Writing an article about the best restaurants in Lisbon is an impossible task. There are thousands of top-notch eateries and you could easily spend a lifetime trying one delicious restaurant after the next.
The best Lisbon restaurant for you is going to depend entirely on what you’re in the mood for and how fancy you’re feeling, so instead of making a definitive list, these are my favorite Lisbon restaurants where I take friends and family when they visit. I love these restaurants dearly, and I can’t wait for you to try them. Let’s eat!
A few quick tips:
- Reservations are your friend. Always call ahead to make sure you get a table, especially if you’d like to dine on a weekend.
- Many restaurants in Lisbon close between lunch and dinner, so check the hours online if you’re hungry in the late afternoon.
- Traditional restaurants will often bring out a “couvert” of olives, bread, olive oil, fresh cheese, and butter when you sit down. These items are not complimentary, so if you don’t want them let your server know and they’ll remove them.
My 13 Favorite Restaurants in Lisbon
Vicente
If you only have one night to eat dinner in Lisbon, go to Vicente. From the food to the ambiance, Vicente is something special and it’s one of my favorite special occasion restaurants in the city.
Vicente is located inside an old brick building that feels like you’re in a castle, and there’s also outdoor seating in one of Lisbon’s many charming alleyways. On the menu, you can choose from classic Portuguese fare, steaks, and dishes like Indonesian Nasi goreng and a showstopping goat cheese salad.
Try the special soft cheese (it’s wildly strong in the best way), the mushroom starter is heavenly, and you should plan to order one of every dessert on the menu. Overall, it’s a beautiful dining experience in the heart of Lisbon, and all for a reasonable price.
- Best all-around restaurant in Lisbon
- Rua das Flores 6, 1200-195 Lisboa
- (+351) 21 806 6142
- Reservations
Zé da Mouraria 2
Zé da Mouraria 2 is a traditional Portuguese family-style restaurant that makes you feel right at home. The dishes are served in platters that are as long as the table and everything we tried was incredible.
We had the bacalhau with chickpeas and beef dish surrounded by fries and covered in the most divine garlic gravy sauce. For five people, two dishes were more than enough and we had leftovers for days. They also had great desserts and a warm atmosphere filled with laughter and endless food.
One thing to note: Make sure to add the “2” to the end of the restaurant name when searching on Google Maps. There are two locations and the first one has limited hours, so for dinner, the second location is your best bet. I’ve listed the correct address below.
- Best local restaurant for traditional Portuguese cuisine served family-style
- R. Gomes Freire 60, 1150-175 Lisboa
- (+351) 21 608 4695
Ilha da Madeira
Ilha da Madeira is another classic Portuguese restaurant serving dishes from the island of Madeira. Here, you can try traditional Madeirense cuisine in a casual environment.
They serve a variety of classic meat and fish dishes, as well as showstoppers like meat on a hot stone, which you cook yourself! You have to try an order of bolo do caco, a homemade Madeira bread that makes my mouth water just to think about.
While there are a few vegetarian options on the menu (I really liked the mushroom risotto), this is a meat-heavy spot so not the best choice if you’re vegetarian or vegan.
- Best traditional Madeirense food in Lisbon
- R. Campo de Ourique 33, 1250-059 Lisboa
- (+351) 21 386 6453
Boa-Bao
Boa-Bao is an Asian fusion restaurant that’s great for a special occasion or a fun night out. They don’t take reservations, so when you arrive, you’ll put your name on the list and grab starters and drinks from the takeaway bar window while you wait. The exposed brick wall interior, friendly staff, outdoor patio, and amazing food really make Boa-Bao a meal to remember. Make sure to try the dim sum and bao buns!
Travel tip: If you’re looking for a great evening in Lisbon, start at the Convento do Carmo and walk around it to see the upper level of the Santa Justa Lift. Grab a drink under the twinkle lights at the Carmo Quiosque, and when you’re ready for dinner, Boa-Bao is just around the corner.
- Best for trendy Asian food in a great location
- Largo Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro 30 1200-369 Chiado
- (+351) 919 023 030
- Website
Lupita Pizzaria
I may or may not have ordered pizza from Lupita multiple times in one day because it’s just that good. With amazing crust and fresh ingredients, Lupita Pizzaria is on another level. It’s located near Time Out Market and Cais do Sondre train station, and they also don’t take reservations. It’s usually packed with a bit of a wait, but so worth it.
- Best pizza in Lisbon
- Rua de S. Paulo 79, 1200-427 Lisboa
- (+351) 919 447 111
- Instagram page
In Bocca Al Lupo
Il Bocca Al Lupo is another great pizza and Italian spot if you’re in the Principal Real neighborhood. Try amazing dishes made with fresh ingredients and don’t miss their amazing wine selection that will make your night shine. Couple this with an after-dinner visit to Flores da Pampa for drinks you’re in for a night to remember.
