Following the guide to the best places to eat the finest snails, here is a new itinerary for those who appreciate larger-sized snails, commonly known as “caracoleta.”
And in Lisbon and the surrounding area, there are many places serving this snack in various forms, from fried snails to baked snails; we love the latter and that’s what we went looking for, especially because the sauces that accompany this delicacy are always homemade and delight many connoisseurs of the “big snail.”
Before we move on to the map with the best spots to enjoy this snack, you should know (for those who don’t) the difference between snails and caracoletas: while the former shines in a rich broth of oregano and garlic (according to the many recipes that exist from north to south of the country), the latter is best grilled or over charcoal, with a generous bed of coarse salt on top, and let’s not forget the sauce, usually a warm emulsion of melted butter, mustard, a touch of lemon, and, in some of these spots, a dash or two of piri-piri.
Is your mouth watering yet? Then let’s take a look at this guide… at a leisurely pace!
Germano Brewery
The true art of the baked snail is still served on aluminum trays. And at Cervejaria Germano, which is one of those untouchable institutions, this snack, baked on the griddle, is taken very seriously and with the utmost reverence. And we won’t even tell you how delicious the sauce that accompanies these snails is!
Tasca do Pratas
Further from the city center, but in our opinion one of the places that most “awakened” our taste buds, at Tasca do Pratas—located inside the ADB (Associação Desportiva Bobadelense)—you’ll find the best charcoal-grilled snails. On one of our last visits, we even learned how to make the delicious butter sauce from Hugo Pratas, the owner of the place, who also serves other equally appetizing snacks, including the famous snail.
A Tabuense
A classic neighborhood spot, the demand for baked snails and snail shells during the summer is incredible, not only because they’re truly one of this place’s best snacks but also because of the friendliness of all the staff.
Apolo 78
Right at the beginning of this guide , we mentioned another way to cook snails, which is what you’ll be able to try here: fried snails. The texture is a bit different, but the flavor is just as spectacular, especially when you dip them in a special sauce that features orange as one of its “secret” ingredients.
Júlio dos Caracóis
It is probably one of the best-known spots serving snails and snail rolls on this list. Júlio dos Caracóis is always packed at this time of year, and many people no longer go just for the snails; the baked snail rolls with the house’s special sauce are becoming increasingly popular.
Casa dos Caracóis
With several locations in Lisbon and the surrounding area, this is the ideal place if you want to buy your baked snails to eat at home. Likewise, you can also buy them raw to test your culinary skills by preparing this snack on the backyard barbecue for friends and family. And yes, the lemon sauce is included too .
