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Jul 22
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Eat This City: 3-Day Food & Drink Guide to Lisbon

By Food, Taste Vacations, Travel Tips, Wine No Comments

This guide is for travelers seeking to extend their stay in Lisbon after our Portugal Food & Wine Vacation. This 3-day food and drink guide to Lisbon will take you from iconic bites to unexpected sips—with a few sunset views along the way.

Lisbon isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a feast for your tastebuds. From buttery pastries fresh out of 100-year-old ovens to wine bars tucked into cobbled alleyways, Portugal’s capital is a dream for food and drink lovers.

 

🍳 Day 1: Bold Breakfasts, Big Views & Classic Sips

Morning: Design-Driven Breakfast Crawl

Start your Lisbon adventure with style—and coffee.

  • The Folks: Minimalist, warm, and buzzy. Try their scrambled egg tartines or the Turkish eggs.

  • Seagull Method Café: Small but mighty. Get the pancakes with ricotta and honey or a savory brunch bowl.

  • Dear Breakfast: Sleek, calm, and great for solo travelers. Order the croque monsieur or matcha pancakes.

Pick one—or hop between them for a progressive Lisbon breakfast tour.

Midday Snack: A True Local Bite

Stop at As Bifanas do Afonso for one of the city’s most beloved pork sandwiches. This humble spot serves juicy bifanas (marinated pork in a papo seco roll) that are simple, spicy, and perfect with mustard.

Afternoon: Sips + View

Then, stroll to Largo das Portas do Sol, a scenic overlook where you can enjoy a cocktail or vinho branco at a plaza-side kiosk. This is the ideal lazy afternoon spot to people-watch with a breeze off the Tagus River.

Dinner: Alfama Flavors & Fado Feels

Book a table at São Jorge—not the castle, but the restaurant tucked into Alfama. Order the grilled octopus, which is smoky, tender, and perfectly Portuguese.

After, grab a small glass of Ginjinha, Lisbon’s signature cherry liqueur, from a hole-in-the-wall shop like A Ginjinha Espinheira near Rossio Square. Sip it standing up like a local.

 

🧀 Day 2: Pastéis, Local Wines & Rooftop Sunsets

Morning: Custard Tart Showdown

Start at Pastéis de Belém, the legendary origin point of the pastel de nata. Then compare with Manteigaria next door, beloved for its caramelized top and perfectly creamy center. There’s no wrong answer—just different styles.

  • Insider tip: Add cinnamon and eat them warm. Always warm.

Afternoon: 

  • Wander into the Cais do Sodré neighborhood for lunch at Sol e Pesca, a quirky restaurant built inside a former fishing tackle shop. Choose from a menu of Portuguese conservas (tinned seafood) paired with crusty bread and crisp white wine.

    • Try: Spiced mackerel + Vinho Verde

Dinner: Contemporary Lisbon at Antù

Set in the Alfama section, Antù blends industrial chic with upscale casual vibes. Think modern takes on Portuguese staples, moody lighting, and inventive cocktails.

 

🥂 Day 3: Hidden Cafés, Theater Bars & Rooftop Toasts

Morning: Slow Start at a Secret Café

Sleep in, then make your way to Teatro da Garagem. Behind this cultural center is a quiet café with excellent city views, a creative vibe, and surprisingly good food. Sit on the patio with a sandwich and espresso—or wine, no judgment.

Afternoon: One Last Toast at the Top

Before dinner, revisit Largo das Portas do Sol if you loved it, or head to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte—another incredible lookout, often with musicians and couples watching the sun drop.

Grab a drink from a nearby kiosk or mobile bar and take it all in. Try a Porto Tonic—white port + tonic water, typically garnished with citrus and mint. It’s light, slightly sweet, and totally refreshing.

Dinner: Farewell Meal with a View

Tucked into a quiet alley near Santa Apolónia, Taberna Sal Grosso feels like eating in a local’s living room. It’s cozy, affordable, and full of flavor. The menu changes frequently, but expect creative twists on Portuguese comfort food like slow-cooked pork cheeks, octopus rice, or roasted pumpkin with goat cheese.

Or lean into spontaneity and ask a local for their favorite tasca (small tavern). Lisbon is full of hidden treasures waiting to be found.

 

Final Must-Trys (If You Missed Anything…)

  • Conservas (Tinned Fish): Try spiced sardines or octopus at Sol e Pesca.

  • Queijo da Serra: A soft, buttery sheep cheese from the mountains.

  • Craft Beer: Grab a pint at Dois Corvos in Marvila, Lisbon’s craft beer district.

  • Pro Tip: Reservations are highly recommended!

Hungry Yet?

