What to eat Portugal? culinary specialties and gastronomy

The majority of restaurants are open at the same times as in France, with perhaps slightly longer opening hours: from 12:00 to 15:30 and from 19:00 to 22:30 on average. Most restaurants close once a week, usually on Sundays or Mondays, and also on public holidays.

Some restaurants (in the broadest sense) serve breakfast from 8am onwards most of the time. In the evenings, the successful establishments are full, so it's a good idea to book the same day or the day before to be sure of a place, and it costs nothing.

Count between 15 and 25 € for a good meal. But depending on the restaurant, prices can be lower or higher.

Tipping in restaurants is not obligatory in Portugal. In some tourist restaurants, it may be included as an option in the bill, but it's up to the individual. Be careful, however, as small hors d'oeuvres placed on the table, or bread, are very often subject to a charge, something that waiters say little about and that only locals, not necessarily tourists, know. The same applies to water: if you ask for it, they'll automatically bring you a bottle not included in the price, as carafes of water are not common practice in Portuguese restaurants.

If since 2008 it was forbidden to smoke in closed public places, except bars and restaurants, the latter joined the ban in 2015, electronic cigarette included. Previously restaurants had smoking and non-smoking areas, as it was known in France before the anti-smoking law of 2006, which came into force on¹ January 2008.

In tourist areas, beware of touts in front of restaurants, as this is often a bad sign for the quality of the food served. It never hurts to check the bill.

Bars and cafés are often open all day before the workers or students arrive at the end of the day. Happy hour starts around 5 or 6pm and lasts until 8pm, before the evening really gets going, sometimes from 10pm, and lasts until the end of the night for the most motivated (and depending on the opening hours of the chosen bar).

Alcohol can be consumed from the age of 18. You may be asked for your identity papers.

Pesticos are Portuguese tapas, very appetizing mini-bouchées to be enjoyed as an aperitif or as a starter.