- Best for pizza and Italian cuisine
- R. Manuel Bernardes 5A, 1200-250 Lisboa
- (+351) 21 390 0582
- Website
Crispy Mafia
Crispy Mafia is one of my favorite places to grab lunch in Lisbon and it’s always a crowd-pleaser among visiting friends and family. With a menu of fried chicken, burgers, chicken and waffles, and amazing vegetarian options (I didn’t know it was possible to make cauliflower so delicious) there’s something for everyone. The onion ring starter and mac and cheese can’t be missed!
- Best for fried chicken and pub food with vegetarian options
- R. Cecílio de Sousa 85, 1200-100 Lisboa
- (+351) 21 400 3108
- Reservations
Time Out Market
Time Out Market is a giant food hall in the center of Lisbon. Even though it can be chaotic during the high season, Time Out is still worth checking out. There are over 40 restaurants inside serving yummy food as well as bars and a few little shops. Make sure to grab a sweet treat from Crush Donuts or a tasty pastel de nata from Manteigaria.
- Best food hall in Lisbon
- Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa
- (+351) 21 0607403
- Website
Tre – Bambu
Tucked on a side street just off Avenida da Liberdade is a delicious Vietnamese spot called Tre – Bambu. My friends and I have been loving this spot during the summer because they have a great outdoor patio with colorful lanterns – perfect for when the weather is nice. Tre – Bambu serves classic Vietnamese dishes like pho and bun cha and the spring rolls are delicious. If you book over the phone, be sure to request the outdoor patio.
- Best Vietnamese food in Lisbon
- R. do Salitre 38, 1250-144 Lisboa
- (+351) 21 352 0767
- Reservations
Lebanese Corner
For amazing falafel, kebab, and classic Lebanese dishes, head to Lebanese Corner in Rato. While this is mainly a quick takeaway spot, there’s a small outdoor eating area and the food is spectacular. I get the falafel plate with humus (yum) and fattoush salad and just thinking about their fresh pita bread and that humus is making me hungry!
- Best casual Lebanese food, great if you need a quick bite takeaway
- Largo do Rato 3A, 1250-186 Lisboa
- (+351) 21 586 7171
Neighbourhood Cafe
The first time I walked past Neighbourhood Cafe, the smell coming from the restaurant was so good I stopped in my tracks and went inside. They are open all day so you can stop by for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a coffee pick-me-up.
For breakfast, the avocado toast with spicy kimchi, chia pudding cups, and breakfast burritos are amazing. In the evenings, their burgers and veggie burgers are some of the best we’ve had. No matter when you go make sure to grab some toasted banana bread to take away for later. They also have great coffee, outdoor tables on a cute street, and some laptop-friendly areas for working.
- Best for casual all-day eats
- Largo do Conde Barão 25, 1200-163 Lisboa
- (+351) 21 406 8809
- Instagram page
Honest Greens
Honest Greens is one of my favorite all-around spots for lunch, coworking, and grabbing a quick bite with friends. They have an amazing menu of fresh food like poke bowls, elaborate salads, Piri Piri chicken, garden bowls, and healthy breakfast plates, all prepared in an open kitchen filled with brightly colored ingredients.
Honest Greens has a few locations around Lisbon that are all beautifully decorated and massive so you usually won’t have any trouble getting a table. With all-day food, reasonable prices, and fast WiFi, it’s one of the best places to post up for the day and work if needed. I’ve got several favorite dishes here but the humus to share and Ben’s Sweet Potato Fries are a must.
- Best for healthy, casual meal options and coworking
- Three locations in Amoreiras, Avenida, and Parque das Nações
- Website
Green Affair
I had one of the best vegetarian/vegan meals in memory at Green Affair in Chiado and I always take my veggie friends here when they visit. Once we even went two days back to back because there were so many things on the menu we wanted to try.
Green Affair serves some of Portugal’s traditional dishes with a veggie twist, as well as adaptations of delicious cuisine from around the world. There’s a set lunch menu in the afternoon and the dessert lineup can’t be missed.
- Best vegan/vegetarian restaurant in Lisbon
- Three locations in Chiado, Saldanha, and Parque das Nações
- Facebook page
Lisbon restaurants I want to try next
- JNcQuoi: A few of my friends have been here for special occasions and they rave about it! JNcQuoi is an upscale Asian restaurant that serves Indian, Thai, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine in a beautiful space, complete with a giant dragon skeleton hanging from the ceiling!
- Café de São Bento: I’ve heard the Cafe de Sao Bento restaurant recommended several times for its ambiance and charm. They’re said to have one of the best steaks in the city and a cozy little place with good service. There’s also a location in the Time Out Market, but since this spot is well known for the cozy atmosphere, I’d like to try their Sao Bento location.
- BAHR: BAHR is known for its beautiful terrace atop the Barrio Alto Hotel where you can dine with a view of the Tagus River. The brunch is supposed to be out of this world.
- Belcanto: This Lisbon restaurant has not one, but two Michelin stars and is on the list of the world’s best restaurants for 2022. If you’re looking for something above and beyond, Belcanto is the place to try.
I’ll keep this post updated as I try more of the best restaurants in Lisbon, but for now, bon appetit!
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