The 33 Top Restaurants in Lisbon

Nestled in Belém, the Michelin-starred restaurant Feitoria showcases the finest local produce. Chef André Cruz skillfully combines high-level techniques with traditional Portuguese tastes, delivering an unforgettable dining experience. Sourcing ingredients from small local farms, dishes include cod paired with smoked caviar and potatoes, as well as prawns served with mushroom rice. For dessert, the malagueta pepper ice cream, accompanied by organic berries, goat’s milk, chocolate, and hazelnut, pays tribute to the chef’s roots (his father hails from Angola, where the Portuguese historically sourced these peppers).

Pigmeu is a paradise for pork enthusiasts. Located in the Campo de Ourique district, this restaurant celebrates the ubiquitous ingredient in Portuguese cuisine. Chef Miguel Azevedo Peres and his team embrace a nose-to-tail philosophy, showcasing the pig in various dishes like pork fat-infused butter, a unique twist on the traditional bifana sandwich, and delightful pork pudding.

Chef Vítor Sobral is recognized as a pioneer of modern Portuguese cuisine, known for his innovative takes on traditional dishes. Among his many establishments, A Tasca da Esquina stands out as the most enduring and successful, creatively reinterpreting beloved Portuguese recipes. Be sure to try dishes like bulhão pato — featuring clams, oven-roasted octopus, sweet potato, almond, and roasted tomato — or bacalhau à monção: a cod loin accompanied by potatoes, roasted onion cream, smoked pork belly, and cabbage 'migas,' a dish typically made from stale bread.

The sole reason to visit A Valenciana, whether dining in the quaint old-fashioned room or taking out, is for their incredibly affordable and delicious charcoal-grilled piri-piri chicken, beloved by locals. When cooked to perfection, the chicken remains juicy on the inside while the skin turns delightfully crispy. Pair it with a beer or two for the ultimate experience.

Since rising to fame at Esporão in the Alentejo, chef Pedro Pena Bastos has continued to excel. At Cura, the fine dining establishment within the Four Seasons, he showcases his talent with beautiful presentations and harmonious flavors, skillfully combining fresh ingredients sourced daily from Portugal's coasts and countryside. When selecting one of the three tasting menus, the local winemaker wine pairing is a requirement.

Nestled near the national parliament, Café de São Bento is your go-to spot for late-night meals or whenever you crave a classic steak. The meat can be grilled or fried, served with chips (or French fries), their special sauce, and esparregado (spinach purée). The friendly service complements the ambiance filled with red sofas and dark wooden furniture, blending decadence with elegance, perfectly matching the nostalgic charm of the dishes.

After leaving her tech executive role, Rita Santos journeyed across the country meeting artisans behind craft foods, ultimately launching a grocery and deli focusing on Portuguese products from small-scale producers. Since its opening in 2018, this shop has become a favorite for food enthusiasts, offering items like tinned fish, cheeses, cured meats, and snacks ranging from sandwiches to gyoza. It boasts one of the finest selections of organic and natural wines in the city, hosts tastings with local vintners, and organizes a beloved farmers market every Saturday.

Renowned for his Italian restaurants like Come Prima, Il Mercato, and Forno d’Oro, the charming Nepalese chef Tanka Sapkota shifted gears with Casa Nepalesa, which he launched in 2010 and revamped in 2021. Here, he showcases his favorite Nepalese dishes, including tandoor-baked cheesy naan and a flavorful Alentejo lamb curry with onion, tomato, green pepper, ginger, and a blend of spices.

Chef João Ricardo Alves, born to a Portuguese father and raised in Brazil, trained in French culinary arts. After working as a butcher in a classic French restaurant, he turned vegetarian and moved to plant-based kitchens. Following travels across Europe and Asia, he settled in Lisbon to establish Arkhe in the Santos district, where he utilizes his skills to craft rich jus and broths as foundations for his refined dishes. The menu adapts regularly based on the freshest vegetables available. Meanwhile, sommelier Alejandro Clavijo navigates the dining room, pouring selections from his carefully curated list that features natural wines sourced during his global visits to winemakers.

