Lisbon stands out for its rich and varied culinary scene, ranging from fine-dining restaurants to neighborhood bistros and small tascas. We spent several days exploring the city and discovered a rich culinary scene, rooted in tradition yet open to innovation. From Chiado to Alfama, via Belém, each neighborhood has its own surprises in store for you.
Check out our selection of the 12 best restaurants to eat at in Lisbon, complete with our photos and tips.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Best Restaurants in Lisbon: Our Top 3 Picks
One of the best things to do in Lisbon is to sample the city’s cuisine. In this article, you’ll find our detailed reviews of the restaurants we’ve selected. But we couldn’t resist sharing our three favorite spots with you right away:
- Encanto Restaurant (1 star): a refined 11-course vegetarian experience in an intimate, cozy setting—book here
- Prado Restaurant: refined market-fresh cuisine where the oysters and sardines particularly impressed us—make a reservation here
- Boubou’s Restaurant: a trendy atmosphere and bistronomic cuisine—book here
WHERE TO STAY IN lisbon
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
The Baixa neighborhood in the heart of Lisbon –
Hotel da Baixa – See prices, photos and availability
Dare Lisbon House Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
The Alfama neighborhood, the oldest and most charming –
Hotel Poussada Alfama – See prices, photos and availability
The Chiado neighborhood, the most elegant—
Art Legacy Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
The Best Michelin-Starred and Fine-Dining Restaurants in Lisbon
1. Encanto Restaurant (a favorite)
One evening, we had dinner at Restaurant Encanto in Chiado, and what first struck us about the place was its cozy atmosphere. Dark botanical wallpaper, subdued lighting, an intimate atmosphere—in short, a chic and elegant room. The service, provided by uniformed staff who present each dish with care, further enhances this sense of sophistication.
You’ll be treated to a unique, entirely vegetarian menu that showcases vegetables from small Portuguese farmers across eleven consecutive courses. That evening, we sampled, among other things, a unique hummus, Jerusalem artichokes with sunflower seeds and tonburi, seaweed enhanced with cucumber, Carolino rice with wild mushrooms, and a delicious pine and shiso ice cream. Each dish played with textures and temperatures. Awarded a Michelin star and a green star, Encanto, in our opinion, lives up to its promise of technically sophisticated, visually appealing, and flavorful cuisine.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Chiado.
- Restaurant type: Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant, 1 star, 100% vegetarian cuisine.
- Capacity: less than 25 covers.
- Terrace: no.
- Price range: approximately €135 per person (tasting menu, excluding drinks).
- Portuguese specialties: Yes, cuisine focused on local and seasonal vegetables.
- Particularly suitable for children: no.
- We recommend making a reservation by phone at +351 21 162 6310 or online here.
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2. Boubou’s Restaurant
Boubou’s Restaurant has opened in Príncipe Real, in a space designed as a casual “fine dining” venue, featuring an open kitchen and an indoor patio. Chef Louise Bourrat, who rose to fame after winning the French version of “Top Chef,” offers a unique tasting menu called “Colheita,” available in seven- or ten-course versions, as well as a vegetarian option. The atmosphere is lively and decidedly trendy. You’ll enjoy the restaurant’s precise, globally inspired cuisine, rich in textures. However, you’ll have to deal with a fairly tight reservation system, as this spot has been very popular for the past few seasons. However, the connection between creativity and generosity justifies the wait and the bill.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Príncipe Real, near the Jardim do Príncipe Real.
- Restaurant type: bistronomic, casual fine dining.
- Capacity: less than 25 covers.
- Patio: Yes, indoor patio.
- Price range: approximately €140 per person (tasting menu, drinks included).
- Portuguese specialties: No, international and fusion cuisine.
- Particularly suitable for children: no.
- Reservations required here.
Best Bistronomic Restaurants and Wine Bars in Lisbon
3. Prado Restaurant and Wine Bar (a favorite)
Housed in a former factory in the Mouraria neighborhood, right next to a 12th-century church, Restaurant Prado makes the most of natural light and the plants that adorn its six-meter-high ceiling. Chef António Galapito creates market-inspired cuisine there, supporting small producers and following the rhythm of the seasons.
