Lisbon Recommendations

Restaurants​​

Note: In Portugal, lunch at most restaurants is served from noon to 3 pm and dinner from 7 pm until 9 pm. Besides the many kiosks located throughout the city, we found it to be a challenge (although not impossible) to find a restaurant serving meals between 3 - 7 pm, so plan accordingly. Things are changing, however, and more restaurants are beginning to stay open during the hours and days others are closed, so always check before showing up if you haven't made reservations beforehand. It is also best to contact restaurants for dinner reservations as the better restaurants tend to fill up quickly in the evening. 

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O Vinhaça - Alfama, Rua do Salvador N. 53

This authentic, cozy, and intimate Portuguese tapas and wine bar serves fresh fish, seafood, and meats. Carlotta, the owner, is the best host. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Lunch is served from 12 pm to 3 pm, and dinner is served from 6 pm to 10 pm.

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Cantinho do Avillez - Chiado - Rua Dos Duques De Bragança, 7

Created by Portuguese chef José Avillez, this restaurant serves delicious, contemporary Portuguese food in a relaxed, urban setting. Avillez has about a dozen highly-rated restaurants in Portugal and beyond. Cantinho is open every day, from 12:30 to 3:00 pm and 7 pm to midnight. 

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Taverna da Rua das Flores - Chiado neighborhood, Rua das Flores 103 109

This tiny authentic tavern (with only about 10 tables) offers delicious daily choices written on a blackboard along with a fantastic wine list. It's cash-only and they don't take reservations. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 12 - 11:30 pm and Sunday 12 - 6pm. (This has recently changed as they used to be open only during lunch and dinner hours, with crowds lining up at the door waiting to for a table inside.)​

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Forno d’Oro - Marques de Pombal area - R. Artilharia 1 16b

This Italian pizzeria, created by Nepalese chef Tanka Sapkota, has earned a ranking on the list of best pizzas in the world. Make reservations as it is consistently fully booked. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, is closed on Sundays, and is open only for dinner on Mondays.

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Salta - Marques de Pombal neighborhood, R. Rodrigo da Fonseca 82A

This restaurant offers a delicious fusion of Asian and Central American cuisine and delicious cocktails. Several of our visiting friends rated it as the best dining experience they had in Portugal. Open every day, 7 pm - midnight.

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Gin Lovers Bar & Restaurant - Príncipe Real, EmbaiXada, Praça do Príncipe Real 26 

EmbaiXada is a 20th-century neo-Arab palace converted into a commercial gallery, and Gin Lovers is our favorite stop for a delicious G & T. It's also fun to browse the Portuguese stores and view the artwork throughout the building. Open all week 12 pm to midnight, Saturdays & Sundays until 2 am.

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Seagull Method Cafe - close to Príncipe Real, R. da Palmeira 23

This friendly, cozy brunch and lunch spot, is open daily from 12 to 6 pm.

 

Magnolia - close to Príncipe Real, Praça das Flores 43

Located on a beautiful, tree-lined square, this cozy bistro and wine bar is perfect for brunch, lunch, dinner, and a late-night glass of wine. With small plates in an intimate setting, be sure to make reservations. Open for brunch from 10 am to 4 pm (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and dinner every day from 6 pm to 11:30 pm. 

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Kefi Greek Bistro - Lapa neighborhood, Calçada da Estrela 187

This restaurant is open every day from 12 pm to 12 am. It is our go-to on Sundays when many restaurants are closed, or when we want to eat a good meal during the hours when many restaurants are closed. 

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Fabrica Imperial - located at the top of Parque Eduardo VII, Rua Marquês da Fronteira, N.113A

We adore this lunch-only restaurant, which describes itself as "Grandmother's typical food made with the love of her grandchildren <3." The restaurant is open only from Monday to Friday, from 12 pm to 3 pm. Barbara, the owner, manages the front while her husband prepares the food. Customers can choose from three options on the daily menu: a meat dish, a fish dish, or a vegetarian dish of the day, which comes with a natural juice, soup, coffee, and dessert.

 

​La Pasta Fresca - Campo Pequeno, Avenida 5 de Outubro 186

This restaurant offers excellent, simple, home-made pasta that can also be purchased to take home. La Pasta Fresca came in 2nd place out of 4 restaurants featured on an Italian television show by chef Alessandro Borghese that rates Italian restaurants in different cities worldwide. Doors are open Monday - Friday, 10 am to 3 pm and 7 to 10 pm,  and Saturdays 10 am to 3 pm.

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​​Mercado de Campo de Ourique - Campo de Ourique, R. Coelho da Rocha 104

While this market sells fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, and other Portuguese products and handcrafts,  it is also a great spot for tapas and drinks. We love visiting the olive oil shop. The doors are open from 10 am to 11 pm, but the hours of the fresh food stands and some of the shops vary.

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Hotel Bairro Alto - Bairro Alto, Praça Luís de Camões, 2

For a great view of the Tagus River, drinks, and a light meal, we enjoy visiting the rooftop bar of Hotel Bairro Alto. Open daily until midnight.  

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Note: In Portugal, lunch at many restaurants is served from noon to 3 pm and dinner from 7 pm until 9 pm, and many are closed on Sundays. If you don't have a reservation, make sure to check before you go. It is also best to make a reservation as the better restaurants tend to fill up quickly.

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​Things to Do​​

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Tram 28

When you get to Lisbon, if you want a nice overview of various touristic areas in the city, take Tram 28. It can be very crowded so your ​best bet is to board at the first or last stop. See the link for more information and a map of the route. One-way rides can be purchased onboard the tram.