Every major city deserves its own bistro, and BouBou’s in the Principe Real district is just that. Chef Louise Bourrat, a former member of Alain Ducasse’s team, oversees the kitchen, supported by her talented female staff who ensure guests are never without wine. The restaurant offers two menus—Omnivorous and Terra (vegetarian)—showcasing fresh Portuguese ingredients, especially seafood and vegetables, infused with global influences. The ambiance is lively, and service is prompt. Nearby, the team has also launched BouBou’s Sandwich Club, a casual spot for street food.

In a city accustomed to eating pizza with a knife and fork, Lupita serves up high-quality Neapolitan-style pizzas that encourage diners to enjoy them by hand. Duda Ferreira crafts his naturally leavened pies using fresh, local ingredients and adds unique twists to enhance the flavors. Think toppings like cheese with rainbow chard and anchovies, or mozzarella paired with pickled red onion, bacon, and pineapple.

For a moment, you might feel transported to Paris, but this Lisbon patisserie has captured the essence of French elegance within its Art Nouveau architecture since 1922. While much has evolved over the century, some elements remain unchanged in this iconic café: the perfectly fried croquettes, intricately carved wooden display cases, and the warm hospitality of the staff. Today, the café also serves lunch and dinner, but it's the selection of pastries that truly draws visitors—think cakes, meringues, and classic Portuguese sweets.

Portugal's cocktail scene is thriving, largely due to Red Frog, a pioneering establishment featured on the World’s 50 Best list. This speakeasy exudes a Prohibition-era charm, while its drinks are crafted with contemporary techniques using equipment like centrifuges, rotovaps, and sous-vide machines. Imagine a blend of Azores seaweed with vodka and rhubarb, or a cocktail combining Greek yogurt with pet-nat and brioche distillate. The concise menu offers tasty accompaniments like olives, jamón, and bell pepper hummus that pair beautifully with the drinks.

In the charming Chiado district, this unassuming taberna is run by chef-owner André Magalhães, who serves up flavorful and creative dishes meant for sharing. As the waiter explains the blackboard menu, you may hear about the old recipes that inspired the kitchen, fresh ingredients sourced from the market, or influences from the vibrant local Asian immigrant communities. Magalhães is particularly fascinated by the culinary ties between Portugal and its former colonies, having traveled extensively to explore local food traditions.

This elegant restaurant, overseen by chef Bruno Rocha, offers stunning views of Chiado and the Tagus River. Nestled on the terrace of the luxurious Bairro Alto Hotel, it features comforting Portuguese dishes with creative twists, such as rice with carabineiro prawns, roasted leg of lamb with peas and pine nuts, and an unmissable dessert that combines Azorean pineapple, sweet potato, and puffed rice.

This vibrant two-story restaurant, nestled between the charming Chiado and the lively Bairro Alto, is the brainchild of dynamic chef Ljubomir Stanisic. It blends fancy, funky, and punk-chic elements in a no-nonsense fine dining experience. Begin your evening with a cocktail at the bar—arguably the best in the city—then indulge in dishes like spinach and cheese burek, a nod to the chef's Serbian heritage, mushroom and shrimp risotto, or beetroot tartare. Be sure to try the signature Top 100 dishes, such as the spicy octopus with honey and sweet potato puree, or the dry-aged Rossini loin tataki.

In Portugal, bread holds a sacred status, and in Lisbon, Isco, situated in the Alvalade neighborhood, is a true sanctuary for bread lovers. With a stunning variety of over a hundred loaves in various shapes and flavors, alongside freshly baked viennoiseries, guests can also indulge in dishes and sandwiches crafted by chef Natalie Castro, such as crispy chicken with pickles, sardines, or tomato tortilla. Pair your meal with another beloved Portuguese staple: wine, featuring an impressive selection to complement those carbs. Don’t forget to take home a choux craquelin (pistachio and cassis-filled choux pastry), a delightful cake, or a tartelette.

