Dining Out in Portugal: Everything You Need to Know
If you are new to dining in Portugal, here are some tips on how to navigate dining like a local. From tipping, table manners, what do with covert, and open hours, following this restaurant etiquette will help you enjoy Portuguese cuisine to the fullest.
Tipping
This will vary on who you ask, but the consensus seems to be that tipping is
never expected but is always appreciated.
Some practices for good services and/or to show appreciation:
Round up (ie: if the total bill is 13,80€ pay 15€)
10% of the total
1€ per plate or 5-10€ per table depending on size of the party and bill amount
It is rare to be prompted to add a tip to a credit card payment, so be sure to ask before paying if you would like to add a tip. Some establishments are not set up to add tips to card payments, so it is always best practice to carry coins or small bills if you opt to tip.
It is becoming increasing popular to see “tip jars” in larger cities, like Lisbon and Porto, as well as popular tourist areas in the Algarve. This practice is heavily geared toward tourists and is entirely optional. If you want to toss your change in the jar, feel free to do so, but it is not expected.
Opening Times
Dinner in Portugal tends to be later than many places, with most places opening at 7:00pm. This can be difficult for travelers accustomed to eating earlier, or traveling with children, so a little planning and research may be beneficial if you prefer to eat earlier.
Keep in mind that most local restaurants close between lunch and dinner service, typically from 3pm-7pm, and many places are only open for dinner, opening between 6:30-7pm.
Many local restaurants are also closed on Sunday and Monday, so it is always advisable to check opening times and plan accordingly if there are particular places you would like to eat at.
Reservations
Do I need to make a reservation?
This will depend greatly on a few factors: Where you are, what season it is, and how popular the restaurant is.
Generally, you do not need to make reservations outside of high season (ie: summer) or for local establishments that don’t advertise or cater exclusively to tourists.
If you are really set on dining at a specific restaurant at a specific time, it is always advisable to make a reservation to be sure.
Some restaurants will have the option to make reservations through their website, or booking platforms like Open Table and The Fork (widely used in Portugal). You may need to get a little creative with contacting restaurants if you are unable to call from your local number. I have found sending messages through Facebook and Instagram to be quick and effective for making reservations if I am unable to get through via phone.
Seat yourself
In most casual dining places, especially for lunch, there is no need to wait for a host/ess (there likely isn’t one) and you can just grab any open table and a server will come to you shortly. If I see a server, or other staff, I will usually just ask “anywhere is okay?” and the answer is almost always “yes”.
As a general rule: any place that would like you to wait to be seated will have a sign stating so or “reserved” signs on the tables.
Service
Meals in Portugal are meant to be enjoyed slowly. A typical dinner can be up to 2+ hours, lunch or brunch about an hour (longer if you choose).
There is often no rush, not timeline, no pressure or server approaching every 5 minutes to check in and see what you may need.
Some travelers see this as rude or poor service if they are not accustomed to it or expecting it, but knowing a few of these common practices can make for a much better dining experience:
If you need something, ask
It is not considered rude to wave down a server, or pop your hand up if you are ready to order, need another drink, want the check, etc.
It is a very rare occurrence for a server to offer or bring a check to a table without being asked. In the 2 years I have been traveling to Portugal, there has only been one occasion where I was asked if it was okay to bring the check and that was because my party was there well past closing time, and the owner needed to go home. If you are finished and ready to pay, simply let the server know you would like the check.
*It saves them a trip if you let them know you are paying with a card when asking for the check, as nearly all restaurants bring the card reader to the table.
Asking for the bill in Portuguese: A conta, por favor (the bill, please)
Couvert is not free
This can consist of a variety of things from bread, butter, and olives, or cut vegetables, bread sticks, etc and is brought to the table at a beginning of a meal. This is often assumed to be free, but is not. It is generally a minimal cost, but still a cost so don’t be surprised if it is added to your bill.
This can be turned down when brought to the table with a simple “No thank you” or left unopened/untouched on the table.
Water
Generally, when ordering water in a restaurant, you will be asked “still or sparkling” then “big or small” and be brought a bottle accordingly.
It is legally required for restaurants to offer tap water free of charge in Portugal. I have never had an issue requesting tap water, which I often prefer over utilizing a plastic bottle, and because it is free.
Simply ask for “tap water” or a “cup of water”.
Kid-Friendly
Overall, restaurants in Portugal are kid-friendly in that children are welcome in restaurants and are very often included in dining out.
If you are in a tourist-forward area, you will find restaurants offering children’s menus including some “Americanized” standards like chicken tenders, burgers, etc. However, it is rare to find children’s menus in local establishments that differ from the standard menu.
It is also rare to find children with iPads, tablets, etc in local restaurants, but this is your vacation, so if that is what keeps your littles occupied and allows you to enjoy your meal - use them! Just be sure you have headphones.
Pet Friendly
Restaurants in Portugal are overarchingly not pet-friendly. While there are some exceptions, especially in some newer places in tourist and expat-heavy cities like Lisbon and Porto, for the most part; pets are only allowed in outdoor dining areas, if at all.
The most important “Rule” to follow when dining out in Portugal:
Relax and Enjoy
Meals in Portugal are meant to be experienced and savored slowly without interruption or pressure.
Sink into the meal and the moment and savor all the flavors Portugal has to offer.
For a Full List of Must-Try Lisbon Restaurants
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For a Full List of the Best Brunch Spots in Lisbon
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