Prado Restaurant also has a wine bar where you can just have an appetizer. We tried some oysters seasoned with bell peppers and mild chili peppers, as well as some tangy sardines, which we thought were superb. Traditional Portuguese cuisine is reimagined here with finesse, without ever losing its identity. You can enjoy a tasting menu for dinner or grab a quick bite at the wine bar counter, depending on your mood and what’s available.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Mouraria, next to the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça.
- Restaurant type: market-fresh cuisine, restaurant, and wine bar.
- Capacity: less than 25 covers.
- Terrace: no.
- Price range: between €40 and €90 per person for the evening tasting menu.
- Portuguese specialties: yes, seasonal products and small producers.
- Particularly suitable for children: no.
- Reservations are recommended, especially for the restaurant here; the wine bar accepts walk-ins, but seats are in high demand, so it’s best to make a reservation here!
4. O Frade Restaurant
In Belém, just a short walk from the Museu Nacional dos Coches and its royal carriages, Restaurant O Frade recreates the atmosphere of a tavern from the Alentejo region. A U-shaped counter and details inspired by “vinho da talha,” a wine made in amphorae according to Roman tradition.
We took a seat at the counter, where the dishes are prepared right before our eyes, and ordered braised beef served with pickled onions, mashed potatoes, and baby broccoli, all washed down with a glass of local wine. The meal turned out to be comforting and delicious, complemented by a warm, welcoming atmosphere that invites you to linger. You’ll also find lingueirões à la Bulhão Pato and the restaurant’s signature duck rice, which has been awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Belém, next to the Museu Nacional dos Coches.
- Restaurant type: traditional, Bib Gourmand.
- Capacity: less than 25 covers.
- Terrace: no.
- Price range: between €20 and €40 per person.
- Portuguese specialties: yes, Alentejo cuisine and vinho da talha.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes.
- You can make a reservation here, but seats at the counter are often available without a wait.
FUN around Lisbon: activities
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Dolphin watching
Kayaking in Arrabida
Surfing in Cascais
5. Zunzum Gastrobar Restaurant
Overlooking the Tagus River, in the glass-walled premises of the Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa in Santa Apolónia, the Zunzum Gastrobar restaurant is helmed by Chef Marlene Vieira, who previously made a name for herself at the Time Out Market. The space, bathed in light, combines shades of white and red and opens onto a pleasant terrace on sunny days. The menu remains firmly rooted in Portuguese cuisine while incorporating influences from other regions: Algarve pink shrimp with seaweed and lemon butter, Alentejo pork chop served with fried polenta, and creamy seafood rice with cilantro. In our opinion, this spot is just as suitable for a lively lunch as it is for a more relaxed dinner overlooking the river.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Santa Apolónia, Lisbon Cruise Terminal.
- Restaurant type: contemporary gastrobar, Bib Gourmand.
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings.
- Patio: Yes, with a view of the Tagus River.
- Price range: between 25 and 40 euros per person.
- Portuguese specialties: yes, contemporary cuisine rooted in local traditions.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes.
- Reservations are recommended by phone at +351 915 507 870 or here.
6. Ofício Restaurant
The Ofício Restaurant presents itself as an unconventional tasco, blending a proud tradition with meticulous execution. Chef Maurício Varela reimagines Portuguese classics with a subtle Japanese influence: horse mackerel tartare on a shiso leaf, milho frito served with turnip greens and São Jorge cheese, and smoked skate enhanced with lobster butter. The dining room, bathed in soft light and filled with a relaxed atmosphere, invites guests to create a meal by selecting several dishes to share. You’ll also find oysters and cheese platters at the counter, for a quicker option. Awarded a Bib Gourmand, this restaurant strikes, in our opinion, a compelling balance between comfort food and creativity.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Chiado, near the Carmelite Convent.
- Restaurant type: unique tasco, Bib Gourmand.
- Capacity: less than 25 covers.