Featuring three levels, five distinct dining areas, and over 200 seats, Solar dos Presuntos may appear to be a tourist hotspot, but it offers much more. Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant is ideal for those craving grilled seafood and meats, along with traditional Portuguese fare, particularly from the northern regions. It’s the perfect spot to indulge in classics such as pastéis de bacalhau (cod fritters), John Dory with tomato rice, açorda de marisco (seafood bread stew), or roasted goat.

Renowned chef José Avillez has established a culinary empire in Lisbon. His restaurant Belcanto, located in the picturesque Chiado district, boasts two Michelin stars and is the city’s most celebrated fine dining establishment. Here, Avillez and his team craft contemporary Portuguese cuisine, offering both à la carte options and two themed tasting menus (Classics and Evolution). Discover Portugal through innovative interpretations of beloved dishes like suckling pig paired with lupini beans, ajo blanco, and horse mackerel.

In a beautifully renovated 17th-century building in Chiado, renowned chef Henrique Sá Pessoa presents the rich, refined dishes that have earned his restaurant two Michelin stars. The menu showcases global influences, particularly from Asia, all interpreted through a Portuguese lens, such as salted cod with cilantro, kale, and brandade, or Iberian suckling pig confit served with turnips and a black pepper jus. Guests can choose from the à la carte options or indulge in the five-course Coast to Coast menu, featuring local seafood delicacies like lobster, razor clams, and red mullet, all expertly crafted.

This charming pastry shop in Chiado is impossible to miss, as its window is filled with an array of irresistible sweets. The delightful tarts and pastries are crafted using age-old recipes developed by Cistercian monks from the Alcobaça monastery, where the original Alcôa was established in 1957. Many of the treats boast religiously inspired names like queijinhos do céu (heaven’s cheese), ovos do paraíso (eggs of paradise), and toucinho do céu (bacon from heaven).

Vincent Farges stands out as one of Portugal's most gifted chefs. In the Chiado district, this French culinary maestro co-owns the Michelin-starred restaurant Epur, where he artfully merges French techniques with Portuguese ingredients and global influences. The restaurant showcases exceptional fresh produce in a contemporary and intimate setting, offering diners breathtaking views of the Tagus River.

Founded in 1936, Gambrinus is a beloved institution renowned for classic dishes like seafood rice, kidneys in Madeira wine, and tableside-prepared crepes suzette. In a city where counter dining is a staple, Gambrinus boasts arguably the most famous counter in Lisbon, where locals gather to enjoy croquettes with mustard or a garlicky prego (thin-sliced beef sandwich) paired with beer. True to traditional dining culture, the menu features daily specials, including partridge pies on Mondays and roasted salt cod on Fridays.

As you enter this laid-back Mytoury in the Mouraria neighborhood, one poster boldly declares, “Fine dining is dead.” Tasca Baldracca is part of a new wave of tascas (casual, budget-friendly traditional restaurants) where chefs prove that this dining style can evolve while maintaining its neighborhood charm. Though it has a relaxed vibe, the restaurant impresses with expertly crafted dishes made from quality ingredients at reasonable prices. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, as shareable plates enhance the convivial spirit. Begin with the couvert (fresh sourdough and spreadable goat cheese), then dive into offerings like beef tartare, gizzard tempura, or roast suckling pig.

The bifana is the iconic street food of Lisbon, devoured by countless locals daily in the city's bustling areas. This simple sandwich features thin slices of fried pork shank (best prepared in pork fat) nestled in a crusty roll. To elevate the flavor, many vendors generously add mustard from a squeeze bottle or a dash of piri piri (spicy sauce). Bifanas do Afonso, located on the notoriously steep Rua da Madalena, is a top spot for this beloved treat. The long lines are a testament to the quality of these coveted sandwiches, served for over 40 years.

