Portugal, a country located in the southwest corner of the Iberian Peninsula, has a unique geographical location, surrounded by the sea on three sides, creating a lifestyle and food culture centered on the ocean. The salty wind blowing from the Atlantic Ocean not only shapes the rhythm of life of fishermen, but also creates classic seafood-filled cuisine.
Lisbon, as the capital of Portugal, is not only a political center, but also a crossroads of culture and flavor. Here, you can feel the interweaving of Moorish heritage and European Renaissance, and you can also taste hundreds of years of historical precipitation in a meal.
Whether it is a hot “Pastel de Nata” (Portuguese egg tart) on the street corner in the morning, or “Bacalhau à Brás” (salted cod risotto) in a seaside restaurant at dusk, Lisbon’s food can always amaze your taste buds and soul at the same time, awakening all your passion and imagination for travel.
Ⅰ. Awakening the taste buds in the morning: an ideal breakfast choice
1. Recommended restaurant: Fauna & Flora
History and overview: Fauna & Flora is one of the most popular healthy brunch restaurants in Lisbon for young people in recent years. It opened in the Santos district in 2017 and features a fresh and organic Mediterranean-style menu, combining the lazy feeling of American brunch with the local taste of Portuguese ingredients.
Food features and taste: The restaurant’s most popular breakfasts include avocado toast with poached eggs, French toast with fresh berries, and honey Greek yogurt with homemade oats. These dishes are not only beautifully presented, but also have a layered taste, refreshing and not greasy, full of the natural sweetness of fruits, which is an ideal way to start a vibrant day in Lisbon.
Location: Rua da Esperança 33, 1200-655 Lisboa, close to Santos Station, a five-minute walk away.
Cost: The average per capita consumption is between 12 euros and 18 euros, and the portion is large, which is very suitable for two people to share.
Booking platform: You can make a reservation through the restaurant page of TheFork or Google Maps. It is recommended to make a reservation one to two days in advance during the peak season.
Recommended crowd: Recommended for young travelers who pursue a refined lifestyle, tourists who pay attention to healthy eating, and food lovers who like to take photos and check in.
2. Recommended restaurant: Padaria Portuguesa
History and overview: Padaria Portuguesa is one of the most representative bakery chains in Lisbon, and it is spread all over the city. Founded in 2010, the brand is committed to recreating the ancient taste of traditional Portuguese bread and pastries.
Food features and taste: If you like more authentic Portuguese flavors, try the milk coffee here with crispy “Pão de Deus” (sweet bread sprinkled with coconut shreds and powdered sugar). There is also the “Pastel de Nata” that cannot be missed. It has a crispy crust and rich fillings, and tastes best when eaten hot.
Location: There are branches in major transportation hubs and neighborhoods in Lisbon, such as Alfama, Baixa, Belém, etc.
Cost: Very affordable, only about 5 euros per person can meet basic breakfast needs.
Booking platform: No reservation is required, it is recommended to avoid the morning rush hour and walk in to order.
Recommended crowd: Suitable for backpackers with a tight pace, business travelers or travelers who like to “eat wherever they go”.
Ⅱ. A rich comfort at noon: an ideal lunch choice
1. Recommended restaurant: Time Out Market Lisboa
History and overview: Formerly Mercado da Ribeira, a traditional market in Lisbon, it was remodeled into a food market by the Time Out magazine team in 2014 and has now become a pilgrimage site for the food world. It is home to the city’s most representative restaurant branches, Portuguese top chefs, and a variety of Portuguese and international food stalls.
Food features and taste: In the market, it is recommended to try the traditional Portuguese risotto (Arroz de Marisco) of “Chef Marlene Vieira”. The rice is full of seafood essence, the soup is rich, and it is served with fresh shrimp and mussels, which is rich in flavor. For dessert, the freshly baked egg tarts of “Manteigaria” are recommended, which are crispy and not greasy, with distinct taste layers.
Location: Avenida 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa, next to Cais do Sodré subway station.
Cost: The average cost per person is about 20 euros, depending on the stall and dishes selected.
Booking platform: No reservation is required in advance, but it is recommended to arrive early during popular time periods (such as 12 noon to 14 o’clock) to reserve a seat.
