A marisqueira (traditional seafood restaurant) is a very common, very delicious part of Portuguese culture. While an exciting experience, the menus can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with the specific terminology for local seafood and preparations.
This guide provides the practical, essential vocabulary you will likely need to know. Understanding these terms will help you navigate the menu with confidence, order exactly what you want, and transform a simple meal into a memorable cultural immersion. It’s your key to unlocking one of Portugal’s most authentic dining experiences.
For the complete guide on ordering and dining etiquette, take a peek at my article on Ordering in a Portuguese Restaurant.
Shellfish & Crustaceans
This section covers the stars of the show in any marisqueira. These are the names for the various shellfish and crustaceans you will see on the menu, often sold by weight.
Menus are often on a chalkboard, so knowing the key words is essential.
Table 1: Shellfish & Crustaceans
| English | Portuguese |
|---|---|
| Prawns / Large Shrimp | Gambas |
| Shrimp | Camarão |
| Lobster | Lagosta |
| Crab | Sapateira |
| Clams | Amêijoas |
| Mussels | Mexilhões |
| Gooseneck Barnacles | Percebes |
| Scallops | Vieiras |
| Oysters | Ostras |
| Razor Clams | Lingueirão |
| Cockles | Berbigão |
Common Fish & Other Seafood
Beyond shellfish, marisqueiras offer a wide variety of fresh fish and other popular seafood. Here are the common types you are most likely to encounter.
Table 2: Common Fish & Other Seafood
| English | Portuguese |
|---|---|
| Sea Bass/Snook | Robalo |
| Sea Bream | Dourada |
| Sole/Plaice | Linguado |
| Sardines | Sardinhas |
| Octopus | Polvo |
| Cuttlefish | Choco |
| Codfish | Bacalhau |
| Tuna | Atum |
| Mackerel | Cavala |
| Grouper | Garoupa |
| Monkfish | Tamboril |
| Squid | Lula |
Cooking Methods & Preparations
Understanding how a dish is prepared is crucial. This vocabulary describes the common cooking styles and signature dishes you’ll find on the menu.
A ‘cataplana’ is both the pan and the delicious stew cooked inside it.
Table 3: Cooking Methods & Preparations
| English | Portuguese |
|---|---|
| Grilled | Grelhado/Grelhada/na grelha |
| Roasted | Assado |
| On Hot Coals | Na Brasa |
| Fried | Frito |
| Boiled | Cozido |
| Stew | Guisado/Cataplana |
| Bread Stew | Açorda (a popular dish from the Alentejo) |
| Garlic & Cilantro Sauce | à Bulhão Pato |
| Seafood Rice | Arroz de Marisco |
| Skewer | Espetada |
| In the Oven | No Forno |
| Steamed | Ao Vapor |
Ordering & Service
This vocabulary will help you manage the logistics of ordering, from understanding portion sizes to asking for the menu.
Table 4: Ordering & Service
| English | Portuguese |
|---|---|
| The Portion (serving) | A Dose |
| Half Portion | Meia-Dose |
| Platter | Travessa |
| To Share | Para Partilhar |
| Dish of the Day | Prato do Dia |
| The Menu | O menú |
| By Weight (per kilo) | Ao Quilo |
| I would like… | Queria… |
| What do you recommend? | O que recomenda? |
| The day’s catch | O peixe do dia |
| Appetizers | Entradas |
| Main Courses | Pratos Principais |
Payment & Final Terms
When you’re ready to finish your meal, these terms will help you ask for the bill and understand the final charges.
Always check your bill for the ‘couvert’. You only pay if you eat it.
Table 5: Payment & Final Terms
| English | Portuguese |
|---|---|
| The Bill | A Conta |
| Tip | Gorjeta |
| ATM / Debit Card | Cartão/Multibanco |
| Cash | Dinheiro |
| With Tax Number | Com Contribuinte / NIF |
| The Receipt | O Talão / A Fatura / O Recibo |
| Service Included | Serviço Incluído |
| Can I pay? | Posso pagar? |
| We would like to pay separately. | Queríamos pagar em separado. |
| We would like to pay together. | Queríamos pagar em junto/junto/juntos/juntas. |
| Change | Troco |
Audio lessons and PDF study guides to accompany every lesson
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Conclusion
Mastering this vocabulary will significantly enhance your dining experience in a Portuguese marisqueira, allowing you to explore the menu with confidence and fully enjoy the country’s rich seafood heritage. Keep this guide handy on your phone for quick reference.
For more vocabulary lessons like this, check out my other vocabulary articles here. Want any other words added to this list? Spot any mistakes? Contact me here.
