If you are a food lover like me, you’re totally at the right place in Lisbon. I can guarantee that the food won’t disappoint. In Portugal everything is about food. They value a good meal and when Portuguese people recommend a place you can trust it will be good. The Portuguese are the kind of people that will travel for 1,5 hours to go to a restaurant worth going and I couldn’t agree more. You have to eat anyway so you can as well make some effort choosing the right place when going out for diner.
The places bellow were recommended by a local friend. I think it would take me minimal a month to visit every single place she shared and it’s on my list to do so.
Don’t forget to make a reservation ahead, it can even be at the same day – otherwise you risk having to wait in line for a while.
Where to eat
Mercado de Campo de Ourique
Inaugurated in 1934 and restored in 2013, Mercado do Ourique is a wonderful food market with delicious variety in choices. The food places in this market have different specialities from pastries to sushi to traditional Portuguese food with a modern touch. My craving at the time I was there was pasta and I have to say that the ravioli was one of the best I’ve ever had (as a true pasta lover – this says a lot). Not only you can enjoy the food when you are there, you can also buy all the ingredients of the dishes they serve. How convenient!
R. Coelho da Rocha 104, 1350-075 Lisboa
Água pela Barba
A nice cozy modern Portuguese fish restaurant where they serve amazing Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist. I was seriously surprised by the deliciousness of all the dishes I ordered. Knowing the Portuguese kitchen my whole life I found this place very refreshing in all ways. The octopus was my favorite.
Next to the restaurant you’ll find a beautiful blue painted door that actually looks like a painting. Eye catcher.
R. do Almada 29/31, 1200-057 Lisboa, Portugal
El Clandestino
A menu with only taco’s and ceviche. With a Pisco sour on the side this place will take you to Mexico. The decoration is stunning and very cool. The dishes won’t disappoint either. For me this was a memorable place also because the city I live in didn’t have a good Mexican restaurant until not long ago. So for me, having a Mexican night with quality was pretty refreshing.
R. da Rosa 321, 1250-096 Lisboa, Portugal
Osteria – Cucina di amici
Of course the trip wouldn’t be complete without a good Italian restaurant. This place definitely got me completely charmed. This cozy little gem in the middle of the narrow streets of Lisbon is one of the nicest places to enjoy an Italian evening, if not the best!
The seats and tables are picturesque and very specific, homely and attractive. Everything is right about this place – the food, Italian staff, location and ambience. Interesting fact: no pizza, only pasta and risotto.
R. Madres 52, 1200 Lisboa, Portugal
Zero Zero
A very nice pizzeria where they serve great pizza, pasta and risotto. It has nice vibe and in the summer it must be wonderful to eat at their terrace outside. Great place for larger groups.
R. da Escola Politécnica 32, 1250-102 Lisboa, Portugal
Nicolau
This breakfast place was worth the wait in line. Even though nowadays you find these healthy places in every large city, Nicolau is a nice colorful place to enjoy a good complete breakfast to start off your day.
R. de São Nicolau 17, 1100-547 Lisboa, Portugal
Mercado da Ribeira
Also known as the Time Out Market. This spot is in every tourist brochure and even though it’s a great place to visit I prefer Mercado de Ourique to enjoy a meal. Maybe because it’s smaller and more cozy.
Av. 24 de Julho 49, Lisboa
Ponto final
At the other side of the bridge you’ll find a wonderful restaurant with a stunning view over Lisbon. The food is great and it’s situated down the hill. I recommend not driving all the way down by car because it’s steep. Park the car on top and walk down. There is also an elevator.
R. do Ginjal 72, Almada
Other food spots recommended by locals:
Portuguese cuisine
Decadente
R. de São Pedro de Alcântara 81, 1250-238 Lisboa
Trindade
R. Nova da Trindade 20 C, 2715-311 Lisboa
Santa Bica
Tv. do Cabral 39, 1200-057 Lisboa
Bastardo
Rua da Betesga, 1100-422 Lisboa
Prego da Peixaria
Av. da Igreja 32 / Av. Praia da Vitória 77B / Av. 24 de Julho 49
Taberna da Rua das Flores
Rua das Flores 103, 1200-194 Lisboa
Tapisco
R. Dom Pedro V 81, 1250-096 Lisboa
Tapas
Madame Petisca
R. de Santa Catarina 17 3º, 1200-128 Lisboa
Taberna Moderna
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 18A, 1100-070 Lisboa
Matateu
Rua do Arsenal Restelo, 1449-015 Lisboa
Oriental
O asiático
R. da Rosa 317, 1250-092 Lisboa
Boa Bao
Largo Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro 30, 1200-369 Lisboa
Mexican and ceviche
Pistola y corazón
Rua da Boavista 16, 1200-275 Lisboa
A Cevicheria
R. Dom Pedro V 129, 1250-096 Lisboa
Las Ficheras
R. dos Remolares 34, 1200-371 Lisboa, Portugal
Are you looking for more Portugal inspiration? Check out the blogpost from Reiswijven about Madeira.
