Olá! Luís here again.
If there’s one thing Portugal does better than most, it’s seafood. From the grilled sardines of Lisbon to the octopus salads of the Algarve, our coastline has inspired centuries of dishes made for sharing.
Whether you’re hosting a summer lunch with friends or planning a family get-together, a Portuguese seafood feast really brings people together.
At Divino, we’ve made it easy to recreate the flavours of Portugal at home with cured fish, quality olive oils and crisp white wines that complete the experience. Here’s your guide to putting together an unforgettable seafood celebration, the Portuguese way.
Build Your Feast Around the Sea
A true Portuguese seafood spread is built to share. It’s not about one big main course, it’s about variety.. You can start small or go all out depending on the occasion. Here are a few must-have categories to guide your table.
Cold Cured and Tinned Delicacies
Cured and preserved fish are part of everyday life in Portugal, served with crusty bread, olives and good wine. At Divino, we stock a carefully curated range of traditional fish products that make beautiful openers to your spread.
- Cured codfish (bacalhau): Flake into salads, mash into fishcakes or serve simply with chickpeas and olive oil
- Canned sardines or mackerel: Serve straight from the tin with a sprinkle of lemon zest and chopped parsley
- Octopus in olive oil: Plate cold with a few capers or warm gently and serve over thin potato slices
Pair these with a drizzle of high-quality Portuguese olive oil and a scattering of chopped fresh herbs for instant elevation.
Fresh Grilled Favourites
Nothing says coastal celebration quite like grilling seafood outdoors. Whether it’s for a relaxed garden lunch or a team-building barbecue, grilled fish delivers both drama and deliciousness.
- King prawns: Marinate in olive oil, garlic and paprika, then grill over high heat until charred
- Squid or cuttlefish: Tender when grilled quickly and finished with a squeeze of lemon
- Whole sardines: A Portuguese icon, best served with new potatoes and grilled peppers
Pro tip: Brush seafood with olive oil and season generously with sea salt before it hits the grill. Keep it simple to let the freshness shine.
Light and Vibrant Sides
Seafood loves freshness, so keep your sides light and colourful. Here are a few Portuguese-inspired ideas:
- Tomato and onion salad: Sliced ripe tomatoes, red onion and oregano with olive oil and vinegar
- Vinho Verde-dressed greens: Lightly steamed greens or blanched beans tossed in lemon and wine vinaigrette
- Couscous with lemon and herbs: A refreshing base that soaks up juices from grilled fish beautifully
Don’t forget the bread! Crusty rolls or slices of sourdough for mopping up olive oil and sauces.
Wine Pairings From the Coast
No seafood feast is complete without crisp white wine. Portugal produces some of the most food-friendly whites in Europe, especially from the Douro and Alentejo regions. We’ve picked a few favourites that pair perfectly with seafood.
Planalto Reserva White
A refined white from the Douro, Planalto brings delicate floral aromas, ripe stone fruit and a mineral finish. Its elegance balances everything from octopus to grilled prawns.
- Best with: grilled squid, bacalhau salad or lightly spiced dishes
Shop Planalto Reserva ›
Quinta da Pacheca Moscatel Galego White
Made with the Moscatel Galego Branco grape, this Douro white is aromatic and soft with hints of wildflowers, citrus and honeyed aroma. A great match for lighter fish or cold appetisers.
- Best with: sardines, tinned mackerel and fresh salads
Shop Quinta da Pacheca Moscatel Galego ›
Monte Mayor White
From Alentejo, this crisp and citrusy wine adds lift to richer seafood dishes. It’s perfect for casual gatherings and easy drinking all afternoon.
- Best with: fish skewers, garlic prawns or buttery sauces
Shop Monte Mayor White ›
Serve all whites well chilled and keep a few ice buckets on hand to keep bottles picnic-ready.
Set the Scene, the Portuguese Way
Presentation plays a big role in Portuguese hospitality. Here’s how to style your seafood spread for maximum impact:
- Use wooden boards, ceramic dishes and bowls of olives to create a rustic, coastal look
- Scatter lemon halves, fresh parsley and edible flowers for colour and contrast
- Offer wine in tumblers or simple glasses, casual elegance is part of the charm
- Play soft Fado or upbeat Portuguese acoustic music in the background to bring the atmosphere to life
Whether you’re dining indoors or out, a few thoughtful touches can transform your meal into a mini holiday.
From Shore to Table, The Divino Experience
With Divino’s range of traditional seafood products, award-winning wines and quality olive oils, you can bring the soul of Portugal to your table — effortlessly.
Ready to serve up something special? Explore our full seafood and wine range online and create your own taste of the coast.
Saúde!