Casa Portuguesa's signature creation combines a fried codfish cake (pastel de bacalhau) with a filling of creamy Serra da Estrela DOP cheese, a protected regional cheese known for its soft, spreadable texture. The pastry is crispy on the outside and tender inside. It's presented on an artist's palette with a small glass of Port wine, making it as much a visual experience as a culinary one.
Tips from diners
This is THE signature dish—do not skip it. The combination of crispy fried fish cake with soft cheese and tart Port wine is uniquely Portuguese and worth trying once.
The small glass of Port wine that comes with the dish is meant to be sipped alongside. It cuts through the richness of the fried pastry and cheese beautifully.
Ruby or Tawny Port wine served by the glass.
Tips from diners
Comes with the signature codfish + cheese dish, but you can also order Port separately if you want to try different styles.
Small pastry with sweet cheese filling and egg.
Tips from diners
If you want a smaller, sweeter item after the savory codfish cake, try this. It's a traditional Portuguese pastry.
Traditional Portuguese codfish cake, fried until crispy.
Tips from diners
The plain version without cheese is cheaper but less interesting. The cheese version at €12 is worth the extra cost for the unique flavor combination.
Raw beef tartare served with bread.
Tips from diners
This is not the main draw here—many reviewers skip it. Order the codfish cake instead, which is what this place is known for.
Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau opened in 2015 and now operates 11 locations across Portugal. The signature dish combines two Portuguese icons: codfish cakes (pastéis de bacalhau) with Serra da Estrela DOP cheese, a protected regional cheese from central Portugal. The pairing with Port wine is a nod to Lisbon's historic wine culture.
This is a casual eat-standing-up operation in a tourist area (Baixa-Chiado). It's located right on Rua Augusta, one of Lisbon's main shopping streets. Don't expect sit-down service or a long meal—order, eat, and go.
The €12 signature dish is on the higher end for a single pastel, but it's unique to this place and worth the price once. Regular codfish cakes elsewhere are cheaper at €3–5.
No reservations needed or accepted. Walk in during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon, 3–5pm) to avoid crowds of tourists. Lunch (noon–2pm) and evening (after 7pm) are busier.
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