Best Restaurants in Lisbon: Tried and Tested

Located on Rua Domingos Sequeira, Tasca da Esquina is a favorite among locals for its straightforward presentation of Portuguese classics. The interior is modest, with wooden tables and soft yellow lighting that creates a cozy atmosphere. Expect to hear the clinking of glasses and gentle conversation as dishes arrive piping hot.

The menu includes staple dishes such as bacalhau à brás (shredded salted cod with eggs and potatoes) and polvo à lagareiro (roasted octopus with garlic and olive oil). Prices typically range from €12 to €20 per main dish. Tasca da Esquina opens daily from 12:30 PM to 3 PM for lunch and 7 PM to 11 PM for dinner, but reservations are recommended on weekends due to its popularity.

Cervejaria Ramiro, situated on Avenida Almirante Reis, is a busy spot loved for its fresh seafood. The loud chatter of diners, the clatter of shells being cracked, and the salty sea breeze from nearby Avenida Infante Dom Henrique all contribute to a lively dining scene.

Here, the menu is a celebration of Lisbon’s maritime heritage. Lobsters, giant tiger prawns, clams, and the house specialty – garlic butter tiger prawns – are served by staff who move briskly between tables. Expect to pay around €20 to €35 per person, depending on what you order. The restaurant opens at noon and usually remains busy until late evening, so arriving early or late helps avoid long waits.

make sure to see the steak sandwich for a hearty finish; it’s a local favorite that balances the seafood feast with tender meat and melted cheese on a crusty roll.

Chef José Avillez’s Bairro do Avillez, found in Chiado on Rua Nova da Trindade, reinterprets traditional dishes with contemporary techniques. The space is divided into several areas, including a casual tavern and a more formal dining room, both decorated with rustic yet modern touches such as exposed brick, wooden beams, and soft pendant lights.

The menu features dishes like codfish with black olive tapenade and lamb shoulder confit, alongside creative desserts such as the famous pastel de nata with a twist. Prices here are higher, with mains ranging from €25 to €45, reflecting the elevated culinary craftsmanship. Open daily from noon to 3 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM, it’s advisable to book several days in advance.

Waiting staff are knowledgeable and eager to suggest wine pairings from Portugal’s diverse vineyards, enhancing the meal with regional flavors.

For those looking to sample a variety of dishes without stretching the wallet, Time Out Market Lisboa on Avenida 24 de Julho is a practical choice. This indoor food hall gathers some of Lisbon’s best chefs and street food vendors under one roof, making it possible to try different dishes in one visit.

Open daily from 10 AM to midnight, the market features everything from grilled sardines and bifana sandwiches to international options like ramen and sushi. Prices vary but generally range from €5 to €15 per dish, making it accessible for casual diners or groups with diverse tastes.

The atmosphere is energetic, with the buzz of conversations and the scent of frying spices filling the air. Communal tables encourage socializing, while the large windows provide views of the Tagus River.

No culinary visit to Lisbon is complete without sampling the pastel de nata, a creamy custard tart with a crisp, flaky crust. Manteigaria Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata, located on Rua do Loreto in Bairro Alto, serves these pastries fresh from the oven throughout the day.

The counter is usually lined with trays of golden tarts, steaming slightly as they come out. The smell of caramelized sugar and baked dough is irresistible. A single tart costs about €1.30, and many visitors enjoy them with a cup of strong Portuguese coffee.

Manteigaria opens early at 8 AM and closes at 11 PM, so it’s easy to stop by anytime for a quick sweet snack or take a box to go. The small shop can be busy, especially in the afternoon, so patience is rewarded with a warm, melt-in-the-mouth treat.

Tucked away on Rua das Flores in Chiado, Taberna da Rua das Flores is a small tavern that serves traditional Portuguese tapas alongside an impressive selection of local wines. The space features rustic wooden tables, exposed stone walls, and an open kitchen where chefs prepare dishes in view of diners.

Popular plates include chouriço sausage grilled over an open flame, octopus salad, and marinated olives. Portions are small but flavorful, encouraging sharing. Wine bottles start around €15 and by the glass at €4 to €6. The setting is intimate and lively, with soft Fado music playing in the background most evenings.

The tavern opens from 12:30 PM to 3 PM for lunch and 7 PM to midnight for dinner, but it’s wise to arrive early or call ahead since seating is limited.

Located near the Miradouro de Santa Catarina viewpoint, Cantina das Freiras is known for its welcoming staff and menu suitable for all ages. The interior is bright and airy, with simple décor and large windows overlooking the street.

The menu features comforting dishes like grilled chicken with piri-piri sauce, vegetable rice, and fresh salads. Prices are reasonable, with mains between €10 and €18. The restaurant opens daily from 12 PM to 3 PM and 7 PM to 10:30 PM, making it a convenient option after a day of sightseeing.

The noise level is moderate, ideal for families, and the staff are attentive to children’s needs, including offering smaller portions or adapting dishes.

Princesa do Castelo, situated on Rua da Graça, caters well to vegetarians and vegans without sacrificing traditional Portuguese flavors. The restaurant’s warm lighting and colorful tile walls create a relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals.

The menu includes dishes such as chickpea stew, grilled vegetable skewers, and vegan pastel de nata made with coconut milk. Prices typically range from €8 to €15. Open daily from 12 PM to 10 PM, the restaurant also has fresh juices and herbal teas that complement the meals.

For those out late or craving a hearty meal after an evening stroll, A Licorista O Bacalhoeiro on Rua dos Sapateiros serves traditional dishes until midnight. The dimly lit interior with framed black-and-white photos creates a nostalgic ambiance.

Known for its bacalhau dishes, especially bacalhau à lagareiro and codfish rice, the restaurant also serves caldo verde (kale soup) and moelas (chicken gizzards stew). Prices range from €12 to €22 per main dish. The kitchen remains open until midnight, making it a reliable option after shows or late arrivals.

Expect the smell of garlic, olive oil, and smoked paprika to fill the air as dishes are prepared fresh. The staff are friendly and happy to recommend local wines or homemade liquors to finish the meal.