The 21 Absolute Best Places To Eat And Drink In Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal is a city so charming you'd have to work hard not to fall head over heels in love with it. It is a city known for its creative spirit, laid-back style, and gorgeous blue tiles called azulejos, an Islamic influence from the 8th century that continues today (via World History Encyclopedia).

Located on the southern end of Portugal's coast, Lisboetas and those just passing through are blessed with an incredible array of food — particularly seafood — from which to choose, from oysters and shrimp to cockles and sardines. It is also famous for a unique salted cod delicacy known as bacalhau, which can be eaten on its own or used as an ingredient in various dishes. There's plenty for those with a meatier palate, too; pork and beef are a staple in many traditional Portuguese dishes. And let's not forget dessert. For those with just one sweet tooth or a mouthful, there is nothing quite like the joy of a freshly made pastéis de nata, or egg custard tart.

Given all that Lisbon has to offer, it is no surprise that it has become a popular travel destination in recent years, even voted "best destination" by Travelbook (via The Portugal News). Read on to find out some of the best places in the city to eat and drink.

The Time Out Market, also known as Mercado da Ribeira (Ribeira Market), is a great place to begin your food adventure, as it features some of the city's best options. Wander around the fresh produce market for a sense of what's in season, then visit a few of the stalls to see how each has used it.

Grab a few dishes to take to the long communal tables or sidle up next to a fish or oyster bar to eat, drink, and people-watch. This is an excellent opportunity to try a variety of seafood, too, including freshly grilled sardines and bacalhau: two classic dishes for which Portugal is known. This newer-to-the-scene market was opened in 2014 and is a popular tourist attraction for good reason. Choose between 26 restaurants, eight bars, and a dozen other shops — or visit as many as possible; the market is your oyster!

For those looking for a smaller, quieter, and more local market, Mercado de Campo de Ourique is the perfect spot. Serving residents of the Campo de Ourique district in Lisbon, the market has been up and running since 1934 and has undergone several renovations since then, including adding a food hall in 2013. It's worth spending the morning exploring the district and then popping into the market around lunchtime.

We suggest first shopping for local produce, then resting your feet and relaxing with a cold glass of wine and a range of foods from traditional Portuguese fare. Try pica-pau, a Portuguese snack of beef pieces in a beer-laden gravy, topped with pickled vegetables and olives (via Eat Your World), or have your pick at sushi or even pizza. Because of its slightly less well-known status, it's also a bit more affordable, according to We Heart Lisbon.

Go for the food, but stay for the view. Bahr, which sits on the fifth floor of the award-winning Bairro Alto Hotel, offers guests extraordinary views over the city and nearby River Tagus while serving exquisite cuisine prepared by chef Bruno Rocha and his innovative and energized team. Overseeing the restaurant as creative director is Michelin star-winner and proud Lisboeta native chef Nuno Mendes (via BigHospitality).

Bahr prides itself in capturing Lisbon's creative and bohemian spirit, paying close attention to detail while avoiding the pretension often associated with a fine dining experience. Enjoy a leisurely dinner from its all-day or exclusive dinner menu, inspired by the second-to-none local suppliers and producers of Lisbon, with dishes featuring raw beef pica-pau tacos, seabass, topinambour (or sunchokes), and dashi beurre blanc. Then, finish the evening off with a nightcap on the rooftop bar.

Sometimes when exploring a new city, you want to feel like you're home and take a break from the hotels, fancy restaurant meals, and the feelings of anonymity that come with traveling somewhere new. Enter Estaminé: Run by husband and wife Luís and Joice, a meal here feels like stepping into their personal kitchen for an evening. 

The values of this establishment are right in its motto: art, food, drink. Sit in one of the eight seats available in this intimate eatery, admire the gorgeous local art all around you, and chat while the duo feeds you to your heart's content with delicious, homestyle Spanish dishes paired with refreshing mojitos — all for a surprising, relatively affordable price. The reviews for this hidden gem agree; reservations are necessary for this Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice winner if you want to stop by this memorable establishment. 

Often at the finest of restaurants, there is a missed opportunity for diners and chefs to connect: for visitors to see the faces of those who have used their talents to prepare carefully chosen ingredients, and for cooks to appreciate seeing the happy and curious faces of whom they have cooked for. The team behind Loco fills in this gap, with chefs introducing themselves while presenting their dishes to diners and having the chance to describe the meal and answer any questions. It is an intimate and memorable time for all involved.