At Quattro Teste, the bartender duo Alf del Portillo and Marta Premoli invite you to indulge in fun, crafting all kinds of conceptual cocktails with unique gadgets and innovative techniques. Drawing from their Basque and Italian heritage, they present a sophisticated twist on the kalimotxo (a classic Basque mix of wine and cola) featuring lacto-fermented raspberry, a whiskey sour topped with burrata foam, and aperitivos made with premium Italian ingredients. This spot stands out as one of the most inventive bars in the city.

On the path to São Jorge Castle, O Velho Eurico welcomes you like a hidden gem, offering a cozy retreat to recharge with delicious Portuguese cuisine, best enjoyed on its lovely terrace shaded by lush trees. This historic Mytoury has become a culinary pilgrimage site, evidenced by long waits and fully booked reservations for weeks. The kitchen is helmed by young chef Zé Paulo Rocha, part of a new wave of Lisbon's culinary talent, who elevates traditional dishes with modern flair. Anticipate delights like octopus carolino rice, pig head with white beans, beer caramel bread pudding, and more from a menu that evolves daily.

This charming yet stylish modern Mytoury in the downtown Sé district has been a must-visit since its debut in 2017, largely due to the skillful chef Antonio Galapito. His dishes are rich, inventive, minimalist, and visually stunning. Previously a sous chef under renowned chef Nuno Mendes in London, Galapito's micro-seasonal menu at Prado emphasizes organic ingredients sourced from Portuguese producers. Opt for a variety of dishes to share, perfectly paired with a glass of natural wine from their excellent selection.

After cultivating a successful career over several years, João Sá now leads the kitchen at his own downtown restaurant, Sála. The Mytoury boasts a relaxed atmosphere, while the dishes are inventive and modern, merging Portuguese traditions with global flavors. Notable dishes include Sá’s take on monkfish paired with cauliflower and caviar, red prawn infused with Thai tom yum and Brazilian vatapá, and a harmoniously crafted dessert featuring almonds, miso, and beer yeast. Whether you choose a la carte or opt for one of the tasting menus, you’re in for a treat.

After relocating from its previous spot behind Mercado da Ribeira, Café Tati has reemerged with a simplified name at a new address. Nestled on a delightful corner, this restaurant and wine bar offers a brighter, more inviting atmosphere, featuring a stunning wooden bar and cozy tables where patrons can explore an extensive wine selection alongside dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients that Argentinian chef Romina Bertolini sources daily from the market.

With only seven tables, the avant-garde Boi-Cavalo, once a butcher shop in the heart of Alfama, showcases chef Hugo Brito's innovative flair through daring dishes for adventurous Mytours. The menu, influenced by international flavors and changing seasonally, may feature cozido rice with pink prawns, lettuce gazpacho paired with potato dauphine and XO sauce, or oysters dressed in grape leaf tempura with a homemade vinaigrette. Though concise, the wine list highlights a selection from small producers.

Housed in a 19th-century building now serving as a hotel in the Graça neighborhood, Plano offers a unique dining experience. Most days, diners enjoy their meals in a charming, airy indoor space adorned with minimalist decor. However, on warm summer evenings, chef Vitor Adão transforms the intimate garden surrounding the pool into an open-fire kitchen, using a charcoal grill beneath the orange trees to create a countryside atmosphere. The frequently changing tasting menu, featuring six to nine courses, showcases the finest seasonal local produce.

Tascas, serving traditional comfort food at budget-friendly prices, are a staple of Portuguese culture. While they emerged in the early 20th century, Maçã Verde (Green Apple) is a newer addition, located in a former snack bar across from Santa Apolónia station. The menu features hearty offerings like chanfana (goat stew) and secretos de porco preto (succulent strips of black pig), all expertly crafted by the welcoming chef, Dona Laura.