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Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s 15 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)

The Mediterranean • Eat & drink • Lisbon’s 15 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)

The guide to Lisbon’s best restaurants

Lisbon’s dining scene reflects the city’s blend of old-world charm and modern creativity. From traditional tascas to innovative fine dining, Lisbon’s chefs are redefining Portuguese cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients with global influences. Menus shift with the seasons, spotlighting the fresh seafood and produce that the country is known for, while the rise of natural wines complements the emphasis on regional authenticity. The atmosphere in Lisbon’s restaurants varies widely, from relaxed neighbourhood eateries to elegant rooftops with sweeping river views, yet all seem to capture the city’s laid-back energy and evolving culinary identity. This is a city where dining out feels vibrant, personal, and deeply connected to place.

Top photography courtesy of Prado

Belcanto

Belcanto, led by celebrated chef José Avillez, offers an innovative journey through Portuguese cuisine in Lisbon’s Chiado district. The two-Michelin-starred establishment blends contemporary design with historic architecture, setting an elegant stage for Avillez’s culinary artistry. Diners can choose between two tasting menus: the Carousel, honouring Portugal’s culinary traditions with reimagined classics like marinated sardines and the Evolution, a modern exploration featuring standout dishes like sea bass paired with avocado, lime zest and dashi. Signature dishes include the renowned Garden of the Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs and the citrus-forward dessert, Tangerine. Belcanto’s curated wine list emphasises Portuguese selections, complementing the distinct flavours of each course.

Belcanto
R. Serpa Pinto 10A
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Belcanto

Prado

Prado, housed in a former fish factory in Lisbon’s Baixa district, is a modern, airy space where greenery and natural light dominate the decor, embodying chef António Galapito’s farm-to-table philosophy. The restaurant’s seasonal menu changes based on available produce and often features dishes such as smoked eel with melon and almond cream or beef tartare wrapped in cabbage. Signature items like seared tuna belly in tomato consommé highlight Portuguese ingredients with finesse, while creative vegetarian options include oyster mushrooms with buckwheat. An extensive wine list of organic and biodynamic selections complements Prado’s commitment to sustainability and local sourcing, all in a casual, nature-inspired atmosphere.

Prado
Tv. das Pedras Negras 2
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Prado

Alma

Set in Lisbon’s Chiado district, Alma is a refined, two-Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. We really appreciate the minimalist yet warm interior that features wooden tables, leather banquettes and subdued lighting, that lets the food take centre stage. The menu reflects Sá Pessoa’s mastery of Portuguese cuisine with global influences and offers you two tasting experiences: Alma, showcasing his signature dishes, and Costa a Costa, which is a tribute to Portugal’s coastline. Signature items include red prawn with lemongrass-infused bisque and Iberian pork with banana chutney. Alma’s curated wine selection, highlighting Portuguese and natural wines, complements its inventive culinary journey.

Alma
R. Anchieta 15
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Alma

Café de São Bento

We love that Café de São Bento offers a classic atmosphere with rich wood interiors, red velvet accents and historical portraits on the walls. Known city-wide for its specialty, the Bife à Café de São Bento, this steak dish is prepared with either tenderloin or sirloin, pan-fried in a rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, white wine and smoked ham. And it does not stop there. Each plate is finished with crispy house-made fries and often topped with a fried egg for a truly indulgent experience. Open late, the restaurant captures the charm of an old-world Lisbon café while serving an enduring Portuguese favourite.

Café de São Bento
R. de São Bento 212
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Café de São Bento

Plano

At Plano, chef Vítor Adão’s approach is rooted in a deep respect for traditional Portuguese ingredients and the cycles of nature. Situated in Lisbon’s Graça district, the restaurant features earthy, minimalist interiors and a tranquil garden terrace shaded by orange trees. We love the seasonal tasting menus, which explore the essence of Portugal’s flavours, incorporating lesser-used ingredients and produce from small local farms. Signature items might include reimagined classics like slow-cooked meats and vibrant vegetable dishes, reflecting Adão’s connection to his heritage. An intimate, welcoming atmosphere enhances Plano’s dedication to honouring artisanal produce.

Plano
Rua da Bela Vista à Graça 126
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Plano

Gambrinus

Gambrinus has been a Lisbon landmark since 1936 and offers a rich and traditional Portuguese dining experience with an air of old-world elegance. Located near Avenida da Liberdade, the restaurant’s interior, designed by architect Maurício de Vasconcelos, exudes sophistication with its wood-panelled walls, leather accents and tapestries. The main dining room is adorned with a grand Portuguese granite fireplace, while a smaller, more intimate room showcases stained glass and artwork. Signature dishes include the renowned Bife à Portuguesa, Partridge Pie, Fish Stew and flambéed Crêpes Suzette, prepared tableside. At its iconic bar, the Gambrinus mixed beer and savoury croquettes are timeless favourites.

