“Croquetólicos” anonymous: this is the ultimate secret list of the 12 places in Lisbon where you’ll never be disappointed with a fried meat roll.

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In the Portuguese capital, we have no doubt that the most democratic and beloved snack in pastry shops, taverns and casual restaurants (but also the finest ones) is the croquette .

This humble fried meat roll, covered in a crispy, crunchy coating (when they’re really good) and filled with good meat, usually very creamy and full of flavor, transcends generations and social classes.

A croquette is not just a “snack” as many affectionately call it; eating a croquette is a ritual and has become a litmus test for any gastronomic establishment.

We here, who have been eating this snack for many years, know the difference between an average croquette and a memorable one. It was in this quest for crunchy, juicy perfection that we found the best croquettes you can taste in Lisbon, cross-checking testimonials with other connoisseurs, whom we call anonymous “croquetólicos”.

From this selection, we’ve compiled a list that promises to put an end to your disappointments. In these places you’ll only eat croquettes of above-average quality, where the “King of the Salted” really is the Lord of the shop window.

Croqueteria (new entrance)

That’s right, there’s already a place in Lisbon totally focused on this specialty of making the best croquettes. And get ready because there are lots of flavors to try.

It was one of our most recent visits and it’s in the Alvalade neighborhood, in a very friendly and comfortable space where you can relax and taste more than 10 flavors , from the traditional beef, to game sausage with sprouts, cuttlefish with ink, octopus and even curry, among many others, which we invite you to try on the spot (so we don’t spoil your surprise).

And speaking of surprises, there’s always a seasonal novelty to try. We were lucky enough to try the Pata Negra ham, which was delicious.

As far as the quality of the croquettes at Croqueteria is concerned, they’ re not as crispy as we were expecting , but the filling is one of the best we’ve ever tried, always very creamy and full of flavor, depending, of course, on the type of ingredients that make it up. For this list, we’re only focusing on the more traditional croquettes, and that, at Croqueteria, passes with flying colors.

Another novelty is that, if you really like them, you can take home a bag full, as the store provides pre-fried frozen croquettes for you to use in your home airfryer.

Address: Rua Coronel Marques Leitão 11A (Alvalade)

h3 (new entry)

We really like the philosophy behind the burgers served at this Portuguese fast food chain. It’s no coincidence that we love to try all their new products, as we did with the latest h3 Pica-Pau and also with h3 À La Francesinha.

And it was on one of these forays that, because we were so hungry, we ordered one of the croquettes served at h3 as an extra, far from knowing that we were about to taste an almost perfect delicacy.

Seriously, it was either our hunger or this croquette is truly extraordinary, accompanied by a very acidic and velvety mustard that left our taste buds almost numb (in a good way).

Worth €1.80, it’s crispy and offers a soft and comfortable interior, making it the best money you can spend at h3, well before you order one of the many hamburger menus that are sold here as hot buns.

Address: various locations (see website)

Luka Lisboa

The Peking Duck Croquettas will stay in your memory forever, remember what we’re telling you here! If there’s one dish that deserves all the limelight at Luka Lisboa, it’s these croquettes inspired by the famous Peking Duck.

At Luka Lisboa they are just a starter, but the truth is that we would be very satisfied with two or three portions of this appetizing delicacy, undoubtedly one of our all-time favorites.

In snack format, the Peking Duck Croquettas offer a golden, crispy crust that foreshadows the best to come: inside, the filling is an explosion of flavor with succulent duck meat, delicately seasoned, with sweet, smoky notes and an exotic touch that takes us straight to the streets of Beijing. The accompanying sauce adds an extra layer of complexity, balancing the dish with a slight spiciness and an addictive bittersweet aftertaste.

And the final proof that they’re really good is that it’s impossible to eat just one. So each serving brings four, nham nham!

Address: Rua Luciano Cordeiro 89

Eliseu dos Leitões

So you know from the name that this is a croquette with a different meat from the others in this guide. And I can’t tell you how delicious it is.

