Quick answers — eating in Lisbon
- Best restaurant overall
- Belcanto
- Best value
- Taberna Sal Grosso (€35-€50 / $38-55 USD)
- Strongest cuisines
- Modern European, French, Vegetarian & plant-based
- Dishes to try
- Pastéis de Nata, Bacalhau à Brás, Bifana, Sardinhas Assadas
- Booking window
- For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book at least 1-3 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Use their official website or an international booking platform.
Booking well in advance, especially for starred restaurants, is essential. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to elegant, with jackets often recommended for men at two or three-star establishments. Tipping around 10-15% for excellent service is customary, though not mandatory. Dinner hours usually begin between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, extending late into the evening.
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Lisbon
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Belcanto
Two MICHELIN StarsModern Portuguese · Chiado · €225-€300 / $240-320 USD
José Avillez
Chef José Avillez's flagship offers a journey through contemporary Portuguese cuisine, reinterpreting classics with meticulous precision and artistry. The intimate, elegant setting complements dishes that are both intellectually stimulating and deeply flavorful, celebrating the nation's culinary heritage with innovation. A benchmark for sophisticated dining in Lisbon.
Order: The 'Diver Scallop, Hazelnut, Smoked Butter' and 'Roasted Red Mullet with 'Bulhão Pato' Sauce'
Alma
Two MICHELIN StarsContemporary Portuguese · Chiado · €175-€210 / $190-225 USD
Henrique Sá Pessoa
Set in a former warehouse, Alma presents Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa's personal vision of contemporary Portuguese food, often with an Asian accent. The ambiance is refined yet relaxed, allowing the focus to remain on bold, inventive dishes executed with technical brilliance. It's an exploration of flavors that challenge and delight, making it a cornerstone of Lisbon's culinary identity.
Order: The 'Roasted Octopus with Smoked Paprika, Sweet Potato and Asparagus' and 'Suckling Pig with Purple Cabbage Puree'
Fifty Seconds
One MICHELIN StarModern European · Parque das Nações · €140-€190 / $150-205 USD
Filipe Carvalho
Perched atop the Vasco da Gama Tower, Fifty Seconds offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. The modern European cuisine, crafted with precision and creativity, matches the spectacular setting. It's an immersive experience where innovative dishes are served with impeccable service, making for a truly memorable occasion combining gastronomy with an unparalleled vista.
Order: The 'Carabineiro with Curry, Coconut and Caviar' and 'Wagyu Beef with Truffle'
French
Best French restaurants in Lisbon
French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
Epur
One MICHELIN StarModern French-Portuguese · Baixa · €120-€160 / $130-170 USD
Vincent Farges
Epur, led by French chef Vincent Farges, focuses on a concise, product-driven tasting menu in an elegant, modern setting with views over the city. The cuisine emphasizes precision and quality ingredients, blending French techniques with Portuguese flavors for a refined experience. It's a sophisticated choice for those seeking a harmonious balance of classicism and contemporary flair.
Order: The 'Blue Lobster with Coconut and Curry' and 'Pigeon with Foie Gras'
Le Monument
One MICHELIN StarFrench-Portuguese · Baixa · €120-€160 / $130-170 USD
Júlio Pereira
Located within The Monumental Palace hotel, Le Monument offers a sophisticated dining experience with a blend of French and Portuguese culinary traditions. Chef Júlio Pereira crafts elegant and well-balanced dishes, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and refined techniques. The opulent yet inviting setting provides a luxurious backdrop for a memorable meal, reflecting both grandeur and culinary artistry.
Order: The 'Turbot with Champagne Sauce' and 'Duck Pâté en Croûte'
Vegetarian & plant-based
Best vegetarian and plant-based restaurants in Lisbon
Vegetable-led tasting menus are no longer a side option. These kitchens build whole menus from produce, and most will happily go fully vegan with notice.
Encanto
One MICHELIN StarVegetarian Portuguese · Chiado · €115-€145 / $125-155 USD
José Avillez
Encanto, also by José Avillez, offers an innovative and sophisticated vegetarian experience, elevating vegetables, legumes, and fungi to star status. The tasting menu showcases the bounty of the land with creative presentations and profound flavors. It's a testament to plant-based gastronomy's potential, set in a cozy, intimate environment that allows the natural ingredients to shine.
Order: The 'Cabbage Heart with Smoked Butter and Truffle' and 'Seasonal Vegetable Creations'
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Lisbon
A Cevicheria
Famous for its unique ceviches with a Portuguese twist, particularly the Tuna Ceviche with Tiger's Milk. Expect a lively atmosphere and often a queue for a spot at the counter. Dishes are typically around €15-€25 each.
Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira)
A vibrant food hall featuring stalls from many of Lisbon's top chefs and restaurants, offering a diverse range of gourmet options from traditional Portuguese to international cuisine. Individual dishes usually range from €8-€18.
