Dining in Lisbon
A quick overview of our favorite places to eat, drink, and soak in all the vibes.
brunch at dear breakfast
BREAKFAST/BRUNCH
Breakfast Lovers: This was a happy accident as it was next to our Airbnb but my favorite cafe in Lisbon, we came three times! I would honestly eat here everyday if I could. Fresh juices, farm-to-table breakfast, and quirky decor made this spot the best start to any day. We ate at the original Misericórdia location, but they’ve since opened two more. Walk-in friendly!
Dear Breakfast - Chiado: A hyped up spot that did live up to the buzz. Amazing coffees and an approachable menu, this was a solid stop and somewhere you can get amazing photos. It was a little small but we grabbed a great window table. Make sure you make a reservation.
LUNCH/DAY TIME
Time Out Market: For a true taste of Lisbon, stop by Time Out for a little taste of everything! Most iconic restaurants in the city have a stall here. From fresh seafood to funky local cuisine to the famous pastel de nata, we truly got to taste it all. Come hungry and let everyone grab a few things to share with the table! It was fun seeing what everyone came back with. Tip: it’s hard to secure a table, stake one out and hold it down!
CASUAL:
Taberna da Rua das Flores: Think a classic English pub, Portugese style. Great, local fare, affordable drinks, friendly people. The food is an inventive take on classic Portugese dishes and a great way to sample Portugese wine! Cash-only, no reservations!
A Nossa Casa: A lowkey, affordable spot with laid-back appeal for an easy dinner after a long day of travel or sight seeing.
Versículo d'O Faia: We stumbled here on our first night hungry and sat at their outdoor cafe seating. Whole octopus, fresh scallops, and a romantic indoor vibe. Lots of spots nearby to pop in to and browse around!
Bairro de Avillez: This restaurant is actually 5 restaurants in one! A pizzeria, tavern, terrace, seafood restaurant, and bar all connected. We walked in here and were impressed by the size and concept, it was really fun and we popped to the bar after dinner! The food was solid and there was an open kitchen and a lot of energy throughout!
HAPPY HOUR:
Java Rooftop: Go here!!!! Gorgeous views, amazing cocktails, perfect location. We popped here to catch the sunset and for cocktails. It’s filled with plants and features a semi-circle patio surrounding an internal bar. Great spot for an Aperol Spritz and bites! Also right next to Time Out Market.
DINNER
giant tiger prawns at Cervejaria Ramiro
Rocco: Outstanding meal and ambience. The bar was just as good of a experience as the restaurant and may even be better! They also have a raw bar for seating. Try the grilled octopus, truffled steak tartare and pastas! Amazing for a romantic evening or a girls night out, dress up!
Prado: Prado is a restaurant I’ve followed on Instagram for years. It’s absolutely beautifully designed and touts a hyper-seasonal menu while serving only biodynamic/organic/natural wines. This spot is a must for adventurous eaters. The portions were small and the dishes were inventive, a true foodie paradise. Fine dining as it’s core!
Cervejaria Ramiro: Touted as one of the best seafood restaurants in Lisbon (and featured by Anthony Bourdain), this was a spot I fought to get a reservation. The dining and service is very classic, and it felt like the Portugese version of an American steakhouse. The menus is comprised basic starters like cheese or bread, simplly prepared seafood, and dessert. The seafood comes out on a plate solo, no sides or frills. It was fresh and we enjoyed it, but I wouldn’t seek it out next time in town and no reason to dress up as the ambience wasn’t there. Stop by at happy hour timing and try the giant tiger prawns!
SEM: I really really wanted to try this place! We had a tasting menu reservtion and after trekking across the city, the restaurant was closed. Still unsure of what happened here, but it’s on the list if you can get in! Another foodie-forward spot, read about the culinary ethos here.
