LisbonLisboaPortugal.com
The best independent guide to Lisbon
LisbonLisboaPortugal.com
The best independent guide to Lisbon
Home - Top 10 - Undiscovered Lisbon - Where to stay? - Costs - 24 hours - 3 Days - 1 Week - Day trips - Beaches
The best restaurants in Lisbon for every budget - updated for 2025
Lisbon is fantastic city for food and dining out, offering a diverse array of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. From Michelin-starred establishments to family-run restaurants, Lisbon’s dining scene is rich and varied.
While the city caters to all tastes and budgets, finding truly great meals can be a challenge, especially in the touristy center where bland, overpriced fare has become all too common.
We've combed the city to bring you restaurants we personally love and regularly recommend to friends and family. You'll find authentic Portuguese cuisine alongside innovative fusion creations, with options ranging from high-end dining experiences to budget-friendly local favourites perfect for a casual lunch.
We've looked beyond the obvious tourist spots, venturing into neighbourhoods where locals eat. Here, you'll discover hidden gems serving up delicious, well-priced meals with warm Portuguese hospitality. Whether you're craving traditional bacalhau, fresh seafood, steaks or cutting-edge gastronomy, our hand-picked selection represents the very best of Lisbon's vibrant food scene.
Our Favourite Restaurants in Lisbon
The following list features our recommended restaurants in Lisbon, with links to each establishment's website. Below this is a map to help locate the restaurants nearest you.
Traditional and Contemporary Portuguese Dining
Here are our favourite restaurants serving traditional and modern Portuguese flavours:
• Carvoaria Jacto (Intendente - €€) - Lisbon's finest steakhouse, known for expertly grilled meats and generous portions at reasonable prices. Popular with locals. (no website)
• A Casa do Bacalhau (Marvila - €€) - Offers fantastic traditional Portuguese cuisine centred around bacalhau (salt cod). Housed in a former wine cellar. www.casadobacalhau.pt/
• Cervejaria Ramiro (Intendente – €€) - Iconic seafood restaurant in Lisbon, famed for fresh shellfish and a vibrant dining atmosphere. www.cervejariaramiro.com/
• Oásis (São Sebastião - €) - Budget-friendly vegetarian oasis offering a rotating menu of daily specials. Ideal for lunch after visiting the nearby Gulbenkian Museum. (no website)
• Satélite (Graça - €€) - Traditional Portuguese restaurant overlooking Graça plaza. Perfect for lunch while sightseeing. (no website)
• D'Bacalhau (Parque das Nações - €€) - Modern restaurant specialising in creative bacalhau dishes. www.restaurantebacalhau.com
• Ponto Final (Almada - €€€) - Despite its touristy appeal, this waterfront restaurant boasts surprisingly good food and unparalleled views of Lisbon across the Tejo River. (no website)
• Atira-te ao Rio (Almada - €€€) - Charming restaurant next to Ponto Final, offering equally good food and stunning river views. atirateaorio.com
• Zé dos Cornos (Martim Moniz - €) - Popular, no-frills tasca serving hearty Portuguese classics. Favoured by locals and tourists alike for its authentic atmosphere. (no website)
• Damas (Graça - €) - Lively restaurant and cultural hub known for its fusion cuisine and craft cocktails. (no website)
• Sant'Avó (Graça - €€) - Delicious traditional Portuguese food served in a charming venue styled like an old family home. Known for its warm, homely atmosphere. (no website)
• Martinho da Arcada (Baixa - €€) - Lisbon's oldest café, a historic gem serving Portuguese classics since 1782. www.martinhodaarcada.pt/
• Sol Brasil (Alfama - €€) – A Brazilian steakhouse offering grilled meats and traditional sides. www.solbrasil.pt/
• Maçã Verde (Alfama - €) – Authentic, inexpensive Portuguese fare in one of Alfama's best tascas. (no website)
