Time Out Lisbon: A Culinary Haven for Foodies
Time Out Market Lisbon is a food hall in the heart of Lisbon. It’s a culinary paradise showcasing Portuguese cuisine, a must-visit spot for travelers, locals, and food enthusiasts. You can savor everything from Bacalhau to Pastel de Nata here.
The food hall’s journey began in 2014 when the travel magazine Time Out opened its first Time Out Market in Lisbon’s historic Mercado da Ribeira. This modern food hall concept has since spread to London, Miami, Boston, New York, Montreal, and Dubai, with plans for a new location in Osaka in 2025.
During my recent trip to Lisbon, I visited the food hall to indulge in their renowned savory delights.
As I stepped inside, the lively atmosphere greeted me with vendors, laughter, and conversations, providing a welcome escape from the scorching heat. Navigating the crowd, I claimed a spot at the large communal table, then opted for Bacalhau, a salted codfish croquete with a crispy golden crust, and, later, the coveted Pastel de Nata, a creamy custard which transported me back to my childhood, reminding me of the fish cakes my mom would make and the pastel de nata, for some reason, reminded me of an egg custard we had on Sundays.
If you are traveling to Lisbon, Portugal, you should add it to your list of places to visit.
5 Reasons to visit Time Out Market Lisbon
1. Croquetes & Bacalhau
At Time Out Market Lisbon, visitors are treated to an authentic taste of Portugal’s culinary heritage, with croquetes and bacalhau taking center stage.
Croquete is a traditional snack or appetizer in Portugal. These delicious treats are made of shredded meat, typically chicken or beef, mixed with mashed potatoes and various herbs and spices. The crowd-pleasing version of croquete known as bacalhau, however, is made from salted codfish and is especially popular during Easter season in Portugal, as it is a tradition to eat bacalhau dishes during this holiday.
Luckily, the Croqueteria at Time Out Market Lisbon boasts a variety of creative croquete and bacalhau recipes year-round, so you are bound to find one with flavors you’ll like. I grew up eating salted fish cake, so the bacalhau option was my favorite here. You can also find a variety of these savory treats at Terra do Bacalhau.
2. Pasteis de Nata
No visit to Time Out Market Lisbon is complete without indulging in Portugal’s sweetest sensation, pastel de nata.
These delicate custard tarts, with their flaky crusts and velvety fillings, perfectly showcase the artistry of Portugal’s pastry masters. Sink your teeth into a warm, freshly baked pastel de nata and savor the flavors of cinnamon and sugar that lingers on your palate.
One of my favorite spots, Manteigaria, an essential stop for dessert enthusiasts, offers up these mouthwatering treats, crafted to perfection.
3. Culinary Diversity
Time Out Market Lisbon brings together an eclectic mix of chefs and food vendors under one roof.
Wander through the food hall and explore the finest Portuguese and international cuisine from top Michelin-star chefs. To fully savor all the tantalizing creations of these talented chefs, you would need to spend about a week here.
The food hall’s eateries cater to every palate, from traditional Portuguese cuisines to simple salads, sandwiches, and Asian tartar. You can also find artisanal dough pizza at Zero Zero and, not to be forgotten, the American-style donuts at Crush Doughnuts.
Don’t forget to visit the charming shop, A Vida Portuguesa. While it’s not a food stall, you can still get a taste of Portugal by picking up one of their favorite canned fish—sardines anyone? This delightful store also offers handmade souvenirs and unique kitchenware.
4. The Steak Sandwich
If you have a hankering for steak, try the Portuguese traditional steak sandwich at O Prego da Peixaria. This beloved sandwich features juicy and tender strips of beef steak, perfectly grilled to retain their natural flavors. It is served on a fresh bread roll or sweet bun.
The sandwich is said to be named after a local business owner, Manuel Dias Prego, who started selling these roasted or grilled meat sandwiches. Then there is another version of this story, which suggests that the name “prego,” translated as “nail” in English, refers to the process of nailing or pounding the garlic into the slices of steak.
However it originated, we should pay homage to this savory delight.
5. The Octopus
For the adventurous, one of the classic octopus dishes you might try is “Polvo à Lagareiro.” This traditional Portuguese dish starts with an octopus that is boiled, then roasted in the oven with generous amounts of olive oil and garlic, and sometimes accompanied by potatoes.
This method of cooking results in a succulent and flavorful octopus dish. While I wasn’t brave enough to order it, I tried enough of it from my daughter’s plate to appreciate the gentle flavors of the octopus.
Final Thoughts
Time Out Market Lisbon is a true gem and more than just a destination for food; it’s a vibrant place that celebrates traditional Portuguese cuisine. Whether indulging in the iconic Baccalhau and Pastel de Nata, or Octopus, you’ll discover a world of flavors, lively atmosphere, and creativity.