- Terrace: no.
- Price range: between €25 and €45 per person.
- Portuguese specialties: yes, classic dishes with a twist.
- Particularly suitable for children: no.
- Reservations recommended here.
DISCOVER Lisbon
Best Traditional Restaurants in Lisbon
7. Tasca Zebras Restaurant
On Calçada do Combro, between Bairro Alto and Santa Catarina, Tasca Zebras has taken over the space of a former neighborhood tasca, preserving its blue-and-white azulejos while brightening the space with a mirrored ceiling. Chef Anabela Pires, who has been in the kitchen since the 1980s, carries on a tradition of authentic, generous, and no-frills Portuguese cuisine. Try the tuna prego and the octopus à la lagareiro—two classics prepared to perfection—as well as a comforting caldo verde. Finally, we suggest you finish your meal with a homemade chocolate mousse. Leaving here, you get the feeling that you’ve rediscovered the spirit of a true Lisbon tasca.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Calçada do Combro, between Bairro Alto and Santa Catarina.
- Restaurant type: renovated traditional tasca.
- Capacity: less than 25 covers.
- Terrace: no.
- Price range: between €20 and €35 per person.
- Portuguese specialities: yes.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes.
- Reservations are recommended for dinner here, as the restaurant is well-known in the neighborhood.
8. Com Certeza! Restaurant
On Rua da Padaria, in the Baixa neighborhood, the Com Certeza! Restaurant is a small spot with traditional decor: plates hanging on the walls and wooden furniture create a warm, traditional atmosphere. We had dinner there—homemade broth, grilled octopus, and razor clams—three dishes that perfectly capture the restaurant’s identity, rooted in the most classic traditions of Portuguese cuisine. It’s hearty, authentic, and a little rich—just as it should be in a traditional cuisine that makes no apologies for its generosity. You’ll be served in a small dining room, perfect for enjoyable meals with friends or family.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Baixa, Rua da Padaria.
- Restaurant type: traditional Portuguese.
- Capacity: less than 25 covers.
- Terrace: no.
- Price range: between €20 and €35 per person.
- Portuguese specialities: yes.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes.
- Reservations are not required.
9. Time Out Market
Located in the former Mercado da Ribeira in Cais do Sodré, the Time Out Market brings together some 30 of the city’s most renowned establishments under one roof. We loved the lively atmosphere. The market stays open late, making it a convenient stop both during the day and in the evening, between visits to the historic district.
We tried many specialties, hopping from one shop to another. Soups, fritters, cheeses, wine, and desserts! In particular, we stopped at the Manteigaria counter for its pastéis de nata, which are unanimously considered to be among the best in Lisbon! Crispy puff pastry rolled out by hand and cream measured out precisely, without too much sugar. You can watch the production process live, separated from the public by a single pane of glass, which adds to the pleasure of the tasting.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Cais do Sodré, Avenida 24 de Julho.
- Restaurant type: gourmet market, delicatessen.
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings.
- Terrace: no.
- Price range: starting at €1.40 per pastel de nata, varying by shop.
- Portuguese specialities: yes.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes.
- No reservation required; open daily from 9 a.m. to midnight.
10. STO Restaurant
Located on Rua dos Fanqueiros in the Baixa neighborhood, Restaurante STO operates like a mercearia, where guests can snack as much as they dine: canned sardines, platters of Portuguese cheeses and cured meats, beef pica-pau or roasted cod loin make up a menu designed for sharing. We really enjoyed their octopus salad and their fritters with spicy sauces!
You can stop by for a quick lunch or stay a while in the evening; the kitchen stays open until one hour before closing. The simple, unpretentious setting is a perfect fit for this unapologetically 100% Portuguese cuisine, which showcases quality ingredients without trying to show off. Be sure to check out the products sold at the gourmet shop—you’ll find plenty of delicious treats to take home.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Baixa, Rua dos Fanqueiros, near Campo das Cebolas.
- Restaurant type: mercearia, 100% Portuguese cuisine.
- Capacity: less than 25 covers.
- Terrace: no.