• Taberna Sal Grosso (Alfama - €€) – Stand-out restaurant in Alfama with wonderful Portuguese food and a cosy atmosphere, but always busy. (no website)
• SEM (Graça - €€€) – Innovative, higher-end restaurant offering zero-waste tasting menus with a focus on sustainability. www.restaurantsem.com/
• Solar dos Presuntos (Avenida da Liberdade area - €€) - Beloved Lisbon eatery serving quality seafood and Portuguese fare since 1974. Known for its extensive wine list. www.solardospresuntos.com
• Taberna Londrina (Bairro Alto - €€) – The best place outside of Porto for a Francesinha, a hearty Portuguese sandwich. (no website)
• Belcanto (Chiado - €€€€) - José Avillez's two-Michelin-starred restaurant offers outstanding contemporary Portuguese cuisine. Perfect for special occasions. www.belcanto.pt/
• Pinóquio (Baixa - €€) - Renowned seafood restaurant, famous for its fresh clams, grilled fish, and vibrant outdoor terrace. www.restaurantepinoquio.pt/
International Flavors in Lisbon
Lisbon's culinary scene extends far beyond Portuguese cuisine. Here are our top picks for restaurants serving outstanding international fare:
• The Old House (Parque das Nações - €€) - Widely regarded as the best Chinese restaurant in Lisbon. (no website)
• Come Prima (Lapa - €€) - Acclaimed Italian restaurant known for its authentic Neapolitan cuisine and culinary excellence. (no website)
• JNcQUOI Asia (Avenida da Liberdade - €€€€) – Upscale Asian fusion restaurant offering a luxurious dining experience. www.jncquoi.com/asia/
• Han Table Barbecue (Parque das Nações - €€) - Interactive Korean barbecue restaurant where you grill your own meat at the table. www.hantablebarbecue.com/
• SushiNow (Parque das Nações - €€) – Excellent sushi and Japanese restaurant offering a freshly prepared all-you-can-eat menu. sushinow.com.pt/
• Coyo Taco (Príncipe Real - €€) - Hip Mexican taqueria serving authentic tacos and other Mexican favourites. www.coyotaco.pt/
Restaurant location map
To help you plan your culinary adventures, we've created an interactive map showing the locations of all our recommended restaurants. Whether you're looking for a nearby dinner spot or want to explore different neighbourhoods, this map will guide you to Lisbon's best dining experiences. Use the zoom function to navigate the city and discover hidden gems in each area.
Legend 1) Carvoaria Jacto 2) A Casa do Bacalhau 3) Cervejaria Ramiro 4) Oásis 5) O Satélite 6) D'Bacalhau 7) Ponto Final 8) Atira-te ao Rio 9) Zé dos Cornos 10) Damas 11) Sant'Avó 12) Martinho da Arcada 13) Sol Brasil 14) Maçã Verde 15) Taberna Sal Grosso 16) SEM 17) Solar dos Presuntos 18) Taberna Londrina 19) Belcanto 20) Pinóquio 21) The Old House 22) Come Prima 23) Jncquoi Asia 24) Han Table Barbecue 25) SushiNow 26) Coyo Taco
Navigating Lisbon's Dining Scene: Tips for Quality Meals
The surge in Lisbon's popularity has led to a proliferation of mediocre restaurants catering to tourists. While our list highlights our top picks, these restaurants can often be busy or require reservations. When you're out sightseeing and need a quick meal, keep these tips in mind:
• Be wary of restaurants with street hawkers trying to lure you in
• Avoid places with picture menus or food displays outside
• Be cautious of menus available in multiple languages, which often indicate a tourist trap
• Think twice about restaurants advertising "typical Portuguese food" - authentic spots rarely need to make this claim
• Before settling on a restaurant, take a moment to check reviews on Google or TripAdvisor.
Tasca restaurants
Some of Lisbon's best dining can be found in its tasca restaurants. These traditional, no-frills eateries are the heart and soul of the city's food scene. Often family-run, tascas serve hearty Portuguese fare at reasonable prices. You'll find daily specials chalked on boards, featuring comfort foods like bacalhau (salt cod), grilled sardines, and rich stews.
