Portugal Guide: Time Out Market Lisboa
Time Out Market Lisboa
A good friend of mine—who is also a Chef— frequently visits Portugal and I always trust a Chef’s advice on where to eat, so when he told me that Time Out Market Lisboa—also known as Mercado da Ribeira — is not to be missed, I believed him. This market bookended our time in Portugal, it was the spot of our first and last meals in Lisbon and it did not disappoint. In this large food hall you’ll have the opportunity to dine on the best traditional Portuguese fare or if you choose you can find great sushi, pizza, and my son’s meal of choice, burgers. Below, I let you know where we ate and what we thought.
Nestled in the heart of Lisbon, Time Out Market stands as an emblem of culinary excellence and cultural vibrancy, beckoning both locals and travelers alike to indulge in an unparalleled gastronomic experience. This vibrant marketplace, born from the vision of Time Out magazine, curates the finest offerings from the city's diverse culinary scene, showcasing the talents of renowned chefs and artisans under one roof. From sizzling seafood to tantalizing pastries, every corner of Time Out Market teems with the aromas and flavors of Portuguese cuisine, inviting visitors to embark on a culinary journey like no other. Beyond its culinary treasures, the market pulsates with an infectious energy, alive with live music, cultural events, and a convivial atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Lisbon. With its eclectic mix of flavors, sights, and sounds, Time Out Market Lisbon emerges as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to savor the essence of this dynamic city.
HENRIQUE SÁ PESSOA
On our first visit I was attracted to ordering from Henrique Sá Pessoa before I put it together that it is the two Michelin Starred Chef of our favorite meal in Lisboa at ALMA. Like ALMA, the dishes here at Time Out Market are rooted in traditional Portuguese cuisine but with international influences. We enjoyed the octopus salad, yellowtale tartare, and braised beef cheeks. It was the perfect introduction to Portuguese cuisine.
CHEF SUSANA FELICIDADE
For our last meal we were drawn to Cozinha da Felicidade to try Chef Susana Felicidade’s traditional Algarve dishes centered on our favorites, fish and shellfish. We tried the Shrimp feijoada which was entirely seafood based with a white bean stew and rice, a sardine and tomato toast, and a tomato salad. Each dish was very satisfying and tasty.
GROUND BURGER
It’s easy to understand why my son was immediately drawn to Ground Burger on both visits to the Time Out Lisboa Market. The burgers are “150-gram hamburgers made from certified Black Angus beef, the American-style buns made every day in house”. With the option of added crispy bacon, and/or a fried egg this spot holds good appeal for a healthy appetite. Don’t forget to order a side of fresh cut and fried fries with garlic and rosemary and a little mayo dip on the side.
CRUSH DOUGHNUTS
Just one look at the Peanut Butter and Chocolate Doughnut in the photo reel and you’ll understand the draw to Crush Doughnuts. These artisanal doughnuts are beautiful and come in a variety of tempting flavors with fresh berries, and candied nuts. The doughnuts are made from a brioche dough fermented for 24 hours and the result is a light, puffy texture that compliments the glaze and toppings without overpowering. Very tasty!
MANTEIGARIA SILVA
It is said that Manteigaria Silva serves up the best pastéis de nata in Lisboa. While I didn’t have the chance to try Pastéis de Belém—also known for excellent pastéis de nata—these were certainly my favorite from Lisboa to Coimbra to Porto. According to their Time Out Market Lisboa write up, the secret to these tasty pastéis de nata is that they use whole eggs, butter, sugar, and no preservatives, and the pastry is hand kneaded and folded. It was served warm and the pastry was thinner, crispier, and flakier than anywhere else and the filing was custardy but more firm which is likely the result of using the whole egg rather than just the yolks. Dosed with powdered sugar and cinnamon, when at Time Out Market Lisboa do not pass up this treat.
L’ ÉCLAIR
My wife and my mother are huge fans of this French pastry so it was not likely for us to leave the Time Out Market without a few éclairs in tow. We ordered the chestnut, my mom’s favorite, the chocolate noir, and the praline. They each were delicious and I believe you simply cannot make a wrong choice here.
MANTEIGARIA
Cheese lovers know that Portugal produces some really delicious cheese. Before taking off my wife wanted a Portuguese cheeseboard so we headed to Manteigaria. For more than 100 years, Manteigaria has been selling charcuterie at Mercado da Ribeira. While we created a board of Portuguese cheeses, you also have the option of selecting meats and sausages. We had a cow, sheep, and goat cheese and they were each aromatic and bursting with tasty flavor.
To conclude! Foodies, get yourselves to Time Out Market Lisboa. We barely scratched the surface of all the wonderful culinary delights this market offers. Also, be sure to visit the flower shops and artisans for some great jewelry, handbags, and gifts.
