Finding a Portuguese weekday lunch menu

Look for prato do dia, the dish of the day, when you want a straightforward cooked lunch in Portugal. It may be sold on its own or as part of a menu. Read the board carefully before assuming soup, a drink and coffee all come with it.

A fixed “lunch under €9” rule is too narrow for the whole country. Prices vary by city, neighbourhood and what is included. Compare the complete meal you would order rather than looking only for the smallest number outside.

Ask what comes with the offer

Useful questions are simple: does it include a drink, is dessert or coffee included, and is the listed price per person? If the menu gives a choice between two things, do not count both in your budget.

Visit Porto's restaurant directory gives an example of a restaurant advertising several lunch-menu levels with different inclusions. Treat directory prices as a starting point and confirm the current menu with the restaurant before relying on them.

If bread, olives or other small items are placed on the table, ask about the charge before eating them. You can decline food you do not want. That is easier than trying to untangle an unexpected bill afterwards.

Use the weekday rhythm

Lunch offers often have a limited serving period and may change at weekends. Visit Portugal's practical guide describes lunch as an earlier-afternoon meal, so do not assume a workplace-style lunch menu will still be available late in the day.

Arrive with a little flexibility about the dish. A small place may cook a limited amount, and the first choice can sell out. Ask about the alternative and its price rather than ordering hurriedly.

Keep the meal comfortable

A soup and main may be plenty, while another day you may want a slower lunch with dessert. Choose according to your appetite and plans. Check the recipe if you avoid meat, fish or dairy; a short translation may leave out stock, sauces or garnishes.

For days when you want something quicker, our Portuguese snack guide explains bifanas, francesinhas and pastry stops without treating them as interchangeable meals.