The food in Portugal is simple, fresh, and oh-so straight-forward. What you see is what you get as the seafood comes fresh out of the ocean nearby. What we loved most is its simplicity and how the ingredients (produce) shine on their own, without having too much done. Salt and olive oil are the magic ingredients.
At the beginning of each meal, you are usually brought olives and bread which you can easily (reject) if you do not want to pay for them. You often have a selection of either Fish (_____) or Meat (_____), both are accompanied by sides not listed in the menu. Boiled potatoes often accompany fish while meat lovers are partnered with tasty fries. Everything swims in a little olive oil.
The sweets are what will jump out at you in Portugal as the display cases in the pastelarias are bursting with countless baked goods for you to try. Just point and eat.