How Much Does Eating Out in Portugal Cost?

Dining out in Portugal has always been part of daily life, but prices vary widely depending on the type of restaurant and the region. From a simple lunch menu for under €10 to a Michelin-starred tasting menu costing hundreds, the range is broad.

Lunch menus and simple restaurants

Many local tascas still serve a prato do dia (lunch menu) for €8-10. This usually includes soup, a main course, a drink, and coffee. Ordering just a main dish in an average restaurant remains affordable at around €12.

Average restaurants

Those who want a relaxed dinner – with a starter, main course, and a drink – will quickly spend €20-35 per person.

Tourist areas and upscale dining

In tourist regions such as the Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto, prices rise significantly. A meal in a good-quality restaurant will often cost over €60 per person, excluding wine.

Bib Gourmand restaurants

The Michelin Guide also highlights Bib Gourmand restaurants for their excellent price-quality ratio. Here, a 3-course dinner typically costs €30-40 per person. A single main course in this segment usually costs €15-20. Slightly more expensive, but you get top-quality food and service!

Michelin restaurants

For true fine dining, Portugal’s Michelin-starred restaurants offer tasting menus with 6 to 12 courses, usually ranging from €120 to €240 per person, excluding wine pairings. For food lovers, this is the ultimate Portuguese culinary experience.

Regional differences

Outside the big cities and in traditional regions such as the Alentejo, prices are much friendlier. You can still enjoy a full dinner for €25-30 per person, often with generous portions and authentic dishes – highly recommended!

Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions

How much does lunch cost in Portugal?
According to Idealista, the average is €17.82 on weekdays and €18.29 at weekends. This includes pricier restaurants and extras. Traditional lunch menus (prato do dia) are still around €8-10.

What does a main course cost in Portugal?
In an average restaurant, a main dish is about €12. In Bib Gourmand restaurants, expect €15-20.

How much does dinner cost in Portugal?
A relaxed dinner with starter, main, and drink usually costs €20-35 per person.

What about Bib Gourmand restaurants?
A 3-course menu costs around €30-40 per person, with high-quality food at fair prices.

What do Michelin restaurants in Portugal charge?
Tasting menus range from €120-240 per person, excluding wine pairings.

Are tourist areas more expensive?
Yes. In the Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto, good-quality restaurants often charge €60+ per person (excluding wine).

Are restaurants outside the cities cheaper?
Definitely. In the Alentejo and other traditional regions, you can enjoy a full dinner for €25-30 per person – authentic and generous.