Locals in Lisbon love piri-piri chicken as a takeout food. You are in for a treat if you like me and enjoy food.
You can find the best piri-piri chicken in Lisbon. Each restaurant or cafe knows how to make the marinade and sauce using piri-piri chili pepper, which is mouthwatering 😋.
Today, chicken is famous in Portugal and is found in most Portuguese churrasquerias (barbeque restaurants).
1. Bonjardim
Bonjardim still offers an old-school affair regarding Lisbon’s piri-piri roasted chicken scene.
If you are a chicken enthusiast, you must go here for a well-prepared chicken 🐔. The restaurant is in a prime location, making it a convenient stop when exploring the Baixa neighborhood.
It is my personal favorite, and it has a super cozy atmosphere. My go-to order is chicken with fries and rice.
They have the piri piri sauce on the table, but be careful. It’s super spicy, but it tastes good. The restaurant serves peri-peri chicken with a secret marinade.
2. Churrasqueira Rio de Mel
Churrasqueira Rio de Mel is a BBQ chicken restaurant that cooks up a chicken storm, especially piri-piri.
Here, you can enjoy artisanal cooking methods as they use traditional wood-fired ovens to give the chicken a smokiness.
Enjoy your classic peri-peri chicken with a simple salad in a cozy environment. Here, the restaurant uses premium ingredients. You will see the restaurant when walking down Avenida da Igreja.
Get there early as there are sometimes long queues of people to enjoy the succulent chicken.
Hot Tip🔥: Check out these Lisbon Mexican restaurants if you prefer something spicier.
3. Chickinho Campolide
For the best piri-piri chicken in Lisbon with a new wave of grilled touch, head to Chickinho Campolide.
It is a chicken restaurant and is one of Lisbon’s favorites as they make a classic Portuguese marinade.
You can also choose from newer sauce options like Nando’s piri-piri chicken sauces and herbs.
According to the restaurant, their method of grilling their famous chicken is healthier and produces less smoke than chicken over charcoal.
4. A Valenciana
A Valenciana has been grilling chicken since 1914 to make a classic piri-piri chicken Lisboneans love.
It is a bit off the beaten path in São Domingos de Benfica, but it is worth it. They still use the authentic spice and olive oil recipe to preserve the taste.
There is spacious seating, ideal for large groups to get together. In addition to Lisbon’s piri-piri roasted chicken, they offer other Portuguese dishes.
Note 🗒: For now, Valenciana is temporarily closed. I will keep you updated.
5. Frangasqueira Nacional
In the charming Campo de Ourique district, you find Frangasqueira Nacional, which makes the popular piri-piri chicken dish.
The BBQ restaurant has been in business for decades and provides balanced piri-piri sauces that are sweet, tangy, and spicy.
When you order, you get a chicken made with a heavier marinade. There are no frills attached, and the presentation is straightforward.
The cafe is also takeaway only to enjoy the smoky chicken at home or head to Principe Real Park.
At the same time, you can munch on their ultra-crunchy homemade potato chips.
Planning On Going To Lisbon?
I’ve created a trip planner where you enter the number of days you’re going and what activities you want to do.
Based on your input, you then get an entire vacation planned with ideas.
6. Primavera
You find Primavera in the Benfica neighborhood, which has a traditional approach to making Portuguese chicken.
Here, you can enjoy homestyle cooking with a family-run charm that shouts warmth and hospitality.
The prices for Portuguese piri-piri chicken are reasonable, and you get generous portions.
You can enjoy classic Frango chicken that tastes delicious 😋.
7. El-Rei Dom Frango Piri-Piri
If you want to eat the best Portuguese cuisine, head to El-Rei Dom Frango Piri-Piri. You can find Portuguese dishes here, including the famous piri piri chicken.
Enjoy the homely ambiance and smell the aroma while tasting supreme flavors. El-Rei Dom Frango Piri-Piri is the signature marinade.
It is a blend of spices and herbs, and you get generous portions to satisfy your taste and budget.
8. A Zona
Visit A Zona for piri-piri chicken, a fusion of traditional and contemporary cuisine.
The restaurant takes an innovative approach by blending traditional and modern flavors.
Here, you can enjoy an upbeat, lively atmosphere for a fun evening out.
Here are the best things to do in Lisbon In September 2024
I’ll send you a list of the best things to do in September and every month moving forward from today.
It’ll be based on my personal experience of living and traveling around Lisbon for years. I’m sharing a lot of hidden gems. 🇵🇹
9. Churrasqueira do Marquês
For piri-piri chicken enthusiasts, visit Churrasqueira, a neighborhood favorite in Ajuda. Here, they have been cooking up a chicken storm for years.
You can eat or order a takeaway, but it has a vintage charm and friendly service.
Besides their spicy chicken dish, they also serve the best charcoal-roasted salt cod and bacalhau a brasa a Lagareiro.
So, make up your surf and turf along the way, and if you prefer a less meaty menu, check out these vegetarian restaurants instead.
10. Casa dos Frangos de Moscavide
Casa dos Frangos de Moscavide has several locations in Lisbon. It offers home-delivery food using Bolt Food and Uber Eats.
With them, you can find a range of chicken with smoky tastes served with rice, saucy black beans, fries, or a simple salad.
Order the family combos to share with others with your takeout chicken.
11. Vira Frangos
One thing that sets Vira Frangos apart from the other piri-piri chicken Lisbon restaurants is that they serve deboned grilled chicken.
While not traditional, they serve it with a delicious peri-peri sauce. You can also get it marinated with lemon, salt, or other flavors like herbs, olive oil, parmesan, truffle, and more.
Enjoy your chicken with potato churros; the place is a die-hard fan space for chicken meat lovers.
12. Churrasqueira de Alvalade
For traditional peri-peri chicken in Lisbon, go to Churrasqueira de Alvalade for an authentic taste. Still, if you prefer adding more protein to your diet, they also serve other meat, like skewers and fresh sausages.
13. Casa da India
You may think the restaurant has something to do with Indian food, but they have a traditional Portuguese menu next door to Bairro Alto.
As it is a nightlife destination, it serves meals until midnight. The menu changes frequently, with daily specials and some seafood options.
But they make a delicious, well-made peri-peri sauce with their chicken.
The Origin of Piri-Piri Chicken
The origins of piri-piri chicken can be traced back to the African colonies of Mozambique and Angola, where the Portuguese introduced chili seeds from South America.
The dish evolved and gained popularity, especially among the Portuguese living in Angola. It was first served in a restaurant in Guia in 1964, and soon, the town became known as the piri-piri capital of Portugal.
Today, Guia hosts an annual piri-piri chicken festival. The dish has gained popularity worldwide, with Nando’s restaurant chain playing a significant role in its global popularity.
Wrap-Up: Best Piri-Piri Chicken in Lisbon
Lisbon is a paradise for piri-piri chicken lovers. The city boasts many eateries and restaurants that serve succulent and flavorful piri-piri chicken.
From traditional family-run establishments to modern fusion restaurants, there’s something to suit every palate.
Whether you prefer a classic marinade or want to explore newer sauce options, Lisbon’s culinary scene has it all.
The vibrant ambiance and the aroma of grilled chicken make dining in Lisbon an unforgettable experience for food enthusiasts.