Lisbon knows how to feed you—heart, soul, and stomach. We highly recommend spending at least three days exploring, as this city delivers layers of flavor at every turn.

📌 Save this 3-day food and drink guide to Lisbon for your next adventure—or send it to a travel buddy who owes you a bifana.

 

 

Jun 18
Love0

Pairing Food With Local Drinks: 8 Cities That Get It Right

By Beer, Food, Spirits, Taste Vacations, Wine No Comments

One of the best ways to explore a destination is through its flavors. It’s not just about what’s on your plate, but in your glass. Around the world, some cities go above and beyond, offering local pairings that are more than just delicious—they’re cultural experiences.

Whether it’s a flaky pastry paired with fortified wine or street tacos served with smoky mezcal, these 8 cities perfect the pairing game, giving food-loving travelers something to savor and remember. Let’s talk about pairing food with local drinks.

1. Porto, Portugal

Pairing: Pastel de nata + Tawny Port
Why it works: Portugal’s famous egg tart is a sweet custard dream, and when you pair it with a chilled tawny port, the caramel notes sing. In Porto, you can hop between pastry shops and historic port lodges in a single afternoon.

Pro tip: Visit Café Majestic for coffee and a tart, then cross the river to Graham’s or Taylor’s for a port tasting with cheese and chocolate or let us organize a perfect tasting for you.

2. Cape Town, South Africa

Pairing: Bobotie + Chenin Blanc
Why it works: Bobotie is a spiced meat pie with sweet-savory flavors that shine next to a crisp, slightly fruity Chenin Blanc—a South African favorite that’s having a global moment.

Pro tip: Visit Franschhoek or Stellenbosch for a taste of the Cape’s best pairings, included on our South Africa Wine & Safari Vacation.

3. Brussels, Belgium

Pairing: Moules-frites + Saison beer
Why it works: Mussels in white wine sauce, served with golden fries, call for something dry and effervescent. Enter: saison—a Belgian farmhouse ale that’s bubbly, slightly funky, and perfect with seafood.

Pro tip: Pair each course with a different Belgian beer. You’ll find entire menus dedicated to beer pairings here.

4. Tbilisi, Georgia

Pairing: Khinkali (soup dumplings) + Qvevri wine
Why it works: Georgia is the birthplace of wine, and its amber-hued, skin-contact wines made in clay vessels (qvevri) pair beautifully with hearty local dishes. Khinkali—juicy, meaty dumplings—balance perfectly with the tannic bite of an unfiltered Rkatsiteli.

Pro tip: Try a wine bar like Vino Underground to taste traditional qvevri wines alongside small plates like lobio and sulguni cheese.

5. Mumbai, India

Pairing: Butter chicken + Indian craft beer
Why it works: Mumbai’s vibrant street food and bold curries need refreshment, and India’s exploding craft beer scene delivers. A hoppy pale ale or mango-flavored wheat beer cuts through rich dishes like butter chicken or pav bhaji.

Pro tip: Visit Bombay Canteen or Gateway Taproom for regional dishes paired with creative cocktails and local brews.

6. Bordeaux, France

Pairing: Entrecôte à la Bordelaise + Left Bank red
Why it works: Bordeaux may be famous for its wine, but the food deserves equal praise. A juicy steak in a red wine-shallot sauce sings with a classic Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot blend from the Médoc.

Pro tip: Go beyond châteaux—try a casual wine bar in the Chartrons district to sample regional bottles with cheese, pâté, and duck confit.

7. Mendoza, Argentina

Pairing: Empanadas + Malbec
Why it works: Mendoza’s empanadas (often filled with spiced beef and olives) are baked to golden perfection and practically demand a glass of inky, bold Malbec. The wine’s dark fruit and spice echo the smoky meat and flaky pastry.

Pro tip: Tour vineyards on bike in the Uco Valley, stopping for empanadas and asado lunches with mountain views.

8. Adelaide, Australia

Pairing: Kangaroo loin + Barossa Shiraz
Why it works: Adelaide’s food scene is fearless, local, and bold—just like its wines. Kangaroo, a lean, gamey red meat, pairs perfectly with the spicy intensity of a Barossa Valley Shiraz.

Pro tip: Head to the Adelaide Central Market for snacks, then take a short trip into wine country for cellar-door tastings with seasonal lunch pairings.

From the dumpling houses of Tbilisi to the wine cellars of Adelaide, these cities prove that food and drink are made to be enjoyed together. So next time you travel, don’t just ask what’s for dinner. Ask what goes with it.

Want to learn more about pairing food with local drinks? Check out our featured travel destinations!

