A Local’s Guide to Lisbon’s Best Restaurants
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Lisbon has a great food scene, with everything from the classic and straightforward tasca (Portuguese bistro) to the elaborate Michelin-starred restaurant.
When it comes to places to eat, the city has evolved year after year, with young chefs revolutionizing how we experience traditional Portuguese dishes.
Like any European capital, you can find cuisine from all over the world here, but I would suggest focusing on restaurants that feature local ingredients, such as cod or sardines. And, of course, leave room for the convent sweets, which include delicious amounts of sugar and egg.
Some of the traditional dishes you must try in the nation’s capital are the “Bacalhau à brás” (shredded cod mixed with straw potatoes, onions, and scrambled eggs), the grilled sardines (most commonly served in the summer), “Polvo à lagareiro” (roasted octopus with lots of olive oil, garlic, and potatoes) and “Caldo verde” (a traditional soup made with cabbage, potatoes, chorizo and olive oil).
And, of course, for dessert, get a Pastel de nata, a small custard tart with a crispy puff pastry crust, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. One of Lisbon's most famous pastries.
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Things to do know when dining in Lisbon
When you go to experience Lisbon's gastronomic scene, remember three things:
Book in advance or, if they don't take reservations, arrive early so you don't miss a table. Most restaurants start serving lunch at 12:00 pm and dinner at 7:00 pm.
Be aware that the appetizers placed on the table at the beginning are not complimentary and will be charged for at the end. Don't touch them, and send them back if you don't want them. Most restaurants also charge for water, even the filtered one.
In most restaurants, the tip is not included in the final bill, but it's always nice to leave it if you like the service. There’s no fixed percentage, and really, it’s up to you to tip as much as you like, but I personally leave at least 2€/3€ at the end.
Upscale restaurants for special occasions
1. Belcanto
Led by José Avillez, one of the country's most renowned chefs, this restaurant has two Michelin stars and offers tasting menus that elevate Portuguese flavors. If you're not on a tight budget, it's worth the investment.
2. Alma
Henrique Sá Pessoa is another top Portuguese chef with venues across borders, such as in London and Miami. At Alma, the specialist gives his soul to Portuguese products, so be sure to try the carabinero shrimp with pumpkin, harissa, and black garlic or the cod with coriander, brandade, and cabbage.
3. JNCQUOI Avenida
JNCQUOI restaurants have been popping up all over the city, each one specializing in a certain type of cuisine. In the one in Avenida da Liberdade, you can encounter an exquisite variety of starters and some other amazing Portuguese dishes in a room with ultra-elegant décor.
4. Loco
This place will put a dent in your wallet, but it's well worth the experience. Here, local produce takes center stage in a 16-course tasting menu that promises to captivate your senses.
5. Marlene
Any relation between the name of this restaurant and the name of the author of this article is pure coincidence! Marlene Vieira has made a reputation for herself on the Portuguese gastronomic scene and has opened "Marlene," as a more intimate space to do her art. There are only two tasting menus, and in both, you won't know what you will be eating until it arrives at the table.
Restaurants for meat lovers
6. Sala de Corte
For steak lovers, this restaurant in Praça Dom Luís serves a range of certified meats that go beyond borders and are cooked to perfection.
7. Atalho Real
Whether on bread or on a plate, there are various cuts of meat that you can try at this restaurant in Príncipe Real, from dry aged entrecôte to Black Angus. And if you're really craving meat, you can always go for a Tomahawk or a T-bone.
8. KOB by Olivier
It was one of the first restaurants to serve dry aged meat in Lisbon and has, therefore, become a specialist in the field. And it doesn't stop at Portuguese meats, including cuts from Spain, Ireland, Australia, and even Japan.
9. A Taberna do Lopes
It's called "Taberna do Lopes" ("Lopes Tavern"), but it's hardly a tavern, as it's a very refined space dedicated to matured meats from indigenous Portuguese breeds.
Great seafood restaurants
10. Cervejaria Ramiro
If you want to try fresh seafood, you're in for a treat. From shrimp to lobster to crab, this restaurant is so popular that you will often find queues out the door. The fact that it appeared in Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" series has contributed even more to its reputation.
