Top 10 Restaurants to Try Out in Lisbon, Portugal

Living in Lisbon for over a year, I realize that there are two main themes in the city’s gastronomical scene - the dominance of homey mom-and-pop restaurants at nearly every corner, and that the Portuguese love “bacalhau” (salted and dried cod fish). Many of the family owned restaurants offer really delicious “comida” (food) at rather inexpensive prices (around 5-10 euros). This, however, isn’t a guide to those types of typical restaurants, but the ones that make Lisbon a culinary destination – contemporary, internationally minded restaurants that have opened in the last few years. We’re talking honors such as Michelin Stars!

Inspired by the Time Out Lisboa Restaurant Guide, my boyfriend and I decided to try them all. Below is a list of favorites from the outstanding guide and some more that have become favorites in the past year.

This is one of my favorites! A great ambiance, a modern sophisticated design, great service and absolutely delicious food. The design is elegant and spacious with a high brick ceiling, built in aquariums, and separate smoking and non-smoking sections. The cuisine is contemporary Portuguese with specialties such as the “Stock Pigeon”, the " Bisaro Suckling Pig”, and the “Scarlet Shrimp and Foie Gras”. They offer a range of tasting menus, which I recommend. And one of my all time favorites is “The Venison”, which is tenderloin smothered in shiitake mushroom and foie gras sauce with pine nuts risotto. Mmmm

Address: Rua Serpa Pinto, 10 (Baixa neighborhood)

Tel: 213 477 225

Metro: Baixa-Chiado

Website: http://www.largo.pt/

Hours: Mon – Fri 12:30pm – 00:30am; Sat 18:00pm – 00:30am; Closed on Sundays

A formal low-lit and romantic restaurant offering delicious international cuisine. It’s located in a residential area and may be hard to find from the metro so it’s worth getting a taxi to get there. Try the foie gras appetizer and the spicy “Stake Diabolo" or “Bocatto di Cardinale” for your entree.

Address: Rua Luís de Freitas Branco, 5

Tel.: 217 598 980

Metro: Lumiar

Website: http://www.quintadosfrades.com

Hours: Mon – Fri 12:30pm – 3:30pm, 7:30pm – 11:30pm; Sat 8:00pm – 1:00am; Closed on Saturdays for lunch and closed on Sundays and holidays.

This great restaurant’s young chef Alexandre works mainly with Portuguese seasonal products and has created a stylish culinary must! He knows how to create great sophisticated flavors such as the starter which includes foie gras on a mango tarte tatin and Ginja de Obidos (a Portuguese liquor) reduction and cocoa caviar. Entrees include dishes such as a twist on the usual cod fish, along with a poached egg and potato foam. For dessert, I recommend the “sweet garden” which includes carrot pudding, celery ice cream, caramelized pumpkin, crystallized tomato and chocolate. A garden of exceptional flavors!

Address: Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 87-D

Tel.: 213 808 383

Website: http://bocca.pt/

Metro: Marques de Pombal

Hours: Tue-Fri 12:30pm – 2:30pm, 7:30pm – 11:00pm; Sat 1:00pm – 3:00pm, 7:30-11:00pm; Closed on Sundays and Mondays

This is a trendy foodie restaurant and should be on your restaurant list. The décor is a form of Andy Warhol style pop art that takes you back to the 60’s. The attentive and friendly waiter who speaks perfect English will bring out loads of little appetizer dishes for you to try and place them on the placemats made of old vinyl records. Great tasting menu.

Address: Largo de Santos, 9C (Santos neighborhood)

Tel: 213 963 419

Website: http://www.restaurantemanifesto.com/

Metro: Cais do Sodré

Hours: Tue – Wed 12:30pm – 3pm, 7:30pm – 11pm; Thu – Fri 12:30pm – 3pm, 7:30pm – 11:30pm; Sat 6:30pm – 11:30pm; Closed on Sundays and Mondays

Who knew that Chinese food in Portugal can be so good? It is in this formal Chinese restaurant located in the Casino Estoril. The menu is very extensive with over 100 dishes. I recommend starting with the dim sum menu (Chinese dumplings) that will not disappoint.

Address: Praca Jose Teodoro dos Santos (Estoril – outside of Lisbon)

Tel.: 214 667 270

Metro: Cais do Sodré and transfer to the train heading to Cascais. Get out at the Estoril station

Website: http://www.casino-estoril.pt

Hours: Wed-Sun 12:00pm-3:00pm, 7:00pm-11:00pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Located right on the docks along the Tagus River, Casanova is definitely the best pizzeria in Lisbon and a must when in town. No reservations are accepted so be prepared to wait on line for at least half an hour but it’s definitely worth it! Also don’t be surprised to be seated on the same table with strangers, it’s all part of the lively atmosphere and adds to the experience. Thin crust pizza with fresh ingredients and a large selection of toppings such as truffle mushrooms, spicy sausage, and pesto. The pizza dough isn’t exclusively for the main dish but for dessert with toppings such as honey and mascarpone cheese – not to miss! It’s absolutely delicious and you might just come back here at least once more. Outdoor seating is also available.

Address: Avenida Infante D. Henrique - Cais da Pedra a Bica do Sapato, Armazem B, loja 7

Tel.: 218 877 532

Metro: Santa Apolónia

Website: http://www.restaurantecasanostra.com/cnova

Hours: 12:30pm to 1:30am; Closed Mondays

If you’re in the mood for a burger when in Lisbon, look no further than this gourmet hamburger spot. The menu has a selection of all types of burgers that are split into three categories – traditional, spicy and the house specialties, which even include a veggie burger. I personally love the Hamburger Diablo which is topped with spicy Padrón peppers.

Address: Rua da Alfândega, 114

Tel.: 218 868 050

Website: http://www.cafedorio.pt/

Metro: Estacao Terreiro do Paco or Baixa-Chiado

Hours: Mon: 12-3pm; Tue-Sat 12-3pm, 7-11pm; Closed on Sundays

Lisbon’s oldest restaurant which opened back in 1784, it is one of the city’s most expensive and luxurious restaurants. Come here for traditional Portuguese cuisine in grandeur style.

Address: Rua da Misericórdia, 37 (Baixa neighborhood)

Tel.: 213 421 112

Metro: Baixa-Chiado

Website: http://www.tavaresrico.pt

Hours: Tue – Sat 12:00pm - 11:00pm; Closed on Sundays and Mondays

A Portuguese twist to sushi. This restaurant offers traditional sashimi, warm sushi inspired by Portuguese flavors, and traditional Portuguese food from the Alentejo region.

Address: Rua Ramalho Ortigão, 9-11

Tel.: 213 869 751

Metro: Sao Sebastiao

Hours: 12:00pm - 3:00pm, 7:30pm - 10:30pm

Like the many homey mom-and-pop restaurants all around Lisbon, this one is extremely popular for its traditional fare and homey feel. The restaurant is known for its dishes originating from the Northern part of Portugal and its collection of “vinho verde” (young green wine) from that region.

Address: Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, 150 (Baixa neighborhood)

Tel.: 213 424 253

Metro: Avenida

Website: http://www.solardospresuntos.com/

Hours: Mon – Sat 12:00 (noon) – 11:00pm; Closed on Sundays and holidays