Savoring Solo: A Single Mom's Guide to Choosing Your First Meal in Lisbon

Savoring Solo: A Single Mom's Guide to Choosing Your First Meal in Lisbon

The Importance of The First Meal

After being told my room wouldn't be ready for the next two hours, I walked out of the lobby of the Hotel Aurea Museum in Lisbon with a mission to find my first taste of Europe. Eager and impatient, I dismissed any thought of using navigation apps for suggestions. Instead, I followed my nose to the salt air of the Tagus River shoreline, just feet away from my hotel. I spotted a charming, efficient café that offered a limited menu but a breathtaking view. I sat for a bit, soaking in the ambiance of the river city, and thought, "My first meal shouldn't be from a convenience stand."

View of the Tagus River in Lisbon.

I believe the first meal of your trip sets the tone for your travel experience and introduces you to the flavors of a new destination. So, whatever you choose, make it special. After a few moments of contemplation, I decided to continue exploring, allowing the limestone cobblestones to guide me. As I meandered through the streets, I stumbled upon the Praça do Comércio, also known as Terreiro do Paço. This expansive square, one of the largest in Europe, exuded an air of grandeur and authenticity, making it the perfect spot to begin my culinary adventure in Lisbon.

Walking through the majestic archway to Rua Augusta  R. Augusta(a notable street), I found myself surrounded by a plethora of shops and eateries, all buzzing with life. The courtyard was filled with people enjoying their meals, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. As I wandered past the restaurants, friendly hosts with big smiles eagerly tried to convince me to dine at their establishments. The variety of options was overwhelming, making it a delightful challenge to choose the perfect place for my first meal. Due to my limited Portuguese, I relied on the pictures posted at each restaurant to help me decide.

Praça do Comércio, also known as Terreiro do Paço.  

Embrace the Excitement

Exploring this vibrant plaza alone was absolutely thrilling. The endless possibilities for culinary exploration were a dream come true—each restaurant offered a unique and array of dishes, from exotic local delicacies to familiar comfort foods. I had complete control over my choices, savoring the freedom to indulge in whatever caught my eye. Without the need to consider the opinions and limited palate of my 8-year-old daughter or my motherly instincts to ensure she ate well, I felt a liberating sense of independence. Single moms or moms period, deserve experiences like this, moments where they can relish the joy of discovering new flavors and enjoy a break from their daily responsibilities. Though I was nervous about picking something I wouldn’t like, I was also most excited to embrace this culinary adventure alone.

 Know Your Options

The great thing about Lisbon is that you have countless options. The challenging thing about Lisbon is navigating all those options. From cozy cafes to bustling markets, there's something to suit every taste and budget. The city's culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional Portuguese cuisine—featuring seafood delights, savory bacalhau dishes, and sweet pastries—and a variety of influences from neighboring European countries like Spain, France, and Italy. Whether you're in the mood for tapas, fine dining, or a hearty Italian meal, Lisbon has it all.

After walking around for about an hour, it was time for me to make a decision. Being so close to the river Tagus and the Atlantic Ocean, I decided that the perfect first meal should be seafood, my favorite. I meticulously studied each restaurant display, searching for words like seafood, crab, shrimp, and scallops. While I didn't see those specific words, I did spot a promising picture of a dish brimming with seafood immersed in a rich, deep red broth at  Good Fellas Italian Cuisine. The image of the seafood was convincing, with the vibrant colors and generous portions of seafood promising an explosion of flavors. "Mmm," I thought. "This looks incredibly promising.”

My view of  my seat at Good Fellas Restaurant of travelers navigating Rua Augusta.

Follow Your Instincts

Trust your instincts and follow your cravings. Let the smell of freshly baked bread guide you to a nearby bakery, or the aroma of pastries draw you into a cozy café selling pastel de natas. You might also find yourself enticed by the scent of chestnuts roasting on a street corner, offering a simple yet satisfying treat that captures the everyday charm of Lisbon. Trust what you're craving and don't stop until you find it.

And remember, a picture is worth a thousand words. When you're deciding what to order, let the images on the menu or the dishes you see around you guide your choices. Often, a glance at a beautifully presented dish can help you choose wisely and lead you to an unforgettable culinary experience.

I trusted my instincts and ordered a glass of red wine that I thought would pair well with my dish and it did. While I waited, I returned to the picture, hoping for an English description to get more details about what was to come. Most restaurants in this plaza had translations in English and French. The dish, called Cataplana de Peixe com Camarão, translates to fish stew with shrimp. The waiter arrived with a large metal bowl, using a towel to protect his hand. He dramatically removed the lid, and a cloud of steam rose, revealing my dish in all its glory.

The simple English translation did no justice to the complexity of the rich tomato broth. As I lifted the serving ladle, the broth revealed flaky white fish, bell peppers, onions, and potatoes, all swimming in the vibrant broth. Each ingredient was impeccably fresh, reflecting the high standards of Lisbon's markets. The fish, likely caught that morning, was tender and succulent. The bell peppers added a sweet crunch, while the onions provided a subtle depth of flavor. The potatoes were perfectly cooked, absorbing the savory essence of the broth. Fresh coriander garnished the dish, adding a fragrant, herbal note that elevated each bite. It was by far one of the best things I have ever tasted.

A close of up of my seafood dish.

Embrace the Adventure

I encourage you, while traveling to Lisbon, to step outside your comfort zone. Try dishes you’ve never heard of, explore unfamiliar ingredients, and embrace unexpected culinary adventures. You may discover your “new favorite thing.”

Trying new foods broadens your palate and deepens your appreciation of local culture and history. Each dish tells a story and offers a taste of the traditions and innovations of the region. It can be a delightful surprise, revealing flavors and combinations you might never have imagined. This exploration not only enhances your culinary experience but also enriches your journey as a whole.

Sharing meals with locals fosters connections and understanding, making your experiences more meaningful and memorable. Food is a universal language that brings people together, allowing you to bond over shared tastes and new discoveries. These interactions can lead to fascinating conversations and a deeper connection with the place you’re visiting.

For example, I tried octopus with sweet potato puree in Lisbon. Did I like it? No, but I tried it. The experience taught me more about local flavors and cooking techniques, and it made me appreciate the boldness and creativity of the cuisine. Even when you don't enjoy a particular dish, the act of trying something new is an adventure in itself and adds to your overall travel experience.

Here's to the delicious adventures that await you and the unforgettable memories you'll make in the culinary wonderland of Lisbon. May each meal be a delightful discovery, and every bite a celebration of the vibrant flavors this city has to offer. Enjoy your dining journey, and let the flavors of Lisbon be the highlight of your travels!