Pesca (R. Nova do Carvalho 44) on the famous Pink Street in Cais do Sodré. At this café, canned fish and seafood are the stars of the show.
The Sardine Dilemma: Overfishing and Restrictions
Lots of Portuguese people would find it hard to imagine a world without sardines. Unfortunately, over the last several decades Portugal’s sardine population has dropped dramatically, mostly due to climate change and overfishing. This has led the government to institute strict limits for the total quantity of sardines that can be caught and sold each year.
The fact that sardines have traditionally been sourced from local waters makes them more sustainable than, say, salt cod, which is mostly imported from Norway. But as the temperature rises in the Atlantic, these fish are heading north to find cooler waters. Young sardines are especially vulnerable to these changes, and without them it’s hard to replenish the population.
Sardines are traditionally eaten in summer because their reproductive season is from October to April. Fishing is prohibited during fall and winter to ensure that they’re able to reproduce. But as the population continues to decline, it looks like other solutions might be necessary.
How to Find Responsibly Sourced Seafood in Portugal
Whether you’re ordering fish at a Portuguese restaurant or buying it straight from the market, how can you make sure it’s sustainably sourced?
Your best bet is to speak directly to your server, or fishmonger. Ask what they recommend, which fish is the freshest, and where it was caught. This will allow you to make a more informed decision before digging in. We also suggest checking out this guide to Portuguese seafood to learn more about different kinds of fish in Portugal and their relative sustainability.
Sustainable Alternatives to Sardines
To avoid contributing to the problems above, one easy alternative is to eat other fish instead. Here’s some insider tips for enjoying sardine alternatives and even some great vegan options!
- Carapau (horse mackerel) and cavala (chub mackerel) are similar in taste to sardines, but more sustainable. They’re also highly traditional and authentic elements of Portuguese cuisine, and you can find them grilled, fried, or canned, just like sardines. Also, keep an eye out for carapauzinhos fritos: tiny fried mackerel that are usually served with tomato rice.
- Want to try fresh mackerel in Lisbon? Head to Pateo 13 in Alfama or Ponto Final in Cacilhas. For Ponto Final, you’ll have to take the ferry across the Tagus River, but it’s worth it for the fantastic views of the city.
- Forgo the fish entirely at one of the many fantastic plant-based restaurants in Lisbon. We know it’s exactly not the same, but there are some places making truly incredible vegan versions of Portuguese seafood! Try the “sardinha” melancólica at Ao 26 Vegan Food Project or the “bacalhau” com natas at A Minha Avó, and see for yourself.
Want to Taste Lisbon’s History in Food?
There’s a lot more where that came from: check out our Ultimate Lisbon Food Tour for a complete morning full of traditional Portuguese bites. The best part: we try them all at authentic spots locals love—no tourist traps here!
Featured Review: Ultimate Lisbon Food Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We had a really good food tasting tour. Tour guide was excellent and knowledgeable. Highly recommend her. Hopefully we will meet her again on next visit to Lisbon.”
– Jasbir on Tripadvisor
Sardines in Lisbon FAQs
What are sardines called in Lisbon?
In Lisbon, sardines are called sardinhas, and the most traditional preparation is sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines cooked over charcoal). This simple dish is one of the city’s most iconic foods and is especially popular during summer festivals.
When is the best time of year to eat sardines in Lisbon?
The best time to eat fresh sardines in Lisbon is from late May through early October, with peak season in June during the city’s famous festivals. Outside of these months, sardines are often frozen and don’t have the same flavor or texture.
How do you eat sardines in Lisbon?
Sardines are typically eaten whole.If the sardines are canned, the bones are edible; if they’re freshly grilled, you’ll need to remove the bones before eating them. Locals either enjoy them on a slice of bread (especially at festivals) or plated with boiled potatoes, salad, or roasted peppers. The smoky, crispy skin is considered one of the most flavorful parts!
Are canned sardines popular in Lisbon?
Yes, canned sardines (conservas) are a major part of Portuguese food culture. Unlike grilled sardines, they’re available year-round and often preserved in olive oil, tomato sauce, or spices. They’re commonly eaten on bread or added to salads and also make popular souvenirs.
Why are sardines so important in Lisbon?
Sardines have been a staple of Lisbon’s cuisine for centuries due to the city’s coastal location and fishing traditions. Today, they’re deeply tied to local culture and celebrations, especially the Santos Populares festival, when the streets are filled with the smell of grilled sardines and the sounds of neighborhood parties.
