Where to eat the best Portuguese food
Frankly, this Top 10 list could go on forever. There are hundreds of excellent restaurants in Lisbon all serving traditional Portuguese food. The culture of Portuguese cuisine draws on the nation's regional flavour and its seafaring heritage. Hearty country fare from the hinterland, fresh fish and seafood from the Atlantic, or a fusion of both with an international flourish… the choice is deliciously diverse and tempting.
If you're feeling flush and up for a splurge, book a table at the opulently decorated
Tavares Rico. This gilded treasure in Chiado is Lisbon's oldest restaurant and its menu has garnered a Michelin star.
They've been serving choice regional fare at
Solar dos Presuntos in Rossio for over 40 years and the quality is such that Michelin recommends this family-run restaurant.
Another restaurant renowned for its local flavour is
Antigo 1 de Maio, a humble little eatery tucked away in Bairro Alto full of atmosphere and popular with the locals.
Set in the plush
Pestana Palace hotel west of the city centre is
Valle Flôr. The refined ambiance and historic setting add to the allure of this exclusive gourmet hotspot.
Back in town in Chiado is
Faz Gostos Lx, another restaurant that is built on historic foundations. Quite literally, in fact: the walls date from the 14th century and are decorated with beautiful tiles (
azulejos).
Terreiro do Paço overlooks Praça do Comércio, the city's iconic riverfront square. Throughout the warm summer months tables are set along the edge of this downtown landmark - café society at its best!
On the opposite side of the square is
Café Martinho da Arcada. Dating from 1782, this gem of a venue was the favourite haunt of Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa. His table is preserved for posterity.
Enjoying a privileged position on the ground floor of the mid-town
Tivoli Jardim hotel is
Olivier Avenida. Here, the chef describes his cuisine as "traditional urban", and the menu will surprise.
The dock front
Speakeasy is where to enjoy a meal in lively, youthful company. This buzzing restaurant-bar serves up live music as well as quirky takes on Portuguese food. Note that, unusually, smoking is permitted.
For a more serene atmosphere in hushed surroundings, stay in Chiado and book a table at
Flores, the modest but fashionable restaurant in the elegant
Bairro Alto hotel.
Rua da Misericordia 35
Michelin star gourmet cuisine in opulent surroundings...
R. das Portas de Santo Antao 150
Traditional, family-run, Portuguese meats and seafood, great wine list...
Rua da Atalaia 8
Delicious homemade Portuguese fare, seafood specialities, homely ambiance...
Rua Jau 54
Pestana Palace Lisbon
Refined elegance and impeccable service in historic surroundings...
Rua Nova da Trindade 11
Historic location, traditional Portuguese with a modern twist...
Praça do Comércio
Lisbon Welcome Center
Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine, downtown setting...
Praça do Comércio 3
historical venue, culturally significant, traditional Portuguese cuisine...
Rua Julio Cesar Machado 7/9
Portuguese cuisine with southern European influences, business lunch venue...
Cais das Oficinas, Armazén 115, Rocha Conde d'Óbidos
Rocha Conde Obidos
Portuguese food, dock front location, live music venue...
Praca Luis de Camoes 2
Refined gourmet dining, excellent wines, fashionable location...