Apr 01
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The Ultimate Guided Public Tours for Culinary Travelers – 2025 Public Tour Locations

By Taste Vacations No Comments

At Taste Vacations, we’ve spent over a decade curating incredible private and public tours, specializing in food, wine, and craft beer tours worldwide. Most of our trips are private—designed for couples looking for a romantic wine and safari getaway in South Africa or larger groups like a wine and beer magazine publisher’s exclusive retreat. But a few times a year, we roll out the red carpet for our fixed-date public tours—and they are nothing short of spectacular!

These tours are perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who want to immerse themselves in amazing food and drink experiences while making new friends along the way. With intimate groups of just four to twelve guests, you’ll get all the luxury, insider access, and incredible flavors of our private tours—plus the bonus of fun travel companions who share your passion for food, wine, and adventure.

For 2025, we’ve lined up four mouthwatering, bucket-list-worthy public tours:

🍷 A Wine Vacation in Washington State

Dates: April 30 – May 4

Sip your way through Washington’s top wine regions, meet award-winning winemakers, and indulge in perfectly paired gourmet meals—all against the backdrop of stunning vineyard landscapes.

🍻 A Belgium Beer Vacation

Dates: August 17 – 23

Raise a glass in Belgium, the holy land of beer! Explore historic breweries, taste some of the best brews on the planet, and discover the art of beer and food pairings in charming Belgian towns.

🍇 A Food & Wine Vacation in Georgia

Dates: September 15 – 25

Did you know Georgia is the birthplace of wine? This under-the-radar gem is home to 8,000 years of winemaking history, mouthwatering feasts, and some of the warmest hospitality you’ll ever experience.

🌶️ A Food Vacation in India

Dates: November 10 – 18

Spice up your life with an unforgettable food tour of India! From sizzling street food stalls to royal Rajasthani feasts, this tour is a flavor explosion of epic proportions.

For a behind the scenes look at our process for planning tours, and more in-depth details about the 2025 fixed date small group trips, have a watch below:

If you’re craving adventure, delicious bites, and fantastic company, these tours are calling your name!

Visit TasteVacations.com to get all the details and secure your spot. But hurry—our public tours can sell out fast!

Jan 02
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7 Destinations Every Culinary Enthusiast Should Explore

By Food, Taste Vacations No Comments

For a true culinary enthusiast, travel is as much about the flavors as it is about the sights. The world is a treasure trove of culinary delights, and every destination offers a unique taste of its culture and traditions. From fragrant spices to decadent wines, here are the must-visit destinations every foodie should add to their travel bucket list.

1. India: A Symphony of Spices

India’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its geography. From the buttery richness of North Indian curries to the fiery flavors of South Indian dishes, there’s a dish to delight every palate.  Don’t miss the bustling street food scenes in Delhi and Mumbai, where you can sample samosas, chaats, and the famous pav bhaji.

Must-Try Dish: Biryani – a fragrant, spiced rice dish cooked with meat or vegetables, each region offering its own unique twist.

2. Georgia: A Hidden Culinary Gem

Tucked between Europe and Asia, Georgia is a food lover’s paradise that’s often overlooked. Georgian cuisine is all about bold flavors and heartwarming dishes. Try khinkali (juicy dumplings) or khachapuri (a gooey, cheese-filled bread that’s pure comfort). Pair these with local wines – Georgia is the birthplace of winemaking, with a tradition dating back 8,000 years.

Must-Try Dish: Adjarian Khachapuri – an iconic dish shaped like a boat and filled with gooey cheese, a soft egg yolk, and a generous pat of butter.

3. Portugal: A Coastal Feast

Portugal is a dream for seafood lovers, with its Atlantic coastline offering the freshest catch. Wander the streets of Lisbon and Porto, where you’ll find pastel de nata (custard tarts) in every café. For a more hearty meal, indulge in bacalhau (salt cod) dishes or the comforting cozido à portuguesa, a slow-cooked stew. Pair it all with a glass of port wine for the ultimate Portuguese experience.

Must-Try Dish: Grilled sardines – simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor, especially during local festivals.

4. Peru: The Culinary Capital of South America

Peruvian cuisine has taken the world by storm, and for good reason. The country’s diverse geography – from the Andes to the Amazon – inspires dishes bursting with unique flavors. Lima, often hailed as South America’s culinary capital, is home to world-renowned restaurants. Sample ceviche, a refreshing mix of fresh fish, lime, and chili, or dig into lomo saltado, a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese flavors.

Must-Try Dish: Ceviche – Peru’s signature dish, best enjoyed in coastal cities like Lima.

5. Spain: A Tapestry of Flavors

Spain’s culinary scene is a celebration of vibrant, bold, and social eating. From the tapas bars of Barcelona to the paella kitchens of Valencia, every region offers something unique. Sip on sangria as you indulge in Iberico ham, patatas bravas, or fresh seafood. For a sweet treat, churros dipped in thick hot chocolate are a must.