From the live tree growing in the center of the building to the thoughtful presentation of each Portuguese-inspired dish, Loco feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience that flies slightly under the radar. Even booking a table requires an email exchange between Loco staff and patrons, discussing allergies and food preferences to create a customized menu for each person. The dishes remain a mystery until you turn up and sit down, but let us assure you the suspense only adds to the experience.

There is something so uniquely Portuguese about eating a freshly made pastéis de nata (or two) for breakfast, accompanied by a strong espresso (called "um café," according to Portugalist) at the local bakery, coffee shop, or pastelaria. Now with locations including Barrio Alto, Alfama, and Chiado, it's never been easier to seek out the unassuming yet exceptional Manteigaria.

Be advised Manteigaria's establishments are not for lingering in; they are designed for fast and efficient consumption, as are many coffee shops of its nature across Europe. Order at the till, then stand at the counter to take down your tiny but mighty coffee in between bites of warm, slightly sweet, cinnamon-topped pastry and be on your way. We suggest ordering a couple of extra treats packed in the perfect container to pop into your purse or bag and take out for a pick-me-up while wandering around the city.

Crispy and flaky on the outside, with creamy, warm, and slightly sweet custard on the inside — pastéis de nata from this establishment is the absolute perfect pastry for any time of day, any time of year.

Not to be confused with pastéis de nata, Pastéis de Belém is its similar-but-unique cousin with a history that pre-dates the former. In the 1800s, next to one of the monasteries in Belém, Portugal, was a sugar cane refinery known for producing baked goods to sell within its connected shop (via Pastéis de Belém). By 1834, all monasteries and convents were forced to shut down; however, someone from the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, or Heironymite Monastery, offered to make pastries to help keep the shop (and the monastery) afloat. Eventually, they were called "Pastéis de Belém."

Though they are no longer created solely by monks, the recipe for this treat has remained true to its original form, differentiating it from the modern-day pastéis de nata. To taste a Pastéis de Belém is to taste a bit of Portuguese history.

At the eatery of the same name, the pastries are made inside its self-titled "Secret Room." There are, of course, other offerings as well, but you would be remiss to stop by and not have this once-monk-made treat.

Lisboetas are spoiled with choices when it comes to great food and chefs, and Feitoria is no exception. The restaurant is run by chef André Cruz, who has been with the business since 2009 (save for a year when he traveled through South America for inspiration). The establishment, located inside the elegant Altis Belén Hotel & Spa, has maintained its Michelin star for over ten years, a feat in and of itself.

Feitoria's tasting menu offers diners a range of courses described as "steps." They largely reflect environmental or historical experiences such as "Land and Sea," "Vegetable Garden," or "Spice Route." There are several different options to choose from, including two vegetarian picks. Cruz says the menu "privileges the quality and seasonality of the products whenever possible with certified organic products from small producers, where the balance between the use of animal protein and vegetable protein predominates" (via Feitoria).

Tabernas or "tascas" are a much-loved tradition in Portugal; they are community gathering places (think tavern or pub) known for serving regional food and drink with a convivial spirit. They're casual, open late into the night, and speak to Portuguese hospitality's warmth and generosity (via Culinary Backstreets).

The menu at Taberna da Rua das Flores changes daily based on season and availability. Handwritten on a large chalkboard rather than printed on paper, staff may carry the board tableside from which diners can choose their meal. When the dish has sold out, it's simply crossed off the list. Here, there are no reservations; as the website says, you show up, put your name on a waiting list, and walk around to have a drink or snack while you wait. 

Everything from the décor to the service is a throwback to traditional Portugal. It comes highly recommended by chefs and locals (via Food and Travel). City Guide Lisbon notes that it's also a cash-only establishment, so make sure to come prepared to pay the old-school way.

Eating a bifana — a marinated and thinly sliced pork cutlet sandwich — in Lisbon is practically required as part of the cultural experience. It is one of the city's most beloved grab-and-go meals, enjoyed with gusto during a lunch break or as a late-night snack.

Bifanas do Afonso is one of the most popular venues to enjoy this treat, as its name would suggest. This is a fast-paced, no-messing-around kind of establishment. It's standing room only; no lazing about here! Here, you order, then eat quickly, reveling the bites of juicy and tender pork slices tucked in between two crusty rolls, and you go. Service is swift but friendly, sandwiches are reasonably priced and generously filled, and made all the better when accompanied by a beer or two.

Tripadvisor reviews recommend topping off the bifana experience with a drop of mustard or hot oil for the ultimate eating experience, which earned the establishment a Travellers' choice award for 2022.

