Lisbon… a city that is a feast for the senses and a playground for our taste buds. Imagine cobbled streets leading through a maze of colorful buildings, where laundry hangs in windows like flags of a gypsy revolution. Lisbon effortlessly blends history and modernity, where centuries-old architecture coexists with hipster cafes. As you probably know by now, we practice getting to know a city through its food. And Lisbon acts like a Michelin-starred chef on a caffeine high. Enjoy the freshest fish and seafood and be sure to try the iconic salted cod dishes that Lisbon is famous for. Try caldo verde, a simple kale soup that will transport you to the kitchens of Portuguese grandmothers. And let’s not forget the liquid delights that Lisbon has to offer. Vinho verde, a young and crisp wine that perfectly matches the vibrant city. Of course, there is also ginja — a sweet cherry liqueur that has become a sort of cultural symbol. While exploring the city, hop on the iconic yellow trams that traverse the narrow streets, taking you on a journey through time. And don’t forget to taste the world-famous pastel de nata — a delicate custard tart on puff pastry, with a hint of cinnamon. But Lisbon is not just about eating and drinking; it’s a city with a soul, a place where the melancholic melodies of fado echo through the narrow streets. Fado is the heart of Lisbon — a musical genre that tells stories of love and longing. It’s like a deep, soulful cry that reaches into the depths of your soul, leaving you enchanted.
Time Out Market
One of the places you must visit in Lisbon is undoubtedly the famous Time Out Market. This lively market is a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern style. It’s a place buzzing with energy, where both tourists and locals gather to indulge in Lisbon’s delicious food. And oh, it’s not just hype; the food is really good! The squid ink risotto with scallops and seaweed was a divine combination. Don’t miss out on the iconic bacalhau à bras, a legendary dish that combines salted cod with eggs and crispy potatoes — a testament to Portugal’s rich culinary heritage.
Cervejaria Ramiro
Cervejaria Ramiro is a bustling Lisbon institution known for its fresh and simply prepared yet incredibly delicious seafood. The restaurant is always lively, creating a vibrant and noisy atmosphere. They even have a waiting area with a beer vending machine, which my husband described as brilliant. If you’re going to have dinner at just one restaurant in Lisbon, choose this place. Don’t miss their delicious clams, and be sure to try the recommended prego dessert—a steak sandwich—an unusual but somehow fitting end to the meal (if you eat meat, of course). Pair it all with a bottle of wine and enjoy the moment.
Restaurante Casa de Peixe
Casa de Peixe is that unassuming place by the market that serves fresh fish without unnecessary fuss. Imagine a simple plate of grilled sardines, boiled potatoes, and green salad. Of course, accompanied by chilled vinho verde.
Moma Grill
Based on Rick Stein’s recommendation, we tried Moma Grill restaurant. We ordered grilled sea bream and octopus, both served with simple sides: potatoes and spinach, followed by a homemade dessert. It was simple, it was good.
Valenciana
Valenciana is a traditional Portuguese eatery renowned for its grilled piri piri chicken, typically served with double carbs in the form of rice and fries. It offers very reasonable prices and a lively atmosphere, definitely worth recommending.
Marisqueira Uma
Marisqueira Uma is a hidden gem that restores the essence of old good times. This cozy establishment, run by two elderly twin brothers, exudes a lively atmosphere. The decor is a charming blend of simplicity, nostalgia, and authenticity. Now, let’s talk about the food—there’s only one item on the menu: the legendary seafood rice. It’s no wonder it has gained a well-deserved reputation as the best in the city. Based on our personal experiences, Marisqueira Uma is exactly the type of place we hope to come across while traveling. In a world saturated with trendy spots where style often overshadows substance, finding such an unassuming place that delivers authentic culinary experiences becomes increasingly rare.
Sol e Pesca
Sol e Pesca specializes in a culinary delicacy often overlooked: canned fish. When you step inside, you are greeted by a display of fish cans proudly showcasing their colorful personalities. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy a snack, and savor the atmosphere of the charming pink street.
BA Wine Bar do Bairro Alto
A cozy wine bar with an impressive selection of wines, offering high-quality cheese and charcuterie boards. It’s the perfect place to spend a leisurely evening and immerse yourself in the world of Portuguese wine.
A Tasca do Chico
A traditional and cozy bar that will transport you to the past with its nostalgic decor… imagine scarves hanging from the ceiling, wooden tables, and paintings of famous patrons on the walls. Here, you can listen to live fado music. When the performance begins, the doors close and red lights are lit. This hypnotic transformation fully immerses you in the fado experience—an essential part of Lisbon. On the menu, you’ll find traditional rustic Portuguese dishes; I recommend trying the simple caldo verde soup made with potatoes and kale.
A Ginjinha
An unassuming, so-called “hole in the wall” dedicated to one drink: ginja, the beloved Portuguese cherry liqueur. This delightful blend of sweetness and tartness, served with or without cherries, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Legend has it that ginja was brought to Portugal by a clever monk who infused cherries with spirits, creating an elixir that captures the essence of the country. Make a quick stop, order a few shots (for some reason, it’s hard to stop at just one), and continue your journey with a smile on your face.
Pastéis de Belém
Pastéis de Belém, a paradise for lovers of sweet pastries. While this place offers a variety of sweets, it has one true star on its menu: pastel de nata. Imagine warm, perfectly layered French pastry filled with smooth custard, perfectly caramelized on top and dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. This, my friends, is pastel de nata – the Portuguese custard tart, renowned worldwide.
Manteigaria Chiado
A small bakery specializing in pastel de nata. There are no seating places, but you can enjoy the pastry and coffee at the standing bar, observing the art of pastry-making.
Ao 26 Vegan Food Project
A cozy vegan eatery offering interesting variations of traditional Portuguese dishes, along with a creative cocktail menu. Worth visiting not only for vegans but also for those looking to take a break from traditional Portuguese seafood cuisine.
Kokoro Ramen Bar
In search of a hangover cure, we found this small, inexpensive ramen joint that makes their own noodles. They have only three options on the menu – tonkotsu (pork broth), shoyu (chicken broth), and a vegetarian option with coconut milk and Indian spices. The shoyu was decent, but the vegetarian option didn’t quite hit the mark.
Santini Chiado
Icce cream shop, renowned as the best in the city.
