Best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal? Look no further! Lisbon’s food scene is a never-ending buffet of delightful surprises. Before 2020 decided to hit the pause button on everything, Lisbon was buzzing with new openings—like Prado in 2017 and 100 Maneiras in 2019. Sure, COVID hit the brakes, but Lisbon’s dining scene is back with a vengeance, and it’s more fabulous than ever.
For newcomers, diving into Lisbon’s traditional tascas is a must. These casual eateries serve local delights like bacalhau (salted cod) and prego or bifana (beef or pork sandwiches). But let’s be real, if you’re a seasoned Lisbon explorer or a food aficionado, you’ll be eyeing the modern and Michelin-starred gems that make the city’s food scene as dynamic as its cobbled streets.
From slurping ginjinha (cherry liqueur) with the locals to sipping fine wine at a tasting menu, Lisbon’s dining options are as diverse as a chameleon at a rainbow party. So, buckle up and feast at the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal. These top 10 spots are the crème de la crème of the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal, ensuring your taste buds dance with joy!
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BAHR: The Crown Jewel of the Best Restaurants in Lisbon Portugal
Looking for a taste of Lisbon that’s as memorable as it is delicious? Enter BAHR, where the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal prove that hotel dining can be a gastronomic triumph. Situated in the Bairro Alto Hotel, BAHR is far from your average hotel restaurant—this place is a triumph with a capital T.
Step inside and you’ll be greeted by a space that screams comfort with its curved ceilings, cozy nooks, and an oversized wooden bar that’s practically begging for a cocktail. Prefer to dine with a view? The terrace offers a stunning panorama of the city and the Tagus River, which is perfect if you want to distract yourself from the mouthwatering dishes on the menu.
Chef Bruno Rochas has crafted a menu that reimagines Portuguese classics with flair. Think garlicky grilled squid doing a dance with runner beans, raw beef ‘pica-pau’ tacos with a cheeky hint of pineapple, and wild turbot swimming in a buttery kale and chorizo sauce that’s as good as it sounds. Trust us, this is one of the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal where you’ll want to linger.
And don’t forget to swing by the hotel’s 18.68 cocktail bar for drinks with a side of art deco charm and inventive cocktails from Tiago Santos. In the realm of the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal, BAHR is a culinary adventure you don’t want to miss!
BouBou’s: Where Tasting Menus Shine Among the Best Restaurants in Lisbon Portugal
Welcome to BouBou’s, the family-run gem that’s rewriting the script for tasting menus and proving why it’s one of the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal. Opened in 2018 by the dynamic Bourrat duo, Agnes and Alexis, this spot is a foodie’s paradise with a side of sibling charm. Alexis’ sister Charlie picks the wines, while Louise, the kitchen rebel, crafts dishes that could make a salad swoon.
BouBou’s is nestled in Lisbon’s most food-centric district, making it a prime candidate for the title of best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal. If tasting menus tickle your fancy, you’re in for a treat. Expect playful, seasonal dishes that are as fun as they are flavorful. Think sweet potato with a coconut tiger milk bath and a nori taco packed with kimchi rice and glazed seitan. Yes, it’s veggie-friendly, but don’t worry—each dish is a delightful surprise, so skip peeking at the menu and let the magic unfold.
The wine pairings are a must; our sommelier gave us a masterclass in Portuguese vinos that left us savoring every sip. For the ultimate experience, snag a seat overlooking the open kitchen. It’s like having a front-row seat to a culinary opera. In the world of the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal, BouBou’s is where tasting menus become an unforgettable adventure!
O Velho Eurico: The Best Secret Among the Best Restaurants in Lisbon Portugal
Ever dreamed of crashing a local’s dinner party? Head to O Velho Eurico, and you just might! This cozy gem, tucked away on the way to São Jorge Castle, feels like you’ve stumbled onto Lisbon’s best-kept secret—minus the “keeping” part, because locals and savvy travelers alike are already in the know.
This spot is a hit with the Lisbon crowd, proving its status as one of the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal. The menu here is a love letter to classic Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist. You’ll find bacalhau à brás—salted cod mingling with fried potatoes and onions—and bolo lêve do chambão—a beef shank sando that could make a sandwich aficionado weep with joy.
But wait, there’s more! On a recent visit, I fell head over heels for their squirty fries (yes, that’s a thing—think cheese and tomato gravy) and choco alhado (cuttlefish with garlic). For the full experience, gather your crew, order everything, and revel in the vibrant, relaxed atmosphere alongside the young chefs and owners. O Velho Eurico definitely earns its place among the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal.
Ofício Tasco Atípico: Unleashing Unique Delights Among the Best Restaurants in Lisbon Portugal
Looking for a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance? Look no further than Ofício Tasco Atípico, the latest sensation among the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal. This spot is so popular with locals that snagging a table feels like winning the lottery, but trust us, it’s worth every effort.
Since its grand reopening, Ofício has become a beacon for inventive cuisine. You’ll find more must-try dishes here than a menu at a food festival. The Alheira sausage croquette, which conceals a runny quail’s egg like a Portuguese twist on a Scotch egg, is nothing short of perfection. Don’t miss the crispy crackling and stuffed spider crab from the Algarve—if you don’t try them, you’re missing out on the true essence of the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal.
And let’s not forget dessert: the cheese tart. This creamy, slightly sweet marvel, created during the second lockdown by chef Hugo Candeias, will make you question if all other desserts are just impostors. Despite the bustling crowds, the staff here are eager to chat about the flavors, ingredients, and the best wine pairings. Dive into the culinary wonderland at Ofício Tasco Atípico, and you’ll see why it’s a standout among the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal.
