X-Pat Expert - Fiftysister

A typical Saturday morning includes a visit to the organic farmers market in the Principe Real gardens. It’s a great place to meet other expats while shopping for delicious, healthy, fresh produce that comes straight from the local farms.

My Principe Real

Taryn King, expat mom and writer in Lisbon @tarynleeking

Born and raised in South Africa, I moved to Lisbon with my husband and two young boys two years ago right before Covid hit. We chose to live in Principe Real because of its friendly, international feel and proximity to everything Lisbon has to offer.

Since moving here, our family has grown to include a baby girl, and I have loved being in this neighbourhood due to the ease of meeting other moms in the many parks and playgrounds in the area.

As a family our favourite weekend treat is an açai bowl from Oakberry – choose as many toppings as you want to make this healthy treat even more fun. As a mom of three small kids, I would not survive without good coffee. Copenhagen Coffee Lab serves an amazing oat milk flat white which is best enjoyed with a takeaway pastry in the nearby Praca das Flores, a beautiful park in the heart of Principe Real.

For date night, we love starting off with a glass of red wine at Casa da Praia Tapas and Wine Bar – it’s a tiny bar set right on the street with the most amazing selection of wines. Followed by dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area – we love Leonetta for the freshest pasta. Ending off with a delicious gelato from Nanarella.

Opposite the Principe Real gardens, you will find the best chocolate in Lisbon. Bettina & Niccolo Corolla is a family run artisan chocolate and coffee shop. Coffee and cocoa beans come from the family plantation in São Tomé and Príncipe, and are roasted and produced in-house. I love getting a delicious, strong espresso which comes with a piece of chocolate – choosing between flavours like orange, ginger and my favourite, coconut.