Hidden Flavors of the Hillside: Mouraria & Graça

From$135

5 hours – 6 hours

Max 7 people

Lisbon, Portugal

About this activity

On this afternoon food tour in Lisbon, we’ll explore the old and the new in the kitchens of Mouraria and Graça, which are home to historic and scenic backstreets.

Highlights

Features fantastic views of Lisbon's hills
Wine tasting
Features seafood
Explore the old and the new cuisine

Full description

We will go in search of this enticing district’s taste of both tradition and change. We’ll begin with the daily specials at an age-old tasca, a quintessential Lisbon experience. Up the hill, we’ll visit a new school taberna where the chef/owner applies unorthodox technique to the fish and seafood traditions of Portugal. Later, we’ll get a taste of spanking fresh clams, when in season, and the famous prego, steak sandwich, at a workingman’s lunch counter. There will be house-made piripiri sauce that made its way here from West Africa, ancient garum sauce that has been produced here since Roman times and many more saucy bites along the way. We’ll stop by a community-run kiosk for a bite of something sweet and finish our odyssey at an old neighborhood association located in a rundown palace where we will have a sip of chilled muscatel while enjoying the timeless view of the sun setting behind the castle on the hill.

In Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods of Mouraria and Graça, where scenic little streets spread out, web-like, in the shadows of St. George Castle, the smell of change (and, of course, garlic) is in the air. Though a long neglected corner of the city, these days many old buildings are rapidly being renewed here, new communities are sinking roots and new restaurants are opening, challenging the stodgy and rough identity that the area is famous for. After all, this is where fado – Lisbon’s trademark musical style – was born in seedy 19th century taverns. Here is one of the bastions of the annual St. Anthony celebrations, where sardines are grilled on street corners. Here also is an incredibly diverse population of old locals, new immigrants and Portuguese bohemians living as neighbors. Here can be found the flavors so integral to the city’s traditions – right alongside delicious evidence that this place is in a state of transition.

Included / Excluded

Guided tour through Plaka and Anafiotika neighborhoods
Tastings of traditional Greek dishes and local specialties
Wine tasting featuring small Greek producers

Transportation to and from the meeting point

Meeting point

Start Location

Intendente, Lisbon, Portugal

Important information

Know before you book

The tour is conducted in English; proficiency is recommended.
Some stops may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments due to stairs and uneven terrain.
The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Know before you go

Wear comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets.
Bring a light jacket or sweater as evenings can be cool.
Ensure you have a valid ID if you plan to participate in wine tasting.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

More than one week before the beginning of the activity: 90% Refund Less than one week before the beginning of the activity: 50% Refund Less than 72 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: No Refund

Reviews

5.0(31 reviews)

Justin Markley

Jun 2026

5.0

We really enjoyed our tour with Dennis, great food and conversation! It was a great introduction to Tokyo and we really appreciated all his helpful tips for navigating the city

Liu Marian

Jun 2026

5.0

My husband booked the Monzen-Nakacho tour a couple of months ago. We wanted to do a food tour in Japan, because did a food tour in another country with another company and had a good time. This tour is the next level. Dennis and Kan (invited by Dennis so we had two guides!) are not only personable and knowledgeable, they know how to break down the barriers for us to learn Japanese culture. My husband understands Japanese food while I’m completely ignorant, and both of us had a wonderful time. We were (apparently) there for the food, but we got to learn the history, beliefs, and culture behind and beyond the food and drinks. Getting to meet locals who are masters of their crafts is another highlight. Dennis and Kan were great in getting us to interact with locals and with each other within our small group. Six hours flew by and it felt like we have known these people for much longer because of the meaningful conversations! Will return for their other food tours when we visit Japan again!

Ditha Rimadiputri

Jun 2026

5.0

I wanted to taste and get a better grasp of Tokyo’s culinary scene, and this tour delivered exactly that. Elly, our wonderful tour guide, shared a wealth of historical knowledge and fascinating insights about the city and its food culture. As a professional chef, I left the tour feeling inspired, satisfied, and genuinely impressed by the variety of foods I was able to experience. My biggest thanks go to Elly for guiding us to some of the best bites in Tokyo and making the experience so memorable.