While tascas may lack fancy decor, they offer an authentic taste of Lisbon's culinary heritage. Their genuine Portuguese flavours and welcoming atmosphere make them popular with both locals and visitors seeking a true taste of the city.
For a taste of authentic tasca dining near Lisbon's center, consider these:
• Casa da Índia in Bairro Alto
• Flor do Mundo in Bairro Alto
• Casa das Bifanas near Praça da Figueira
• Beira Gare near Rossio
• Maçã Verde in Alfama
The best restaurants in Lisbon
Carvoaria Jacto
Carvoaria Jacto focuses on delivering exceptional quality at reasonable prices. Specializing in various cuts of beef, pork, and lamb, diners can choose their preferred weight and have their meat grilled to perfection over charcoal. The restaurant’s relaxed and informal atmosphere, combined with its skill in handling Portuguese grilling traditions, makes it a must-visit for meat lovers.
A Casa do Bacalhau
A Casa do Bacalhau, located in Lisbon’s up-and-coming Marvila district, is a culinary institution renowned for its devotion to Portugal's beloved salted cod. The restaurant, housed in a former noble estate, exudes a rustic elegance with its vaulted brick ceilings and historic charm. Specializing in over 25 variations of bacalhau, the menu features both timeless classics, such as bacalhau com broa (served with cornbread), and inventive dishes that push the boundaries of tradition, all with fish sourced from Iceland. A true homage to Portuguese gastronomy.
Cervejaria Ramiro
Since opening in 1956, Ramiro has attracted locals and tourists alike with its simple, high-quality approach to seafood. The menu is a treasure trove of delights, with standout dishes such as giant tiger prawns, garlic clams, and succulent scarlet prawns. This Lisbon institution remains one of the city’s top spots for a memorable seafood feast
O Satélite (Graça)
Sitting on the main plaza of the Graça district, O Satélite draws locals with its home-cooked Portuguese fare at very reasonable prices. Dishes like grilled robalo (seabass) or pork steaks are served in generous portions, alongside classic sides such as potatoes and salad. With its no-frills charm, communal tables, and fast service, this spot offers a welcoming, down-to-earth dining experience that captures the essence of Lisbon's neighbourhood eateries.
Ponto Final
Located on the south bank of the Tagus River, Ponto Final is known for its exceptional views of Lisbon's skyline. The restaurant offers a menu of fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes in a casual setting. Despite its growing popularity among tourists, Ponto Final maintains the quality of its food and service, making it a favourite for both locals and visitors. The combination of tasty fare and stunning vistas makes it a noteworthy dining option when exploring Lisbon's culinary scene.
Solar dos Presuntos
Solar dos Presuntos has been a culinary beacon since 1974. This family-run gem draws a loyal crowd of locals and savvy tourists alike. The menu shines with fresh seafood and hearty meat dishes, all steeped in rich Portuguese cooking. From succulent grilled fish to their famed garlic prawns, each plate speaks of quality and care. The warm, buzzing vibe and walls adorned with photos of famous patrons add to its charm. While not cheap, the generous portions and stellar food make it a worthy splurge for those seeking an authentic Lisbon dining event.
Martinho da Arcada
Established in 1782, Martinho da Arcada is one of Lisbon's oldest and most historic restaurants, located in the Praça do Comércio. This café-restaurant is known for its traditional Portuguese cuisine, offering dishes such as bacalhau and various meat options. The establishment has a rich literary history, having been a frequent haunt of famous writers like Fernando Pessoa. Martinho da Arcada attracts both tourists interested in its historical significance and locals appreciating its enduring presence. While the food is reliable, the restaurant's main draw is its unique ambiance and historical setting in the heart of Lisbon.
Come Prima
In the heart of the Lapa district, Come Prima stands as a beacon of Italian culinary excellence. The restaurant, opened in 2001 by Nepali-born chef Tanka Sapkota, has garnered multiple awards from Italian institutions for its commitment to authentic flavours. Come Prima's menu boasts pizzas certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, alongside seasonal specialties like white Alba truffles. The dimly-lit, two-level dining space creates an intimate setting for patrons to savour the chef's masterful blend of Italian tradition and Portuguese ingredients.
