9 Best Cooking Classes in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is one of the most iconic cities in Europe, and it’s famous for many things, but in my opinion, nothing beats its cuisine. It’s one of the country’s gems, and while the capital city’s architecture, traditional azulejos, and culture are reason enough to visit, my personal motive is always the food. I think you’ll agree after you eat your way through Lisbon!

Even better than stuffing yourself with pasteis de nata and petiscos, however, is joining a cooking class and learning all the secrets behind these dishes yourself. That way, you can continue eating them long after the trip is over.

I love cooking classes, and I try to join one in every city I visit. Lisbon has to be one of my favorites, especially as I’m obsessed with the little custard pastries the city’s so well known for. Besides, a cooking class offers a deeper dive into the local culture and traditions, and it’s a super fun activity!

As I believe it’s one of the best things to do in Lisbon, I’ve taken it upon myself to curate this list, which will hopefully help you choose an iconic experience to enjoy on your visit.

Below you’ll find the most remarkable cooking classes in Lisbon, so take a look and pick your favorite!

Why should you trust me? I’ve been curating travel guides and tours for ten years, and I’ve personally taken part in many food tours around the world. I’ve used my special talent for identifying extraordinary activities to ensure the tours below are high-quality, offer excellent value, and are worthy of your time. 

Besides, I’ve been to Lisbon multiple times since 2014, and trust me when I say: I’ve eaten A LOT during those visits. I’m very familiar with the city’s culinary scene, so you’re in good hands.

I use Viator to book experiences around the world, and I especially recommend this platform for its great cancellation policy. If for any reason your travel plans change, you can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Limited time? These are the top tours:

OUR PICK: The BEST Cooking Class in Lisbon

This Lisbon: Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class means business, because it will have you preparing a 4-course feast of delectable dishes. An expert will introduce you to the country’s gastronomy and traditions, and guide you through the process.

Beer and wine, along with finger food and snacks, will be available to nibble on while you cook, learning about each dish, the spices and ingredients required, and special cooking techniques.

The class takes place in a cozy kitchen, and it’s led by expert chefs, who will guide you step-by-step as you set out the ingredients, combine them, and hone your cooking skills to whip up Portuguese specialties.

The menu varies depending on the day, but it features Lisbon classics and always includes a Pastel de Nata, the city’s most beloved pastry (and my absolute favorite!) You’ll learn how to make it from scratch and eat it for dessert when you sit down to relish your creations.

Pair the meal with wine, beer, homemade juice, or water, and capped off the experience with a coffee.

Why is this the best tour? It’s a small-group class, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience, and it introduces you to the most traditional local recipes, from main dishes to pasteis de nata. You’ll get just the right number of instructions to know what you’re doing, yet be in charge of your meal, and have plenty of beer and wine to sip throughout the class.

Read what the reviews say:

“I absolutely recommend it. Mafalda, our chef teacher, is simply amazing! The tips, instructions were spot on and she is very sympathetic and thoughtful! The food? Also tasted awesome! The kitchen is super clean, professional and have everything one may need. The group I joined was also great. Overall an amazing workshop experience :)”

Bianca – Read more reviews

This tour includes: All ingredients, a guide, recipes, drinks, and a 4-course meal. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Other Traditional Portuguese Cooking Classes

▶️ This Lisbon Portuguese Cooking Class with 3-Course Dinner introduces you to the secrets and flavors of Portugal’s cuisine. You’ll embark on a hands-on learning experience, preparing a traditional 3-course meal using seasonal ingredients.

At the end of the class, indulge in your preparations and dessert with local wines. 

This class includes: All ingredients, a chef / guide, a meal paired with wine, coffee and tea. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ This Lisbon Market and Food Tour with Cooking Class and Lunch is a 5-hour experience. It starts with a trip to a local market, where you’ll get fresh produce and ingredients for the class. 

You’ll then follow a chef’s instructions to prepare meat and fish dishes, as well as a Portuguese dessert that you’ll enjoy at the end of the class. 

This class includes: A market tour, a guide, all ingredients, lunch, and wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ The Lisbon: Portuguese street food cooking class with Drinks allows you to dive into the flavors of street food from the other side: by cooking them!

Following an expert’s instructions, you’ll learn to prepare Bifana, Caldo Verde, and the original Peixinhos da Horta. As you mix ingredients and cook, hear the stories behind each dish, and discover Portugal’s culinary traditions from the locals.

The cooking class, which lasts a couple of hours, finishes with a delicious tasting of your creations, paired with Portuguese wine and ginja, a sherry liqueur.

This class includes: Chef guidance, all ingredients and utensils, a glass of wine, ginja liquor, and a meal. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Pastel de Nata Baking Classes in Lisbon

▶️ Those with a sweet tooth will particularly enjoy this Lisbon: Pastel de Nata Baking Class. Guided by a friendly chef, you’ll prepare your own batch of Pasteis de Nata, the city’s most famous pastry, from scratch, learning the exact steps, ingredients, and techniques behind a flaky, delicious pastel.

Watch as the pastries turn golden in the oven, and once baked, enjoy them with a selection of local drinks, which includes coffee, homemade juice, Porto wine, and even sherry liqueur.

This class includes: An instructor, all ingredients and utensils, insurance, pastel de nata, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ The Pastel de Nata Masterclass at a real bakery in Lisbon is a really good alternative. It takes place in an award-winning bakery that specializes in the most popular pastry.

You’ll get to make your very own Pastel de Nata from scratch, and learn about this famous dessert. Your chef-instructor will be happy to answer your questions and tell you about life as a baker in Lisbon. 

This class includes: A guided class, all ingredients, water, coffee, and three Pastéis de Nata fresh from the oven. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Private Cooking Classes

▶️ Looking for private cooking classes? Lisbon is also the place for it. This Private Portuguese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Lisbon Local is fantastic for groups. Taking advantage of the undivided attention of your chef, you’ll learn to prepare authentic local dishes.

Enjoy welcome drinks and appetizers, and immerse yourself in the creation of a multi-course feast, that you’ll later relish with a glass of wine.

This class includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, all ingredients, a private chef, a meal, and wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ This Private Market Tour and Portuguesse-Goan Cooking Class with Paula starts with a visit to a local market. There, you’ll learn about the local produce and select fresh ingredients for your cooking class.

Your host will welcome you in her house, and teach you to prepare both traditional and Goan dishes, influenced by Portuguese cuisine. Delve into the history of the recipes and the connection between the two places before sampling your creations.

This class includes: A market tour, all ingredients, a private guide, a meal, coffee and tea, and alcoholic beverages. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

A Petiscos Class in Lisbon: Learn How To Make Portuguese Tapas

The Portuguese ‘Petiscos’ Cooking Class will teach you all the secrets behind the country’s tapas, known as petiscos. These small plates are a staple in the local gastronomy, and you’ll learn how to make them under the careful watch of a professional chef. 

Cap off the class with a tasting of your petiscos, and take the recipes home with you.

This class includes: A guide, all ingredients, petiscos tastings, drinks, and coffee/tea. ➥ BOOK IT HERE