Restaurant Etiquette & Tips

Dining out in Portugal follows its own rules, which differ from German habits. Knowing them means eating better and cheaper.

The Couvert Trap

In almost every restaurant, you are served bread, butter, olives, and sometimes cheese or cold cuts without asking. This is the Couvert—and it is not free. It typically costs 1–5 € per person and appears on the bill. If you don't want it, you can have it taken back and won't be charged. Many tourists don't know this and are annoyed by the "hidden costs."

Meal Times

Portuguese people eat late (but not as late as Spaniards):

• Lunch (Almoço): 12:30–14:30—the main meal of the day. Many restaurants offer a Prato do Dia (daily dish) or a Menu do Dia (menu of the day) for 7–12 €—often with soup, main course, drink, and coffee. An unbeatable value
• Dinner (Jantar): 19:30–22:00. Before 19:30, only tourists are in the restaurant

Portion Sizes

Portuguese portions are huge. On many menus, there is a Meia-Dose (half portion) alongside the normal portion (Dose), which is sufficient for most people. Meia-Dose is not a sign of stinginess, but completely normal—even locals order this way. You can also share a dish between two people and order a side dish.

Paying

The bill never comes unprompted—this is considered rude. You must actively ask for the bill: "A conta, se faz favor" or a discreet hand signal. Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants, but in small Tascas (pubs) and in the countryside, cash is recommended.

Tipping

Tipping in Portugal is not mandatory, but customary: 5–10% if satisfied. In simple restaurants, you round up or leave a few coins. In upscale restaurants, 10% is appropriate. Tips are left in cash on the table, not added to the credit card bill.