Top Ten Must Dine Restaurants in Lisbon, Portugal
- MemoirsofaMountainGirl
- Feb 20, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 12, 2020
Lisbon is Portugal's Coastal Capital and has crept onto our radar over the last five years as one of Europe's rising Culinary Stars. There is an abundance of fabulous eating establishments in Lisboa showcasing the very best of Portuguese Cuisine, it can be overwhelming if you are only visiting for a few days and you want to sample the very best of. I have tried to summaries my top ten with this post, even if you manage 3-5 of these you can be assured you will have sampled Lisbon's finest. (in no particular order)
Maria Catita is a traditional Portuguese diner, located in close proximity to the Praça do Comércio. It attracts locals and tourists alike, sometimes with queues (but they move quickly) and famous more notably for their seafood cuisine. The decor is no frills and simplistic with almost an Austrian-Style to the interior. The menu is also simplistic, but extensive with Portuguese specialties or 'Azores Specialties as they may refer to them such as the Pico-style stewed octopus, the Seafood and Lobster cataplana or the Codfish Braz.
2. Noobai
If you are in search of Panoramic views of the city and famous for its tapas, Noobai is a Rooftop Bar and Restaurant located at the trendy Santa Catarina Belvedere close to the Bairro Alto district. Noobai is one of the best locations in Lisboa to watch the sun go down while sipping margaritas (or whatever your tipple of choice). Try book in advance or get here early afternoon to bag the best table.
3. Heim Cafe
Heim is a cosy Portuguese Cafe known best for its brunches by day and wine bar by night. Situated in the Santos Neighbourhood, expect queues at weekends in this popular spot, but the queue is worth the wait (albeit I wouldn't recommend queuing any longer than 30 minutes in the heat of the summer sun). They only have three options on their brunch menu and we tried all three - each as delicious as the next!
Beco Is an infusion of culinary mastery and a burlesque show (with the staff participation to bring the concept to life). Located in Bairro do Avillez, and run by a celebrity Portuguese chef, each of the dishes are designed to surprise and delight. if you are in search of sophisticated dining in the Portuguese Capital - Beco will not disappoint.
5. PHARMÁCIA RESTAURANT
What a little surprise we had here, at this concept restaurant filled with little nooks and crannies of medical equipment past and present. The restaurant is located in the Associação Nacional de Farmácias building (National Association of Pharmacies). The decor is novelty, but the food has an air of sophistication and the extensive cocktail menu was designed to impress. And impress it did. We did our very best to sample every cocktail on the list between the four of us and then retired onto the Garden terrace for the rest of the evening. Which also boasts magnificent views of the Atlantic ocean (Albeit the Building sits on a slight hill behind Noobai which definitely wins for the views but Pharmacia takes it for the taste buds). I would recommend the chefs surprise menu if you don't have any allergies.
6. Prado
Prado, just a short stroll from the Lisbon Cathedral, in the Baixa district is relatively new to the Capital's culinary scene but what a welcome addition it is. Prado prides itself in showcasing the very best of Portuguese cuisine, from the land to the sea. It also has an impressive, organic wine selection to accompany the dishes. It's chic, clean spacious interior make it seem like something of a Nordic inspired establishment. (Whether or not that is the case I do not know, I am only speculating but it was a refreshing change of scenery in the capital). Expect traditional delicacies served in small neat tasting portions.
High-End Seafood with a focus on Portuguese Fish and ingredients inspired by the Atlantic ocean, Pesca is serving up aesthetically pleasing and really quite unique dishes (definitely a few for the gram!) There is also a lush little patio at the back of the restaurant if you get there in time to grab a spot.
Tapisco, as the name suggests is a Spanish-style Tapas restaurant serving up delicious sharing plates with delightful cocktails to suit. The tables are close together which lends itself to the buzzy and vibey atmosphere of Tapisco. Bonus - there is a Vermouth Bar attached were you can sip cocktails on the street when waiting for your table.
9. Local
Local Restaurant is a quaint establishment located off the busy Principe Real with casual chic vibes. The dishes are impressive using some of the best of local ingredients and run by established, celebrity Portuguese chefs. Prepare to be impressed. And take your time with the dishes and the wine. This is a very relaxed atmosphere.
10. Bota Sal
This quirky, trendy establishment opened its doors in 2017 , located in the Estrela district and is the sister restaurant of the established and much loved seafood Sal restaurant in Comporta with a more modern take on maritime cuisine.
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