11. Nunes Real Marisqueira
When we think of a restaurant specializing in seafood, we think of something other than a unique Art Deco space that draws inspiration from artisanal fishing. This is not a budget-friendly place, but good seafood is not cheap in Portugal, as you will find out.
12. Sea Me
Before hitting the bars at Bairro Alto, stop by Sea Me to indulge in the catch of the day, which can grilled or turned into sushi.
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Vegetarian-friendly restaurants
13. Arkhe
Vegetarianism elevated to fine dining! The tasting menus at this signature vegetarian cuisine restaurant will take you on a journey of flavors where meat and fish are left out. And there's no lack of a good wine list to go with it.
14. Encanto
Curious about Belcanto, but your food choices don't allow it? Don't despair. Chef José Avillez has opened Encanto next door, a place dedicated to vegetarian dishes and already with a Michelin star. If you're not a vegetarian, I guarantee that the 12-course tasting menu will change your mind.
15. Os Tibetanos
It was my first vegetarian restaurant in Lisbon when vegetarianism was still taking its first steps in the capital city. With a fantastic interior patio, everything on the menu is good, but go for the seitan curry or the tofu steak with goat's cheese.
16. daTerra
If you’re looking for good vegetarian dishes at affordable prices, head to daTerra, where there's an all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet and daily mains suggestions.
Places to “pesticar” (restaurants for snacks and light bites)
17. Taberna da Rua das Flores
This tavern, led by chef André Magalhães, is a small but cozy space that presents different approaches to national products. Perfect for sharing tapas and a good glass of wine amongst friends.
18. O Velho Eurico
It started as a small petiscos place hidden away in Mouraria, but today, it's an unmissable spot to try good Portuguese dishes in a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere.
19. Pica-Pau
In a city where modernity is taking over restaurants, this petiscos place in Príncipe Real continues to serve authentic Portuguese dishes made "the old-fashioned way." You must try the "salada de polvo" (octopus salad), "salada de orelha de porco" (pig's ear salad), "pastéis de bacalhau" (codfish cakes), and the "pica-pau do lombo" (strips of beef fried in olive oil).
Brunch spots
20. Praça
Outside the city center, located in the Hub Criativo do Beato, you'll find a brunch full of products from small national producers. After tasting them, you can always go to the on-site grocery store or bakery and take some back with you.
21. Mila Lisboa
It started out as a simple grocery store in the Santos neighborhood. Little by little, customers began to ask if they could sit and eat there, and the vegetable and fruit stalls gave way to tables where they served pancakes, toast, eggs, and smoothies.
22. Gosta do Castelo
A short distance from the Castelo de São Jorge, you can choose from four different brunch menus. Don't miss the banana pancakes, a house specialty, or go for the Overnight Oats Bowls.
23. Amélia
Given the detail of this place and the dishes on the table, hardly anyone can resist taking a photo for Instagram. If you're in Campo de Ourique, be sure to try this brunch while relaxing on the beautiful patio.
Cafes and bakeries
24. A Brasileira
If you want to start with the classics, I say start with my favorite: the Brasileira do Chiado. When I enter this café, I feel like I'm stepping into a time machine, sitting at a table where illustrious Lisbon figures, such as the writer Fernando Pessoa, have sat before. Visit it if only for a good espresso.
25. Confeitaria Nacional
It opened in 1829 and is one of Lisbon's most iconic pastry shops. When you step inside, you will be amazed by the incredible interior. Don't be surprised if you encounter long queues, especially during Christmas time. This shop is known for being one of the most popular places to buy the traditional Bolo Rei (Portuguese Christmas cake in the shape of a crown made with dried and candied fruit) since it is the birthplace of this holiday pastry.
26. Alcôa
Do you remember me telling you about convent sweets? In this pastry shop on Rua Garrett, you'll find some of the best in the country. It's not just me saying it, but the various prizes they've won in competitions over time.
27. Nicolau
This beautiful café could also be in the brunch section, but it's worth coming to Rua de São Nicolau in Baixa if only to enjoy one of the house juices or a nice cappuccino. If you have more time, stay for a sugar-free açai with granola.
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