While hopping around Lisbon, you need to eat. Lisbon is a city that is a treat for the taste buds!
From cozy cafes where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air to vibrant restaurants serving mouth-watering dishes, this Portuguese gem offers a culinary adventure like no other. Whether you’re craving traditional pastéis de nata or want to indulge in innovative seafood creations, Lisbon has something for everyone.
Join me as we explore some of the top cafes and restaurants that make this city a food lover’s paradise.
Here are the best cafes and restaurants to refuel.
Café da Garagem
If you’re looking for a hipster place for a coffee break or wine break, then look no further. The service at Café da Garagem is great, the food is delicious and affordable, and there’s a retro atmosphere to boot.
But the reason why this place is a hidden gem is because of the panoramic views of Lisbon that you get to enjoy. The breathtaking views of the city appear as you descend the stairs, and large armchairs are oriented towards the windows that reach the ceiling.
In the late afternoon, the café is buzzing with energy. Groups of friends catching up with drinks, solo visitors settled comfortably into their armchairs flipping through pages in their books. Or you go onto the sunny patio to soak up some vitamin D.
Surprisingly, not very well-known, this spot also has a theater on the top floor with small art exhibitions.
Located a few streets from the center of all the tourist action, Café da Garagem is situated within Teatro da Garagem, a theater company. The café is hidden two floors down from the unimpressive entrance of the theater company.
If you find yourself in the tourist district, be prepared to pay a little extra for your meal. However, Café da Garagem is situated in a less crowded part of town, so you can expect prices to be lower. This hidden gem is definitely worth seeking out if you’re looking for an authentic dining experience without all the crowds and inflated prices.
Opening hours: 2 – 11 pm (Mondays & Tuesdays closed)
Address: Costa do Castelo 75, 1100-178 Lisboa
Manteigaria
There’s no denying that Portuguese custard tarts (pastéis de nata) are delicious, no matter where you try them. But if you really want to experience the best of the best, you need to head to Lisbon.
Forget about the original Pastéis de Belém- nowadays, any good pastry shop in Lisbon has homemade pastéis de nata. But this is the one place, that stands out from the rest.
Even though there’s no place to sit, this place is still worth it for the fresh-out-of-the-oven tarts and the two best viewpoints of the city nearby. Plus, the service is super friendly and the natas are deliciously fresh with a slight orange twist.
This is one Lisbon experience you won’t want to miss.
Manteigaria is conveniently located in Largo de Camões, right on the edge of the Chiado, Bica and Bairro Alto neighborhoods.
Opening hours: 8 am – 12 am
Address: Rua do Loreto 2, 1200-108 Lisboa
O Velho Eurico
Are you looking for a truly authentic Portuguese experience? Then O Velho Eurico is the spot to be! Whether you’re dining with two adults and a toddler or just by yourself, this budget-friendly restaurant will not disappoint.
Not only does it hold all the traditional flavors that Portugal has to offer, but tourists are welcomed too – although locals still make up most visitors.
When in Alfama’s tourist heartland, why not take advantage of some sun on their small terrace come lunchtime? Here at O Eurico everyone can find something delicious no matter what your taste buds desire!
When you enter, there are a few tables that you can sit at. The place could be full, and a waitress will ask for your order loud and clear. There is another seating area around the corner from the kitchen.
If you’re coming to Eurico with kids in tow, no worries – the staff are used to it and there’s plenty of space for buggies.
The food is delicious and comes in huge portions, so if you’re not a big eater, make sure to share a dish. You won’t find an extensive menu here; the restaurant has signs that show the house specialties. But don’t expect anything too fancy or chic about this place – the charm lies mainly in the fact that you can easily come into contact with locals.
Opening hours: 12:30 – 3 pm & 8 – 10:30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Address: Rua São Cristóvão 3, Alfama
A Gina
It’s not the first place you think of when venturing out to dine in Lisbon, but A Gina is a massive hit with Portuguese families.
The inside has classic decor and an inviting atmosphere, while outside there are tables perfect for enjoying during warm summer months.
Kids get special attention here; smaller portions can be provided if needed!
Delicious dishes like roasted kid cabrito assado no forno and bacalhau à lagareiro (baked cod) will tantalise your taste buds – plus the wine list certainly makes interesting reading too!
Opening hours: 12 – 4 pm & 7 pm – 2 am
Address: Parque Mayer, 1200 Lisbon
Java
Welcoming you to brunch paradise!
At Java, experience Mediterranean flavors seared on the grill with a charming 360-degree view of Lisbon. On our menu is shakshuka, bowls, avocado feta bread and pancakes – lots of vegan options available too.
The ideal accompaniment for these dishes includes Bloody Marys or Mimosas as well as freshly squeezed juices. As night falls enjoy an al fresco sunset accompanied by wine and CBD cocktails at Java’s picturesque setting!
Opening hours: 12 pm – 12:30 am (Fri, Sat & Sun from 10 am)
Address: Praça Dom Luís I 30, 1200-225 Lissabon
Java rooftop bar in Lisbon, Portugal.
Octopus preparation for the signature dish, the Octopus Polenta at Javá Rooftop Terrace in Lisbon, Portugal.
Carvoaria Jacto
If you’re ever in the mood for a good steak, Carvoaria Jacto is the place to go! The place consistently offers good food at reasonable prices.
Start with fresh rissoles and croquettes or a creamy fresh cheese with pumpkin jam.
Then choose a good strong wine from the Alentejo region. Choose your main dish of meat: cow, pork or lamb. Also choose the meat-cut: round, loin, rib… And then choose the weight from 300g to 500g… and off you go!
Order some rice, French fries (homemade) and mashed spinach as side dishes and try to make your own salad at the free salad buffet. There are lots of vegetables to choose from. At the end you could also add sauce, like olive oil or barbecue.
Save some room and don’t forget to try the chocolate mousse!
Plus, the friendly staff and great prices make this spot hard to beat.
Opening hours: 12 – 3 pm & 7 – 10 pm (closed on Sundays)
Address: R. Maria Andrade 6A, 1170-216 Lisboa
Ground Burger
If you’re looking for a delicious burger in Lisbon, Ground Burger is the place to go.
They have juicy patties on fresh brioche bread, hand-cut fries, and a great selection of craft beer from all over the world. You can try an “Oldschool American Burger” in Chili Cheese, Turkey, Lobster, or Veggie varieties.
You can find Ground Burger at Time Out Market (read more about it in our post about markets in Lisbon) or near El Corte Inglés.
Opening hours: 12 pm – 12 am
Address: Av. António Augusto de Aguiar, 148A 1050-021 Lissbon
Casa da India
One of the best places to eat in Lisbon is Casa da India, where you can get delicious home-cooked traditional cuisine.
This restaurant is a favorite among locals, who come for the grilled chicken, salmon, sea bream and octopus. Casa da India also offers more traditional dishes like salad, rice and hand-cut fries or the famous “batatas assadas”, which are absolutely delicious!
If you’re not hungry enough for a full meal, try some of their delicious starters like Patéis de Bacalhau, samosas and a delicious traditional vegetable soup.
Opening hours: 12 pm – 1 am (closed on Sundays)
Address: Rua do Loreto 49 51, 1200-471 Lissbon
