Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city that delights all the senses. Known for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and rich history, Lisbon also boasts a culinary scene that is second to none.
From traditional Portuguese dishes to innovative modern cuisine, the city offers a wide range of gastronomic experiences. I will introduce some of its best restaurants and local delicacies to you. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a casual traveler looking to taste the best of Lisbon, this guide is for you.
Traditional Portuguese Cuisine: A Taste of History
Before diving into the restaurant recommendations, it’s essential to understand the foundation of Portuguese cuisine. Portuguese food is hearty, flavorful, and rooted in tradition. Key ingredients include fresh seafood, pork, olive oil, garlic, and a variety of spices introduced during Portugal’s Age of Exploration.
Must-Try Portuguese Dishes
- Bacalhau à Brás – A classic dish made with shredded salt cod, onions, and finely chopped potatoes, bound together with scrambled eggs.
- Caldo Verde – A comforting kale and potato soup, often flavored with chorizo.
- Pastéis de Nata – Iconic Portuguese custard tarts with a flaky crust and creamy filling.
- Arroz de Marisco – A rich seafood rice dish, similar to a risotto but packed with shellfish.
- Cozido à Portuguesa – A traditional boiled dinner with various meats, sausages, and vegetables.
- Francesinha – A hearty sandwich layered with cured meats, covered in melted cheese, and smothered in a beer-based sauce.
Top Restaurants in Lisbon
1. Belcanto
Location: Largo de São Carlos 10, 1200-410 Lisbon
Cuisine: Modern Portuguese
Belcanto, helmed by the renowned Chef José Avillez, is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers an exquisite fine dining experience. Located in the historic Chiado district, Belcanto takes traditional Portuguese flavors and elevates them with modern techniques and presentations.
Signature Dishes:
- Garden of the Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs: An intricate dish featuring a slow-cooked egg with gold leaf, truffle, and a crispy bread crust.
- The Wave Breaking: A seafood platter inspired by the ocean, featuring oysters, sea urchins, and algae.
Dining Experience:
The ambiance at Belcanto is elegant and sophisticated, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The attentive staff ensures a memorable dining experience, guiding guests through the menu and wine pairings.
Recommendation:
For an unforgettable gastronomic journey, opt for the tasting menu. It offers a selection of the chef’s best creations, showcasing the depth and creativity of Portuguese cuisine.
2. Time Out Market Lisbon
Location: Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisbon
Cuisine: Varied (Food Hall)
Time Out Market Lisbon is a vibrant food hall located in the Mercado da Ribeira. It brings together some of the city’s best chefs and food vendors under one roof, offering a diverse array of dishes and culinary experiences.
Must-Try Stalls:
- Manteigaria: Known for some of the best pastéis de nata in Lisbon.
- Sea Me: Offers a fantastic selection of fresh seafood, including sushi and ceviche.
- O Prego da Peixaria: Famous for its prego (steak sandwich) and other meat dishes.
Dining Experience:
The market is bustling and lively, with communal seating and a casual atmosphere. It’s a great place to sample a variety of foods, from traditional Portuguese fare to international dishes.
Recommendation:
Arrive with an empty stomach and explore the different stalls. Time Out Market is perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family, allowing everyone to try something different.
3. Cervejaria Ramiro
Location: Av. Almirante Reis 1, 1150-007 Lisbon
Cuisine: Seafood
Cervejaria Ramiro is a legendary seafood restaurant in Lisbon, beloved by locals and tourists alike. Established in 1956, it has built a reputation for serving some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the city.
Signature Dishes:
- Gambas à la Plancha: Grilled tiger prawns seasoned with garlic and olive oil.
- Sapateira Recheada: Stuffed crab with a savory filling.
- Carabineiros: Giant scarlet shrimp, known for their sweet and tender meat.
Dining Experience:
The atmosphere at Ramiro is lively and unpretentious, with a focus on the food rather than fancy decor. The service is efficient, and the waiters are knowledgeable about the seafood offerings.
Recommendation:
Start with the garlic prawns and move on to the stuffed crab. Don’t forget to try the prego no pão (steak sandwich), a popular choice to finish the meal.
4. Taberna da Rua das Flores
Location: Rua das Flores 103, 1200-015 Lisbon
Cuisine: Traditional Portuguese
Taberna da Rua das Flores is a charming and cozy tavern located in the Chiado district. It offers a menu of traditional Portuguese tapas, known as petiscos, which are perfect for sharing.
Signature Dishes:
- Salada de Polvo: Octopus salad with olive oil, garlic, and cilantro.
- Iscas de Fígado: Liver strips sautéed with onions and wine.
- Morcela Assada: Grilled blood sausage served with apple slices.
Dining Experience:
The tavern has a rustic and intimate atmosphere, with wooden tables and vintage decor. The friendly staff and relaxed vibe make it a great spot for a casual meal with friends.
Recommendation:
Order a variety of petiscos to share, and don’t miss the octopus salad and grilled blood sausage. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine for the full experience.
5. A Cevicheria
Location: Rua Dom Pedro V 129, 1250-096 Lisbon
Cuisine: Peruvian
A Cevicheria, led by Chef Kiko Martins, is a trendy and innovative restaurant that brings the flavors of Peru to Lisbon. Specializing in ceviche and other Peruvian dishes, it offers a fresh and vibrant dining experience.
Signature Dishes:
- Ceviche Puro: Classic ceviche with sea bass, tiger’s milk, sweet potato, and corn.