Trinca: The Hidden Gem Among the Best Restaurants in Lisbon Portugal
Wandering through Lisbon and stumbling upon Trinca is like finding a hidden treasure chest of flavor—except instead of gold, you’ll discover some of the best dishes in town. Nestled on a quiet street in the Anjos area, Trinca is a modern small plates restaurant housed in a charmingly traditional building.
If you’re on a quest for the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal, Trinca is your jackpot. The menu is a delightful fusion of South American zest, Japanese flair, and Portuguese soul. Picture this: prawn ceviche that’s as refreshing as a splash in the sea, vindaloo pork ribs that pack a spicy punch, and Katsu sandos that will make your taste buds sing.
The wine selection here is top-notch, and the staff are so friendly and passionate, they’ll make you feel like you’re dining with old friends—even if you’re flying solo. Trinca is a shining star among the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal, proving that sometimes, the best things come in small, perfectly-formed packages.
Prado: Farm-to-Table Fabulousness Among the Best Restaurants in Lisbon Portugal
If you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal that celebrate the true essence of farm-to-table dining, look no further than Prado. Named after the Portuguese word for “meadow,” Prado lives up to its name by championing local produce through partnerships with farmers, fishermen, and winemakers.
Here’s where you’ll find the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal doing what they do best: serving up stunning, 100% Portuguese cuisine. Dive into dishes like pumpkin with whey and toasted butter, or fish drenched in lobster emulsion that’ll make your taste buds do a happy jig. And don’t even get me started on the brioche with white port and chocolate—a dessert so divine, it might just make you weep with joy.
Chef António Galapito, previously of Nuno Mendes fame, brings his culinary wizardry to every beautifully plated dish. Grab a few friends, share the bounty, and soak up the fun, creative atmosphere. And let’s not forget the wine—courtesy of a sommelier who’s more than happy to help you indulge in a bottle (or two). Prado is a top contender for the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal, proving that a meal here is more than just dining—it’s an experience.
Cervejaria Ramiro: Seafood Sensation and a Must-Visit Among the Best Restaurants in Lisbon Portugal
When Anthony Bourdain graced Cervejaria Ramiro with his presence in 2013, this local cervejaria (read: beer bar) instantly catapulted to fame as one of the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal. And for good reason—if seafood is your jam, this place is your dream come true.
Don’t let the “beer bar” label fool you; Ramiro’s seafood game is so strong, it might just make you rethink everything you thought you knew about shellfish. Lobster, prawns, and crab are served by the kilogram—perfect for when you’re dining with a crowd of fellow seafood enthusiasts.
While the place spans three floors, don’t get too comfy just yet—expect a wait for your table. When you finally sit down, you might want to skip dessert in favor of a Prego, the best beef sandwich in Lisbon, slathered with mustard. It’s not just a meal; it’s a rite of passage. So if you’re seeking out the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal, make sure Cervejaria Ramiro is at the top of your list.
ALMA: The Crown Jewel Among the Best Restaurants in Lisbon Portugal
If you’re searching for the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal that scream “fine dining” with a Michelin star-studded flair, ALMA should be your first stop. Under the genius of executive chef Henrique Sa Pessoa, this double Michelin-starred gem is a culinary celebration of Portuguese flavors with a global twist.
Originally making waves in Santos in 2009, ALMA quickly became a local legend. When it relocated to Chiado six years later, it didn’t just move—it leveled up. The menu offers a tantalizing choice: dive into the ‘coast to coast’ fixed menu featuring Portuguese seafood or savor the ‘soul’ menu, which highlights Henrique’s greatest hits.
Housed in a former warehouse once known as one of the oldest bookshops in the world, ALMA isn’t just a meal—it’s a full-blown experience. So, if you’re on a quest to explore the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal, make sure ALMA is on your radar. It’s not just dining; it’s a bucket list experience with a side of culinary magic.
Neighbourhood: Brunch Royalty Among the Best Restaurants in Lisbon Portugal
When it comes to the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal, Neighbourhood isn’t just a spot on the map—it’s a brunch paradise. This local favorite feels more like a cozy café with a side of Aussie charm (thanks to its owners who traded London’s drizzle for Lisbon’s sunshine). If you’re a flat white fanatic, this is your caffeine kingdom.
But let’s get to the real hero here: the breakfast burritos. These bad boys are packed with scrambled eggs, beans, guac, and your choice of meat or veggie, making them the stuff of brunch dreams. And don’t even get us started on the Turkish eggs—served with yogurt, dill, and sourdough for dipping, they’re practically a brunch masterpiece.
By night, Neighbourhood transforms into a haven for smashed burgers and local brews. If you’re hunting for the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal that offer brunch with a side of charm, this place deserves a top spot on your foodie itinerary.
XXL: Where You Might Spot Lisbon’s Finest Among the Best Restaurants in Lisbon Portugal
If you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal where your dinner might come with a side of celebrity spotting, XXL should be your first stop. Nestled near the Portuguese Parliament, XXL (formerly known as XL until it got a chic new X last November) has been a playground for politicians, artists, and the who’s-who of Lisbon since 1994.
With a menu that’s as timeless as its guest list, XXL offers classics like soufflés and Duck Magret with a Port wine reduction. Don’t miss the lockdown dory fillet with Olivier salad, a dish so refined it might just impress a few VIPs.
Sip on a glass of red wine and revel in the fact that you’re dining among Lisbon’s finest (literally). For a taste of classic Portuguese fare and a sprinkle of glamour, XXL earns its spot among the best restaurants in Lisbon Portugal.
