Golden Book Traveler

The Best Seafood in Europe12/7/2010

Oh how I crave that delicious catch from the depths of the deep blue ocean. I know of no other food I enjoy more than seafood. The taste, smell, and texture of fresh fish brings instant joy and happiness to my life.

Little did I know, I’d find Europe’s finest seafood selection on my first stop of my long adventure, Lisbon, Portugal.

Arriving in Lisbon from Dallas, my main goal was to get some much needed sleep and do a bit of sightseeing. During my tourist hours, I noticed that the back streets were filled with mom and pop type small seafood restaurants.

I vividly remember the sights of fresh fish neatly displayed outside store windows. The aroma of seafood made my belly churn for a taste of heavenly Atlantic morsels. The catches were so fresh that if you look closely enough you could see small muscle twitches of 99% dead fish on ice.

I made a note to visit at least one restaurant before I left the country.

Portugal’s location creates a safe, secure spot for ships to drop off their cargo. Located on the most western point of mainland Europe, Portugal has easy access to prime Atlantic Ocean fishing grounds.

In addition, Portugal’s prices might be the cheapest in all of Western Europe. The prices and cost of living are comparable to Eastern European lifestyle.

After walking around the Barrio Alto district in Lisbon for a solid 3 hours, I felt that all too familiar food craving. My goal was to find a local seafood spot where I can observe true Portuguese living. I choose a small shop where only one other person was enjoying a glass a wine.

I could tell this guy was a regular because the owner and servers kept stopping by for small chats. I noticed the seafood all around me and thick Portuguese accents. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to order a meal.

Luckily, the owner’s son understood English well enough for me to have a conversation. I ordered fresh sea bass, vegetables and a half bottle of fine red Portuguese wine. Total cost, under $10!

Here is a picture of that meal

That was the best single meal I had in Europe!

I felt the passion the cook put into his craft with every bite. Soft tender sea bass with fresh vegetables, olives, homemade bread and sharp Periquita 2006 red wine, equals a delicious, splendid lunch.

The restaurant is named Papa Cheio. If you get a chance to go to Lisbon, eat there immediately! (They don’t have a website but you can find Papa Cheio on Google Maps.)

I experienced otherworldly seafood experiences in various shops and markets in Portugal, but nothing will compare to that first time.

Portugal was one of my favorite countries to visit on the trip and the availability of fresh food enhanced my travel experience.The location, prices, lifestyle, and dedication to their craft make Portugal the BEST place to order seafood in Europe!