Cervejaria Ramiro was initially opened in 1956 as a small "pasture house," according to its website. As the establishment slowly began to incorporate seafood onto the menu, it became clear this was what customers wanted even more than their meaty offerings, and the concept stuck. Now, it's primarily a seafood restaurant and brewery with the occasional meat offering; it is the place to go for the best the Atlantic and River Tagus can offer.

Both the establishment and menu are an ode to the sea, with crustation-themed keychains, mugs, and cushions available for purchase. Their menu will make you long for your next seaside escape with simple dishes highlighting the brilliant varieties of shrimp, clams, lobster, barnacles, and more, which are freshly caught and served daily. 

Those looking for delicious food from a local scene should head directly to O Velho Eurico. It is one of those places that doesn't have a website, but it doesn't need one to draw in the crowds; word of mouth and social media seems to have worked just fine!

Here, you can enjoy a cozy evening filled with classic Portuguese dishes like bacalhau à brás — a traditional casserole-like dish made with salted cod, shredded potatoes, onions, and eggs. Also on the ever-changing menu are modern interpretations of the cuisine, including a take on cabeça de porco e feijão branco, or pigs head with beans.

Many people and blogs, including Home Lisbon Hostel, recommend visiting this hidden gem, a shining example of a tasca, for a taste of Lisbon, Portugal's local culture and cuisine. Given its size, booking is recommended, done via its Instagram page.

Pap'Açôrda has been leading Lisbon's restaurant industry since it was first up and running in the early '80s. The restaurant was first located in Bairro Alto, helping the city become one of the hottest and most happening neighborhoods. In 2016, it went from the frying pan right into the fire itself, relocating to the Time Out Market.

The restaurant, which now offers takeaway options thanks to its new location, is still under the watchful eye and masterful hand of chef Manuela Brandão, who has been at the helm for over 35 years (via Taste of Lisboa).

Pap'Açôrda is well known for serving modern interpretations of Portuguese classics like shrimp açôrda and royal açôrda –- where shrimp and lobster replace what would traditionally be cod, sitting on top of a flavorful bread soup. Whatever you do, make sure to order the chocolate mousse here; it is nothing short of famous amongst local crowds and critics alike (via Time Out Market).

"If it's not in season, it's not on the table." This is the commitment from the team behind Prado, as stated clearly on their website. But it isn't lip service; it's reflected throughout the menu, including drinks. All the carefully selected wines to accompany the food are either natural or from organic or biodynamic producers, with all suppliers listed for transparency.

The restaurant opened in 2017 with António Galapito — called a protégée of Nuno Mendes by Portugal Confidential – leading the kitchen. The space has been refurbished significantly from its former use as a fish factory (via The Guardian). It feels open and filled with light, lightly accented with plants and textures that reflect the same ethos as the menu: refined yet dedicated to sustainability and natural resources. Even the establishment's name shares this theme — a Portuguese word meaning "meadow." The menu reads like a "best of" list, featuring ceps, eel, tuna, and pork, amongst many other ingredients raised, fished, or foraged within the country's borders.

Is there anything Belcanto hasn't been nominated for or named these days? Certainly not much. The restaurant, run by chef José Avillez since 2012, was awarded two Michelin stars in 2022 (via Michelin) and proudly placed at 46 in The World's 50 Best Restaurants. We aren't the only ones to report this is one of the most outstanding restaurants you could visit in the city.

To make the most of your experience, choose one of three menus, including the Chef's Table selection: A bespoke combination of the restaurant's other two offerings, exclusively available when reserving a spot at the chef's table. This is an opportunity to watch Chef Avillez perform his kitchen alchemy up close.

Unlike other fine dining restaurants, which only offer dinner menus, Belcanto offers guests a la carte options, too. Though there is no specific children's menu, they, too, are welcome to dine alongside their parents. That said, we'd imagine only those with an adventurous spirit and sophisticated palate, whose parents don't mind paying adult prices, would appreciate the experience.

A great spot recognized by The World's 50 Best Bars is Red Frog, coming in at number 40. What better reason do you need to stop by than for one of its exceptional cocktails inspired by classics from the past? The "Popcorn 'N' Oil," like the Spiced Rusty Cherry, immediately caught our eye.

