If you walk down Rua da Boavista, which runs from the Santos neighborhood to Cais do Sodré—or vice versa—you’ll likely find yourself drawn in by the aromas of what is quite possibly Lisbon’s most “food-loving” street.
But there’s a new reason to slow your pace. We checked out naBOA, a laid-back spot that’s making waves for serving a Porto-style bifana capable of winning over any Lisboner.
The idea was simple: to try the much-talked-about bifana. However, we ended up discovering a true paradise of snacks, cheap beer, and the perfect atmosphere for watching the game with friends.
A sports bar with something for everyone
As soon as you walk into naBOA, you realize the space was designed for different occasions. If you just want to soak up Lisbon’s sunshine, there’s a small table by the window that’s perfect for that. Want to grab a quick drink or bite to eat? The tall square table by the entrance is perfect for having a drink and snacking on your feet, without any long waits.
As you walk down the aisle that runs alongside the long bar, the space splits into two areas: on one side, small tables for more intimate conversations; on the other, bar stools facing three screens, strategically placed for those who don’t want to miss a minute of the game.
For larger groups, the back of the room features a spacious area with a long table and several comfortable sofas, all offering a prime view of a giant screen mounted on the wall.
Beer for €1.60 and snacks that taste like grandma’s cooking
In a city where prices keep rising, finding a spot where beer starts at €1.60 is almost a stroke of luck. But the drinks here call for company, and the selection of snacks doesn’t disappoint.
You quickly realize that the ingredients are handpicked. The roasted chouriço, sourced directly from Beira, has that rustic, authentic flavor rarely found in the capital. As for the finger foods, the quality remains top-notch with the classic fried dishes.
- Veal croquettes (€3)
- Shrimp rissol (€3)
- Codfish cakes (€3)
And before we moved on to the stars of the show, there was still time to clean our plates of the tender gizzards (€8). The sauce is so divine that it’ll require at least two baskets of bread (€1.30).
The sandwiches: from the house-special bifana to the breaded surprise
We’ve arrived at the main reason for our visit. The bifana (starting at €4) is served just right: small pieces of pork, slow-cooked Porto-style, and wrapped in a papo-seco bun that soaks up an intense, addictive sauce. It’s one of those sandwiches where it’s almost impossible not to order a second round.
We also tried the Prego (starting at €7), served on freshly toasted bread with very tender beef. It’s true that we missed a little more garlic flavor, but the tenderness of the meat enriched the experience.
However, the biggest surprise of the meal was saved for last: the Panado de Frango (€6). Served on a rustic roll that’s still warm, it’s crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy on the inside.
It comes with strips of red bell pepper, cucumber pickles, and homemade mayonnaise that ties everything together flawlessly. It’s an explosion of flavor and has earned a spot on our list of the city’s best sandwiches.
The verdict
The experience at naBOA is worth it both for the quality of the food and the exemplary service, which is always attentive and cheerful. As for the bifana they serve, it lives up to its reputation—which is nothing but praise—and be prepared to eat more than one.
If you’re looking for a place with good vibes, down-to-earth food, and screens scattered everywhere to cheer on your team, save this address.
naBOA isn’t just another spot on Rua da Boavista—it’s the place you’ll want to be next weekend with your group of friends.
Useful information:
Address: Rua da Boavista 128 (between Santos and Cais do Sodré)
Hours: daily, from 12 p.m. to midnight
Average price: €10–€15 per person
Menu: on Instagram
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