Portugal's culinary scene highlighted with José Avillez's Lisbon picks and Leiria's Combinado beach restaurant

Renowned Portuguese chef José Avillez named five Lisbon eateries that he says deliver authentic, generous Portuguese cooking. His list includes the traditional tavern Zé da Mouraria, the famed seafood spot Cervejaria Ramiro, and the long‑standing restaurants O Poleiro, O Magano and Coelho da Rocha, all praised for simple dishes such as roasted cod, fresh fish and classic stews.

On Portugal’s central coast, the beachside restaurant Combinado in Praia do Pedrógão (Leiria) offers a sprawling menu of seafood, grilled meats and shareable platters. Highlights feature a seven‑variety seafood feast, an octopus‑and‑prawn skewer, and a range of burgers and steaks, all served in generous portions for diners after a day at the beach.