The Red Frog has been making waves since it was opened in 2015 by owners Emanuel Minez and Paulo Gomes. The vibe reads like an old speakeasy, an establishment that became popular during prohibition times when alcohol was forbidden — a cool place to hang out for only those in the know. Given its accolades, Red Frog's high-quality service, menu items, and atmosphere are no secret. That said, owners take exceptional care to keep the environment intimate, classy, and inviting by limiting groups over four, prohibiting the use of phones and flash photography, and instilling a "creative black tie" dress code.

Tinned fish, particularly sardines and tuna, are amongst the best things Lisbon does. So much so that an entire market is devoted to expectational, artisan products encased in unique and often colorful tins. The canned fish is known as conservas, and while it has become more popular on a global scale in recent years, it is anything but a new fad here.

Conserveira de Lisboa is a nearly century-old company, opening its doors in 1930, and specializes in tinned fish (via Conserveira de Lisboa). Visit their store to browse their beautifully packaged products, including cod, tuna, sardines, and squid, each in various oil-based marinades or spicy tomato sauces. While the location is more a storefront than a sit-down establishment, its products make for the perfect edible artwork and unique souvenirs for any food lover –- or to bring joy and a delicious lunch on a rainy day when you rediscover the container tucked away in your pantry.

If you're looking for a taste of the creative spirit of Lisbon, the LX Factory easily offers a buffet. This former textile factory is now an enclave of over 50 independent shops filled with artists, designers, and artisans (via LX Factory). It is the perfect place to spend an afternoon of shopping and eating.

Wander between artisan wine shops like MoreThanWine, dedicated tinned-fish shops, and eco-friendly independent designers, or sip a drink and marvel at the plethora of graffiti art and colorful sculptures. When you're hungry, everything from sushi to burgers and vegan café-meets-holistic-medicine called The Therapist is available.

If that's not enough creative input for you, linger after dark for various performances, exhibitions, and events, including music, dance, theatre workshops, and film screenings. For those looking for unique souvenirs, artisan-led products, and a taste of Lisbon's vibrant creative scene, you can't do much better than this.

With fashion reporters predicting that the red and pink color combination is in for 2023, Zunzum's tomato and bubblegum accented interior is ahead of its time. ZunZum focuses its efforts on a modern interpretation of Portuguese cuisine. Based on visuals alone, it draws inspiration from a myriad of places, creating artfully styled plates and vibrantly colored cocktails which are almost too beautiful to eat (via Instagram). Forbes attributes this to the chef and proprietor Marlene Viera's "dessert sensibility." Viera originally planned to open a dessert-only bar, a venture currently on hold (via Forbes).

ZunZum is a relatively new addition to Lisbon's restaurant scene, opened and run by Viera; she's an experienced chef with a distinctive viewpoint and over 28 years of experience (via ZunZum). ZunZum's menu is just as vibrant as its design, with options like pink swordfish ceviche with passion fruit and red pepper and octopus pica-pau, amongst many others from which to choose, and an extensive wine list featuring Portuguese varietals.

Given Portugal's history of colonizing countries with perfect coffee-growing climates like Brazil, it should be no surprise that Lisboettas (and residents of Portugal as a whole) have a particular, very dedicated coffee culture (via The Coffee Universe). It also means it takes a great deal to stand out from the competition, as the standard of quality of coffee is relatively high. Called "THE place for coffee lovers" by Forbes, family-owned Fábrica makes our list as one of the must-stop places in Lisbon for various reasons, including their practice of working directly with farmers and roasting their beans on-site.

Lisbon is home to many creative industries and workers. This coffee shop takes the remote worker into account with five locations throughout the city, including Rua das Flores for those looking to linger with their laptops and grab-and-go options from their coffee truck location. Those looking to pick up beans or gear to brew at home have a wide range of roasts and methods to choose from via the brand's online shop to help ensure you can brew the perfect coffee to match your tastes and needs.

Fancy eating brunch, lunch, or sipping a coffee on a converted, propped-up double-decker bus filled with some of the young creatives of Lisbon? If so, head to Village Underground! Founded in 2014 by Mariana Duarte Silva (via Culture Trip), it comprises 14 repurposed shipping containers and two buses. It is conveniently near LX Factory, so consider it a one-stop venture to the neighborhood of Alcantara for a blast of creative inspiration!

Though good vegetarian and vegan options are available alongside burgers, wraps, and other items on the menu, the creative buzz of the atmosphere and the unique experience also draw you in. An excellent place to linger into the evening hours, enjoy a range of evening concerts and performances, and a few cocktails, too (via Village Underground). And if you're the more active type, spend time in Village Underground's mini skate park, feel the breeze on the outdoor swing, or simply take a stroll around this living piece of art.