Pino
Serving excellent Roman-style pizza al taglio (by the slice) and other Italian delights. Perfect for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. Slices range from €4-€7.
O Magano
Known for its authentic Alentejo cuisine, including hearty meat dishes and flavorful stews. A great spot for a rustic, traditional Portuguese meal in a welcoming setting. Main courses are generally €12-€20.
Manteigaria
While not a restaurant, Manteigaria is essential for the best pastel de nata. These iconic custard tarts are made fresh throughout the day and served warm. Each tart costs around €1.20-€1.50.
Local dishes
What to eat in Lisbon
Pastéis de Nata
These iconic custard tarts with a flaky crust and caramelized top are Lisbon's signature sweet. Enjoy them warm, dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar, for breakfast or as an anytime snack. The original and arguably best can be found at Pastéis de Belém.
Bacalhau à Brás
A comforting dish made with shredded cod (bacalhau), thinly cut fried potatoes, onions, and scrambled eggs, often garnished with black olives and parsley. It's a popular and widely available staple, reflecting Portugal's deep connection to codfish. Try it in traditional tascas.
Bifana
A simple yet satisfying pork sandwich. Thin slices of marinated pork are simmered in white wine and garlic, then served in a crusty bread roll. It's a quintessential Portuguese street food, perfect for a quick and flavorful bite. Look for it at casual taverns or 'cervejarias'.
Sardinhas Assadas
Grilled sardines are a summer delight, especially popular during Lisbon's Santos Populares festivals in June. Fresh sardines, simply seasoned with salt and grilled whole, are typically served with boiled potatoes or a simple salad. Best enjoyed at a street-side grill.
Polvo à Lagareiro
A delectable octopus dish, where the octopus is boiled until tender, then roasted in the oven with generous amounts of olive oil, garlic, and 'punched' baked potatoes. The result is succulent octopus with a rich, savory flavor. Found in many traditional restaurants.
Arroz de Marisco
A hearty and flavorful seafood rice stew, brimming with various fresh seafood like shrimp, clams, mussels, and often crab, cooked in a rich tomato-based broth. It's a comforting and substantial meal, best shared, often found at seafood restaurants or 'marisqueiras'.
Ginjinha
A traditional Portuguese sour cherry liqueur, often served in a small chocolate cup. It's sweet, slightly tart, and a delightful digestif or a celebratory sip. You'll find Ginjinha bars, often small and standing-room-only, throughout Lisbon's historic districts.
Caldo Verde
A traditional Portuguese green cabbage soup, simple yet deeply comforting. Made with puréed potatoes, collard greens (couve galega) thinly sliced, and often a slice of chouriço sausage, it's a staple starter, especially on cooler evenings. Enjoy it in any authentic tasca.
How to book a table in Lisbon
- · For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book at least 1-3 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Use their official website or an international booking platform.
- · Many high-end establishments require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, particularly for larger groups or peak times.
- · Consider booking lunch instead of dinner at starred restaurants; it often offers a similar culinary experience at a more accessible price point and with easier reservations.
- · Be aware of no-show policies. Most fine-dining restaurants will charge a significant fee for cancellations within 24-48 hours or for not showing up.
FAQ
Lisbon restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Lisbon?
Belcanto in Chiado is the benchmark table — Modern Portuguese, led by José Avillez, two michelin stars, around €225-€300 / $240-320 USD per person. Order the The 'Diver Scallop, Hazelnut, Smoked Butter' and 'Roasted Red Mullet with 'Bulhão Pato' Sauce'
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Lisbon?
Belcanto in Chiado is the modern European table to book in Lisbon (€225-€300 / $240-320 USD per person). Other strong options: Alma, Fifty Seconds.
Where is the best French restaurant in Lisbon?
Epur in Baixa is the French table to book in Lisbon (€120-€160 / $130-170 USD per person). Other strong options: Le Monument.
Where is the best vegetarian and plant-based restaurant in Lisbon?
Encanto in Chiado is the vegetarian and plant-based table to book in Lisbon (€115-€145 / $125-155 USD per person).
Where can I eat well in Lisbon without spending a fortune?
Taberna Sal Grosso is the best-value table on this list at roughly €35-€50 / $38-55 USD per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to A Cevicheria, Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira), Pino.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Lisbon?
For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book at least 1-3 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Use their official website or an international booking platform. Many high-end establishments require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, particularly for larger groups or peak times.
What food is Lisbon famous for?
Pastéis de Nata, Bacalhau à Brás, Bifana, Sardinhas Assadas, Polvo à Lagareiro — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. These iconic custard tarts with a flaky crust and caramelized top are Lisbon's signature sweet. Enjoy them warm, dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar, for breakfast or as an anytime snack. The original and arguably best can be found at Pastéis de Belém.
Planning the rest of Lisbon?
The full Lisbon guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Lisbon travel guide