Pinóquio
Pinóquio is a renowned seafood restaurant in Lisbon's Praça dos Restauradores, famous for its fresh clams and vibrant terrace. In the heart of Lisbon, Pinóquio has been a culinary beacon since 1982. This eatery, named after a former toy shop, boasts a prime location and a menu that sings of the sea. Locals and tourists alike flock to its terrace for the famed Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato - clams that arrive steaming and fragrant. The restaurant's commitment to quality extends beyond seafood, offering fine meat dishes and an extensive wine list.
Damas
Damas is a lively restaurant and bar known for its fusion cuisine and vibrant cultural scene. Set in a former bakery, Damas has quickly become a hotspot since opening in 2015. With an ever-changing menu driven by fresh local ingredients, it serves a blend of creative and traditional dishes such as peixinhos da horta and spicy beef salad. By night, it transforms into a buzzing venue with live music ranging from punk to Afro-beats. Damas captures the energy of a new Lisbon: inclusive, dynamic, and culturally rich.
The Old House
The Old House is a Chinese culinary gem that brings authentic Sichuan flavours to Portugal's capital. This establishment, part of a renowned Chinese chain, boasts chefs rigorously trained in the art of Sichuan cuisine. Diners can savour the region's famed spicy dishes, with the 'ma la' pepper blend taking centre stage. The restaurant's fish "hot pots" have garnered particular acclaim for their robust flavours. The Beijing duck and pulled pork are standout dishes, while the house roasted fish is a must-try for spice enthusiasts
D'Bacalhau
D'Bacalhau offers a seafood-centric experience with a focus on Portugal's beloved codfish. This riverside establishment boasts a capacious two-floor layout with a terrace. D'Bacalhau presents an extensive menu featuring various codfish preparations, alongside fresh fish and meat options. The restaurant's signature dish, grilled codfish with potatoes in hot olive oil, garlic, and onion, has garnered acclaim. Being a Portuguese focused restaurant expect generous portions and friendly service. D'Bacalhau is situated in the Parque das Nações and sits close to The Old House and Han Table Barbecue.
JNcQUOI Asia
JNcQUOI Asia is an upscale restaurant in Lisbon that specializes in Asian fusion cuisine. The menu features a diverse selection of dishes from Indian, Thai, Chinese, and Japanese culinary traditions. The restaurant's interior design is notable for its large dragon sculpture, which serves as a centerpiece in the dining area. JNcQUOI Asia aims to provide a high-end dining experience, blending various Asian cuisines in a stylish setting.
Discover more of Lisbon with our most popular guides
If you've enjoyed our content, we'd like to ask for your support.
The internet landscape has changed, and small independent publishers like us face increasing challenges. Search engines now prioritize advertising over organic content, reducing our traffic, while AI systems increasingly copy our original work without attribution.
To help support us, please consider bookmarking our website for easy access. If you find an article useful, we encourage you to share it with friends or on social media. Equally, if you notice anything outdated or incorrect, please let us know so we can promptly address it.
We're always open to collaborating with brands, bloggers, and SEO/PR agencies who value independent creators. If you'd like to work with us or offer support, please reach out at: [email protected]
Thank you for being part of our community and helping us continue to provide valuable content in an increasingly challenging digital environment.
A complete list of all of our Lisbon articles
-
If you've enjoyed our content, we'd like to ask for your support.
The internet landscape has changed, and small independent publishers like us face increasing challenges. Search engines now prioritize advertising over organic content, reducing our traffic, while AI systems increasingly copy our original work without attribution.
To help support us, please consider bookmarking our website for easy access. If you find an article useful, we encourage you to share it with friends or on social media. Equally, if you notice anything outdated or incorrect, please let us know so we can promptly address it.
We're always open to collaborating with brands, bloggers, and SEO/PR agencies who value independent creators. If you'd like to work with us or offer support, please reach out at: [email protected]
Thank you for being part of our community and helping us continue to provide valuable content in an increasingly challenging digital environment.