- Price range: between €20 and €35 per person.
- Portuguese specialities: yes.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes.
- Reservations are not required.
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Best Restaurants for Brunch in Lisbon
11. Augusto Lisboa Restaurant
In the Alfama neighborhood, Augusto Lisboa has made a name for himself with his exclusive brunch, without ever changing his menu throughout the day. The motto on display—”Eat better to feel better”—is reflected in homemade dishes made with high-quality ingredients. We especially enjoyed the avocado tosta, topped with marinated carrots, scrambled eggs, and homemade fresh cheese, as well as the version with Portuguese ham. Feel free to linger, as service continues until mid-afternoon—well past the usual breakfast hours. The multilingual and welcoming staff adds to the charm of this simple yet well-kept spot.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Alfama.
- Restaurant type: brunch-only café.
- Capacity: less than 25 covers.
- Terrace: no.
- Price range: between 10 and 20 euros per person.
- Portuguese specialties: No, international brunch cuisine.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes.
- Reservations can be made by phone at +351 962 625 552. Open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays, and until 5:00 p.m. on weekends.
12. Café Dear Breakfast
Founded in Cais do Sodré before expanding to Chiado, Alfama, and Santos, Café Dear Breakfast has made eggs its signature dish, offering variations such as Eggs Benedict, Eggs Royal with salmon, Eggs Florentine with spinach, and Eggs Rothko served on a brioche. The décor, resolutely minimalist, features white, marble, and a few touches of pink velvet, creating a bright and soothing atmosphere. We loved being able to have breakfast at lunchtime, without judgment or time constraints—a philosophy the restaurant has embraced since the first location opened in 2017. You’ll also find avocado tostadas, pancakes, and fresh-squeezed juices to round out a menu designed with the morning in mind—no matter what time you sit down to eat.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Cais do Sodré (historical address), as well as Chiado, Alfama, and Santos.
- Restaurant type: brunch-only café.
- Capacity: less than 25 covers.
- Terrace: no.
- Price range: between 10 and 20 euros per person.
- Portuguese specialties: No, international brunch cuisine.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes.
- Reservations recommended here. Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, until 5 p.m. on weekends (hours may vary by location).
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Best Ice Cream Shops and Pastry Shops in Lisbon
Pastéis de Belém
Since 1837, this pastry shop in Belém has held the exclusive right to call its tartlets “pastéis de Belém,” based on a secret recipe that, according to legend, was passed down from the nearby Jerónimos Monastery. Here you’ll find a crispier crust and a less sweet flan than anywhere else in the city—best enjoyed right there, sprinkled with cinnamon. Watch out, there’s a line!
Alcôa Pastry Shop
Originating in Alcobaça and its Cistercian monastery, this pastry shop opened on Rua Garrett in the Chiado neighborhood in 1957. It stands out for its rarer monastic pastries, such as cornucópias filled with egg yolks, alongside an excellent pastel de nata.
Manteigaria (Manteigaria União)
The historic Chiado store, Rua do Loreto, is located in the former premises of a butter factory called Manteigaria União, which gave the store its name. Through a simple window, you can watch live as the pastéis de nata are made—they’re left open and baked at a high temperature to create a particularly crispy crust.
Confeitaria Nacional
Lisbon’s oldest confectionery, founded in 1829 on Figueira Square, has retained its 19th-century decor: marble, carved woodwork, and a mirrored ceiling. It remains famous for its Bolo Rei, a traditional Christmas cake whose recipe is said to have been brought there from Paris.
Santini
Founded in 1949 in Estoril by an Italian ice cream maker, this institution already counted the exiled royal families of the Costa do Estoril among its regulars. His shop in Chiado, on Rua do Carmo, offers more than thirty flavors of artisanal ice cream, in the same tradition as those found along the coast.
La Verde
La Verde, one of the city’s newest gelaterias, has opened two locations—one on Intendente and one on Graça—to bring the best of Italian flavors to the city. You can choose between a cone or a cup for 100% artisanal ice cream, with no artificial colors or preservatives.
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