Eliseu dos Leitões‘ croquettes are dense as can be and the piglet sauce makes all the difference, making them moist and spicy, just the way you want them.

They can also be accompanied by sparkling wine, which this house has in abundance, or an aromatic craft beer. You don’t know how good it is!

Address: Rua Álvaro Benamor 2B (Carnide, near Colombo Shopping Center); Rua Duque de Palmela 20 (Avenida da Liberdade)

Versailles Bakery

There are many good reasons to visit Pastelaria Versailles: the space is beautiful, the art nouveau decor is admirable, the cakes are delicious, but the croquettes… the croquettes are divine.

They come in two sizes (small and large) and have been one of the house’s most popular products… for decades.

The good news is that the brand, founded in 1922, has a space at the airport, so these otherworldly croquettes can be the snack that accompanies you at high altitudes.

Address: Avenida da República 15A (Saldanha)

Tico Tico Restaurant

There are those who go to Tico Tico for the seafood, but there are also those who go for the very tasty croquettes, made with veal.

Crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, Tico Tico’s croquettes have been on the menu for more than four decades and more than 500 are made every day.

Only a croquette this addictive can justify such high demand! Wonderful!

Address: Avenida Rio de Janeiro 21 (Alvalade)

Gambrinus Restaurant

The traditional and very charismatic Gambrinus is known for its exquisite menu and more luxurious meals.

However, it also has a wonderful croquette, which tastes even better eaten at the counter!

Here the croquettes are accompanied by English mustard and this combination proves to be close to perfection.

They are freshly fried and served piping hot and, for us, they are as good as the caviar that is also on the menu!

Address: Rua Portas de Santo Antão 23 (Restauradores)

Das Flores Restaurant

Located very close to Largo de Camões, this is one of the smallest taverns we’ve ever tried, but always with delicious food.

And it doesn’t even need a name! Just search for “restaurant Das Flores” and it’ll come up.

Take down the phone number because you’ll really need to book a table if you want to eat here, in a space that fits just over 20 people.

As for the dishes, our suggestion is the Meat Croquettes with Tomato Rice. They’re small, they always come warm to the table and they’re some of the most delicious we’ve ever eaten.

If you order them individually, don’t forget to put a little mustard on top.

Address: Rua das Flores 76 (Chiado)

Salta Restaurant

You really have to go to the Asian-Latin American fusion restaurant Salta to try one of the best meat croquettes we’ve ever had.

It’s fried in its own duck fat sauce, which has previously been confit to fill the crunchy crust.

Address: Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca 82A (Marquês)

Pastelaria Califa

Califa is one of Benfica’s most traditional pastry shops and has been producing sweets, snacks and tasty meals for over 50 years.

Of course, the croquettes here are also exceptional!

If you have any business in Colombo or Fonte Nova, make the detour and try this delicacy. You won’t regret it!

Address: Estrada de Benfica 463 (São Domingos de Benfica)

Portugália Brewery

Made with selected meat and an exclusive seasoning, Portugália’s croquettes are almost as famous as the brewery’s steaks.

For this reason, the Portugália Balcão spaces, which you can find in various shopping centers, offer the Croquete Menu, served in a frying pan and accompanied by fries, rice or salad, not forgetting the famous Portugália sauce.

In restaurants, you can order them as a starter, not forgetting the mustard. Our favorite place is still Almirante Reis.

Address: Avenida Almirante Reis 117 (Arroios)

Casa dos Sabores (from Casa de Santo António)

The croquettes from Casa dos Sabores, which belongs to the Casa de Proteção e Amparo de Santo António, a social solidarity institution whose mission is to support the cause of unprotected maternity, have also “landed” in our newsroom. And, as promised, they are a delight that is hard to match.

Generous in size and with a meat filling you’ll never forget, the croquettes from Casa dos Sabores deserve a place on our list of the best croquettes in Lisbon.

If you want to try them too, and help this institution, place your order now via the online store. They only cost €1, but they taste like luxury croquettes.

Address: Calçada das Necessidades 2 (Alcântara)

Map of the best croquettes in Lisbon, and a list for your cell phone!

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