Recommended crowd: Recommended for first-time visitors, family tourists or food hunters, suitable for people who have high expectations for food diversity.
2. Recommended restaurant: Cervejaria Ramiro
History and overview: Founded in 1956, Ramiro is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in Lisbon. It has witnessed decades of changes in the Portuguese catering industry and still retains a strong local flavor and traditional cooking methods.
Food characteristics and taste: Its star dishes include garlic prawns, butter-roasted lobster, and the flavorful “Prego” (steak sandwich). Each dish highlights the original flavor of the ingredients, the seafood is extremely fresh, the seasoning is not too heavy, and the original flavor is emphasized.
Location: Avenida Almirante Reis 1, 1150-007 Lisboa, 3 minutes walk from Intendente subway station.
Cost: The price is medium to high, with an average consumption of about 40 euros per person, suitable for lunch experience that you want to reward yourself.
Booking platform: You can make an appointment through TheFork or by phone. It is recommended to make an appointment in advance, especially on weekends.
Recommended crowd: A must-go for seafood lovers, suitable for couples dating, family gatherings or tasteful diners.
Ⅲ. The perfect ending at night: an ideal dinner choice
1. Recommended restaurant: Belcanto
History and overview: Helmed by Michelin-starred chef José Avillez, Belcanto opened in Chiado in 2012. It is the first restaurant in Portugal to be awarded two Michelin stars and represents the pinnacle of modern Portuguese cuisine.
Food features and taste: The chef is good at recreating Portuguese classic dishes with molecular cuisine, such as the “Taste of the Sea” series of appetizers that combine sea foam, kelp powder and a variety of shellfish, with distinct layers and amazing. There are also dishes such as stewed oxtail with white bean puree, which are rich in flavor and extraordinary in creativity.
Location: Rua Serpa Pinto 10A, 1200-026 Lisboa, located in the high-end art district Chiado.
Cost: More than 200 euros per person, including the chef’s menu and wine pairing, which is a representative of luxury dinner.
Booking platform: You can make reservations online through Resy, and seats need to be arranged several weeks in advance.
Recommended crowd: Suitable for anniversary celebrations, food collectors, or tourists who want to experience high-end Portuguese cuisine.
2. Recommended restaurant: Taberna da Rua das Flores
History and overview: This restaurant is hidden in the small street of Rua das Flores. It is a tavern that adheres to traditional Portuguese dishes. It is run by a couple of food lovers and is known for its authenticity and friendliness.
Food characteristics and taste: The menu changes with the seasons. Classic dishes include fried cod balls, Portuguese black pork ham with olives, slow-cooked beef with red wine sauce, etc. The taste of each dish is full of the local chef’s care, and the taste is simple but popular.
Location: Rua das Flores 103, 1200-194 Lisboa, only a few minutes walk to Chiado.
Cost: The average consumption per person is about 25-35 euros, which is very cost-effective.
Booking platform: You can make an appointment through TheFork or by phone. There are few seats, so it is recommended to make an appointment at least three days in advance.
Recommended crowd: Recommended for food travelers who love family-style cooking, look for a quiet dining environment, or value cost-effectiveness.
Ⅳ. Late-night snacks and desserts: Satisfy your taste buds at night
1. Recommended dessert shop: Gelados Santini
History and overview: Santini has been open since 1949 and is the oldest and most popular handmade ice cream brand in Portugal. It was founded by an Italian immigrant family.
Food characteristics and taste: Recommended flavors include passion fruit, strawberry, and salted caramel. The texture is thick and not greasy, and the sweetness is moderate. It is the best choice for a short break after a meal or eating while walking.
Location: Rua do Carmo 9, 1200-093 Lisboa, on the main street of Chiado.
Cost: Two scoops of ice cream are about 3.5 euros, which is a reasonable price.
Booking platform: No reservation is required, just go there directly.
Recommended crowd: Suitable for dessert lovers, couples on a night trip or family tourists.
In Lisbon, three meals a day are not just simple eating, but also a way to connect with the city’s history, culture, and emotions. Every restaurant hides a story, and every dish carries a piece of history. People who know how to eat can understand a city from its food.
If you plan to travel to Lisbon, you might as well follow this “Eating in Lisbon” guide and let your taste buds guide you to a different Portugal. Come with a good appetite, and leave with memories.