- Tiradito: Sliced raw fish with a spicy sauce, similar to sashimi.
- Pulpo à la Brasa: Grilled octopus with Peruvian spices.
Dining Experience:
The restaurant features a contemporary design with a large octopus sculpture hanging from the ceiling. The open kitchen allows guests to watch the chefs at work, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Recommendation:
Start with the classic ceviche and try the grilled octopus. The pisco sour, a traditional Peruvian cocktail, is the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
6. Tasca da Esquina
Location: Rua Domingos Sequeira 41C, 1350-119 Lisbon
Cuisine: Contemporary Portuguese
Tasca da Esquina is a modern eatery that offers a creative take on traditional Portuguese cuisine. Chef Vítor Sobral and his team focus on using fresh, local ingredients to craft innovative dishes that reflect the essence of Portuguese flavors.
Signature Dishes:
- Peixinhos da Horta: Tempura-style green beans, a traditional Portuguese appetizer.
- Alheira de Caça: Game sausage served with greens and a poached egg.
- Arroz de Pato: Duck rice with chorizo and herbs.
Dining Experience:
The restaurant has a contemporary and relaxed ambiance, with an open kitchen and a minimalist design. The friendly and knowledgeable staff enhance the dining experience with their recommendations and insights.
Recommendation:
Try the tasting menu to experience a variety of dishes. The game sausage and duck rice are particularly noteworthy. Pair your meal with a Portuguese wine for a complete culinary experience.
7. Alma
Location: Rua Anchieta 15, 1200-224 Lisbon
Cuisine: Modern Portuguese
Alma, which means “soul” in Portuguese, is a Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. It offers a refined and contemporary take on Portuguese cuisine, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and artistic presentation.
Signature Dishes:
- Scarlet Shrimp with Tomato and Basil: A beautifully plated dish that highlights the flavors of the sea.
- Suckling Pig with Sweet Potato Purée: A modern interpretation of a traditional Portuguese dish.
- Chocolate Textures: A decadent dessert that showcases different forms of chocolate.
Dining Experience:
The restaurant has an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, with a minimalist design that lets the food take center stage. The attentive service and carefully curated wine list add to the overall experience.
Recommendation:
Opt for the tasting menu to sample a range of the chef’s creations. The scarlet shrimp and suckling pig are standout dishes. Finish with the chocolate textures for a sweet ending to your meal.
8. Manteigaria Silva
Location: Rua Dom Antão de Almada 1C, 1100-197 Lisbon
Cuisine: Portuguese Delicatessen
Manteigaria Silva is a traditional
Portuguese delicatessen located in the heart of Lisbon. It offers a wide selection of cured meats, cheeses, and other gourmet products, making it a paradise for food lovers.
Signature Products:
- Presunto: Portuguese dry-cured ham, similar to Spanish jamón.
- Queijo da Serra: A rich and creamy cheese from the Serra da Estrela region.
- Chouriço: Traditional Portuguese sausage with a smoky and spicy flavor.
Dining Experience:
The deli has a rustic and old-world charm, with shelves lined with an array of delicious products. The knowledgeable staff are happy to offer samples and recommendations.
Recommendation:
Pick up some presunto and queijo da Serra for a perfect picnic. The chouriço is also a great addition to any meal. Pair your selections with a bottle of Portuguese wine for a true taste of Portugal.
9. Ponto Final
Location: Cais do Ginjal 72, 2800-284 Almada (across the river from Lisbon)
Cuisine: Traditional Portuguese
Ponto Final is a charming riverside restaurant located in Almada, just across the river from Lisbon. It offers stunning views of the city and a menu of traditional Portuguese dishes.
Signature Dishes:
- Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato: Clams cooked in a garlic and white wine sauce.
- Bacalhau à Lagareiro: Grilled salt cod with potatoes and olive oil.
- Arroz de Polvo: Octopus rice with a rich and flavorful sauce.
Dining Experience:
The restaurant has a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, with outdoor seating right on the water’s edge. The scenic views and delicious food make it a perfect spot for a leisurely meal.
Recommendation:
Take the ferry from Lisbon to Almada and enjoy a meal at Ponto Final. The clams and grilled salt cod are highly recommended. Make sure to arrive early to get a table with the best view.
10. Chapitô à Mesa
Location: Costa do Castelo 1, 1149-079 Lisbon
Cuisine: Portuguese and International
Chapitô à Mesa is a unique restaurant located within a circus school, offering a blend of Portuguese and international cuisine. It boasts one of the best views in Lisbon, overlooking the city and the Tagus River.
Signature Dishes:
- Tuna Tataki: Seared tuna with a sesame crust and soy sauce.
- Duck Magret: Duck breast served with a port wine reduction.
- Chapitô Dessert: A decadent chocolate mousse with orange zest.
Dining Experience:
The restaurant has a quirky and eclectic vibe, with colorful decor and a lively atmosphere. The outdoor terrace offers panoramic views, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Recommendation:
Reserve a table on the terrace for the best view. The seared tuna and duck breast are standout dishes. Enjoy a glass of wine as you take in the stunning scenery.
Lisbon’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation, offering something for every palate. From fine dining establishments to casual taverns and bustling food markets, the city’s restaurants showcase the rich flavors and diverse influences of Portuguese cuisine.
Whether you’re savoring a classic bacalhau dish, indulging in a pastel de nata, or exploring the vibrant food stalls at Time Out Market, Lisbon promises a memorable gastronomic adventure.
Tags: Best Restaurants in Lisbon, Local Delicacies in Lisbon