Must-Try Dish: Paella – Spain’s iconic saffron-infused rice dish, loaded with seafood or meats.

6. Tuscany, Italy: A Rustic Culinary Heaven

Tuscany is the epitome of farm-to-table dining, where simple ingredients shine in traditional recipes. Picture yourself in a charming vineyard, sipping Chianti while enjoying a hearty bowl of pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar ragu). Tuscany’s markets overflow with fresh produce, cheeses, and cured meats, perfect for assembling the ultimate picnic spread.

Must-Try Dish: Bistecca alla Fiorentina – A thick, juicy T-bone steak cooked simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grilled over an open flame.

7. Bordeaux, France: The Epicenter of Wine and Gourmet Dining

Bordeaux is synonymous with wine, but its culinary offerings are equally impressive. Pair a glass of full-bodied red with local delicacies like entrecôte à la bordelaise (steak in a rich wine sauce) or indulge in the region’s famed canelés – small, caramelized pastries with a custardy center. The vineyards and Michelin-starred restaurants make Bordeaux a dream destination for food and wine enthusiasts.

Must-Try Dish: Canelés – a sweet treat that pairs perfectly with Bordeaux’s exquisite wines.

A Journey for the Taste Buds

Traveling as a culinary enthusiast is about more than just meals – it’s about experiencing the soul of a culture through its flavors. Each of these destinations offers a unique story told through food, wine, and traditions. Whether you’re sipping wine in Bordeaux, indulging in street food in India, or savoring seafood in Portugal, your taste buds will thank you for the adventure. Travel with us to all these destinations and more!

So pack your bags and bring your appetite – the world is waiting to be explored, one bite at a time!

Nov 18
Love0
Taste Vacations Travel Club

The Amazing Food & Wine of Georgia (The Country)

By Food, Taste Vacations, Wine No Comments

The food and wine of Georgia are captivating – that was one of the major impressions of my first trip to the country.

Georgian Wines

Georgia is currently one of the hottest locations in the wine world for industry insiders. It is known as the birthplace of wine, since it has a relic from 8,000 years ago containing resin from fermented grapes – farther back than anywhere else on the planet. Georgia has 350 native grape varieties, most of which you have never heard of. It is also famous in the wine industry for its emphasis on “natural wine”, or wine made from grapes without fertilizers or pesticides and produced with nothing added.

Then you throw in the romance of the kvevri, a clay vessel used for fermentation that is located underground, and you have an amazing wine industry producing excellent wines. But two other things impressed me the most when I was in Georgia. First, that the country has somehow kept alive its winemaking traditions for the past 8,000 years, despite multiple invasions, sometimes by countries intent on destroying its grapes. Second, that pretty much every restaurant boasted of serving Georgian wine – no need to convince the locals to drink and sell the local wine!

Georgian Food

Georgian food has no such equivalent cache as does the wine industry. Tell me – what do you know about the food from the country of Georgia? Chances are your answer is nothing. Once you start reading about traveling to Georgia, you will read about how great the food is. I was, nevertheless, blown away by the food, for multiple reasons.

  • There is a traditional way to eat in Georgia. Most meals are served family style and the dishes even come out in a traditional order. For me, this was a much more fun experience and certainly simplified ordering, since we could just order a bunch of dishes (and have our Georgian guide do it).
  • Much of the produce, grains, and meats are grown and raised locally. This is truly farm to table eating and they do it because it is the easiest thing to do, not because it is trendy.
  • Georgian cuisine uses a lot of vegetables and nuts and they are cooked into flavorful dishes rather than just served on their own. While meat is served at most meals, the country is truly a great place for those trying to increase their vegetable intake.
  • The supra, sort of a banquet feast, is by itself a common custom in Georgia. Normally there is a “toast maker” or master of ceremonies and the wines are integrated into the meal. You can (and will if you join us in Georgia) spend hours enjoying the food, wine, and culture of one supra.

The Food & Wine of Georgia

On our Georgia Food & Wine Tour, we of course indulge in lots of food and wine. But the tour is so much more than that. We visit different sorts of wineries where we speak with owners and winemakers, taste wines, and learn how the wine making process works. We visit markets and food producers. We do a craft beer tasting and have the opportunity to taste chacha, a homemade spirit made of the dregs from the wine grapes.

In the end, the best thing about visiting Georgia is that the experience is real. You are much more likely to encounter a home winemaker than an industrial winery in this country. And we think you will love it.

Join us for a Georgia Food & Wine tour in 2025 and find out for yourself!