Top 10 food spots in Lisbon
- holidayeasetravel
- Apr 29
- 4 min read
Updated: May 19
Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is not only known for its stunning architecture and rich history but also for its diverse and delectable culinary scene. Nestled along the Atlantic coast, Lisbon offers a unique blend of traditional Portuguese flavors and modern gastronomic innovations, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
Historical Influences
The city’s cuisine reflects its historical ties with various cultures, including Moorish, African, and Brazilian influences. This rich tapestry of flavors is evident in the local dishes, which often feature fresh seafood, spices, and a variety of ingredients.
Signature Dishes
Some of the iconic dishes that define Lisbon's culinary landscape include:
Bacalhau à Brás: A traditional cod dish made with shredded cod, onions, and potatoes, bound together with scrambled eggs.
Pastéis de Nata: Creamy custard tarts with a flaky crust, best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Caldo Verde: A comforting soup made with kale, potatoes, and chorizo, often served as a starter.
Grilled Sardines: A summer favorite, especially during the Festas de Lisboa, where sardines are grilled to perfection.
Market Culture
Lisbon's food scene is also characterized by its vibrant market culture. The Mercado da Ribeira, also known as Time Out Market, showcases a variety of local vendors and chefs, offering everything from gourmet street food to traditional Portuguese dishes. This market is a perfect spot for visitors to sample a wide range of flavors in one place.
Modern Culinary Scene
In recent years, Lisbon has seen a rise in innovative restaurants and chefs who are redefining Portuguese cuisine. Many chefs are experimenting with local ingredients and international techniques, creating a dynamic food environment that appeals to both locals and visitors.
Lisbon has more than half million people. Is divided in 5 important neighbourhoods, which Alfama and Baixa are the most representative ones for foodies.
Bars
The city has many restaurants, bars and traditional Tascas (modest food stalls). The oldest restaurant is in the Chiado district, Tavares, opened its doors in 1784.
Food
Bacalhau, dried and salted codfish, is a constant in Portuguese cuisine, from humble places to high end establishments.
There are 17 Michelin starred restaurants in the city . In October2024, Lisbon was named Europe's best culinary city destination at the annual World Culinary Awards.
My Top 10 recommendations... on a budget
A Merendinha do Arco Bandeira : https://merendinhadoarco.pt/en/ementa Local food serving humble full meals but you can also order food from the counter, speciallly the chicken gizzards or the cod fritters.
R. dos Sapateiros 230, 1100-581. Lisbon.
Lucimar, A traditional place where it has also the takeaway option, that offers the classic Francesinha, a classic sandwich from Porto, but you can enjoy it in this institution place, made with pock meat, tomato sauce and topped fwith a fried egg. https://g.co/kgs/e423CPJ
R. Francisco Tomas da Costa 28, 1600-093 Lisbon. Only cash
Chapito a Mesa. Great place with a music live show in Alfama district . Good value on the regional wines and good seafood for a relax meal with great views over the bay. https://chapitoamesa.com/
Costa do Castelo 7, 1149-079.
Piriquita, founded inn 1862, is one of the oldest bakeries in town. in the middle of the Areeiro district. You should try its Travesseiros (spongy pastry made with almonds) and Queijadas ( sweet dumplings filled with Capella cheese). https://piriquita.pt/
Av de Roma 20B 1000-265. Lisbon
Cerevajaria Ramiro. on the borders of the Pena neighborhood, this place is a fish and seafood institution. "A place to drink beer" as its name says, this place is locally and internationally recognised, for example by the 50 best Magazine.
https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Portugal/Lisbon/Cervejaria-Ramiro.html
Make a reservation as tables fly! Classic decor, https://www.cervejariaramiro.com/?lang=en
Av. Almirante Reis 1H, 1150-007, Lisbon
Pastel de Nata a manteigaira. in between the streets of Chiado and Barrio alto, you can discover the most famous dessert of Portugal: the egg, custard and pastry heaven. Known as well as Pastel de Bethlehem created in the 18th century by catholic monks, The Guardian listed as one of the 50 " best things to eat" in the world.
Rua do Loreto 2, 1200-108, Lisbon
A Ginjinha, Are you thirsty? this is probably the best place on where to try the traditional cherry licour. https://ginjinhaespinheira.com/
Largo Sao Domingos 8, 1100-201, Lisbon
Casa portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau. Cod croquettes is a must. You can find different locations around the city, but the one near the Placa do Comerco, in Baixa Lisboa is probably the most famous one.
https://www.pasteldebacalhau.pt/
R. Augusta 106 1100-053, Lisbon
El rei Dom Frango, located on the Baixa & Rossio, probably the best authentic portuguese food in Lisbon, Tradicional plates like octopus, sardines or seafood risottos, Closed on Sundays. https://www.instagram.com/elreidomfrango/
Calcada do Duque 5, 1200-155, Lisbon
100 maneiras. This is your restaurant to try for a special ocasion. Its owners have 2 diferent locations, one for a most relax environment called Bistro 100 maneiras, offers portuguese food in a modern decor with music and open til late night. Largo da Trinidade 9, 1200-466. Lisbon
100 maneiras, had a Michelin star in 2021, now serves a different tasting menus (it has also one completely vegetarian) with evolving and continuosly changing creative food.
Rua do Teixeira 39, 1200-459, Lisbon
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