7 Brilliant Restaurants in Lisbon
This hit list is short but, because of that, it narrowly focuses on the best. These 7 restaurants are also diverse ranging from Portuguese to Brazilian to Italian to Nepalese/Indian to Peruvian! A great deal of these are in Bairro Alto, an excellent foodie and nightlife neighborhood that I’d also consider booking your accommodations in. Pro tips: You practically must make reservations in Lisbon, especially for top of the line restaurants. It’s not the easiest place to play it by ear. Also, the trend is for restaurants not to have websites but Facebook pages and reservations are made through email/phone call/Facebook messenger more often than not. Lastly, Sea Me - Peixaria Moderna came up a lot somehow someway as a recommendation and, I cannot say this enough, avoid it! There is far better seafood in Lisbon that doesn’t cost you the prettiest penny and doesn’t include atrocious service.
1 | Sr. Lisboa
Photo by Lisboa Cool
I must say that this is my favorite restaurant in Lisbon! Prioritize getting your Portuguese cuisine fill here. The atmosphere is incredibly friendly and relaxed, all details are beautiful from the interior design to the plating, and, of course, the food is praiseworthy. If you order anything, let it be the octopus in whatever form they are currently experimenting with!
2 | A Nossa Casa
Photo by A Nossa Casa
A Nossa Casa is a tiny vibrant restaurant in Bairro Alto that you near certain will have to have an advance reservation for. On Tripadvisor, it is ranked #6 out of more than 4,000 restaurants in Lisbon. The small plates to share fit the social atmosphere and are a delicious blend of Brazilian and Portuguese. P.S. the cocktails are terribly addicting.
3 | M’arrecreo Pizzeria
Photo by Tripadvisor
Listen, Portugal does other cultures well so don’t feel like a traitor for eating this delicious Neopolitan pizza one night. It might be in Lisbon but it’s certified by The True Neapolitan Pizza Association, an international organization focused on rewarding Neapolitan artisan tradition.
4 | Sanskar Nepal
Photo by thefork
I can’t go 7 days without craving Indian food so I was pleasantly surprised that the #7 restaurant in Lisbon is Nepalese/Indian AND lives up to that ranking. This spot is also known for great vegan offerings!
5 | Time Out Market Lisbon
Photo by Time Out
Most of us have probably heard of the Time Out Markets concept but Lisbon was the first to create this market before it was replicated around the world. This hall has something like 32 restaurants and kiosks and 8 bars and cafes. And only great restaurants go into the market. In 2018, for example, three of Time Out Market’s chefs received four Michelin stars in their own local restaurants.
6 | Augusto Lisboa
Photo by Tripadvisor
Go to Augusto Lisboa for brunch!!! The restaurant is tucked up and away in Alfama so it’s smart to pair this meal with what I deem a mandatory Lisbon/Alfama activity—São Jorge Castle. You also might find yourself in this part of the city for the famous Feira da Ladra (Thieves Market).
7 | A Cevicheria
Photo by A Cevicheria
A Cevicheria serves up fresh seafood honoring Peruvian flavors. The plating is EXQUISITE (take a look at the artful food here https://lisboacool.com/en/eat/cevicheria). And who doesn’t want a giant octopus guardian angel watching over them?