Gambrinus
R. das Portas de Santo Antão 23
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Gambrinus

Cura

At the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, Cura offers a refined dining experience led by Chef Pedro Pena Bastos. This one-Michelin-starred restaurant embodies curation, presenting each dish with a thoughtful connection to Portugal’s seasonal bounty. The modern, artistic interior, designed with Madeira wood panelling, Bahia blue granite and Picasso-inspired carpets, adds a visual depth that matches the culinary presentation. Signature dishes include sea bass with brassicas and saffron and Hokkaido pumpkin with chanterelles. A memorable bread moment highlights ancient grains with butter from Açores. Cura’s wine list, curated by sommelier Gabriela Marques, features biodynamic Portuguese options, enhancing this artful exploration of Portuguese flavours.

Cura
R. Rodrigo da Fonseca 88
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Cura

Epur

Set in Lisbon’s Chiado district, Epur offers a minimalistic fine dining experience curated by Chef Vincent Farges, who emphasises purity and ingredient-led creativity. We feel that the restaurant’s interior is elegant, with wood tables and blue Portuguese tiles that reflect a simplistic Scandinavian influence. Known for its seasonal tasting menus, Epur focuses on simplicity and refinement, offering courses like water, greens, and sea, showcasing the essence of each ingredient. The kitchen, a former Bulthaup showroom, is partially visible, adding to the streamlined aesthetic. Epur’s wine list features exclusively Portuguese selections.

Epur
Largo da Academia Nacional de Belas Artes 14
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Epur

Arkhe

Arkhe, in Lisbon’s São Filipe Néri, is a vibrant plant-based fine dining restaurant crafted by Chef João Ricardo Alves. Inspired by his global culinary experiences, Alves brings depth to vegetarian and vegan dishes, incorporating French influences in sauces and broths that are rich in umami. The sleek interior features earthy tones, ivy accents and stone walls, offering a warm yet minimalistic dining space. Arkhe’s tasting menus, ranging from three to seven courses, highlight local and seasonal produce sourced from regenerative farms. Signature plates include inventive options like fennel salad with cashew cheese and kimchi tortellini. The focused wine list, curated by sommelier Alejandro Chávarro, completes the experience.

Arkhe
Rua de São Filipe Néri 14
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Arkhe

Tasca da Esquina

With a modern twist on traditional Portuguese dining, Tasca da Esquina by Chef Vítor Sobral in Lisbon’s Campo de Ourique district is renowned for its creative approach to petiscos, or Portuguese small plates. The minimalist interior somehow embraces with warmth, featuring a bar area reminiscent of traditional taverns and large windows that connects you to the lively street outside. Signature offerings include grilled octopus and a classic caldeirada fish stew, all seasoned with Sobral’s unique use of Portuguese ingredients and flavours. The tasting menu, In the hands of the chef, allows guests to experience a curated selection of dishes, complemented by a thoughtful wine list featuring national selections.

Tasca da Esquina
R. Domingos Sequeira 41C
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Tasca da Esquina

Canalha

Located on a quiet stretch of Rua da Junqueira near Lisbon’s Belém district, Canalha by chef João Rodrigues offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience inspired by classic Portuguese tascas. The decor is simple yet nostalgic, featuring marble-topped tables, a fish counter and a charcoal grill that fills the open kitchen with aromas. Chef Rodrigues, known for championing local producers through his Projecto Matéria, curates a menu centred on high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Highlights include cod cakes, scarlet prawns and line-caught squid with sheep’s butter. Daily specials, written on a chalkboard, add a touch of spontaneity, while the extensive wine list focuses on small producers.

Canalha
R. da Junqueira 207
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Canalha

Ofício Tasco Atípico

Located in Lisbon’s Chiado district, Ofício Tasco Atípico blends traditional Portuguese tasca ambiance with a contemporary edge, guided by Chef Hugo Candeias. This Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded spot features a playful, seasonal menu that reimagines classic dishes with modern flair. Inside, the restaurant’s design evokes a bustling yet sophisticated vibe, featuring a counter for casual dining and tables with touches of marble. Highlights include Algarve spider crab spread on toast, beef tartare served with grilled brioche and a signature cheese tart dessert. Ofício also boasts an extensive wine selection, focusing on small producers.

Ofício Tasco Atípico
R. Nova da Trindade 11k
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Ofício Tasco Atípico

Sala de João Sá

Sala de João Sá in Lisbon’s Baixa district offers a fine dining experience with an intimate, warmly lit space of just 24 seats, designed to reflect Portuguese simplicity through wood accents and bronze finishes. Chef João Sá, known for his meticulous ingredient sourcing, highlights seasonal, locally grown produce in a constantly evolving menu. Signature dishes include an intricate croissant made from thinly layered potato, paired with wild mushrooms and black truffle and vibrant winter cabbage with buckwheat. The seafood-focused selections feature items like carabineiro prawns with chestnut, while a 100-reference wine list complements the meal, curated for a true taste of Portugal.

Sala de João Sá
R. dos Bacalhoeiros 103
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Sala de João Sá

Bahr

Set on the rooftop of Lisbon’s Bairro Alto Hotel, Bahr provides a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience helmed by chef Nuno Mendes. The open kitchen and bohemian decor merge seamlessly with a terrace offering sweeping views over the Tagus River. Mendes crafts a menu that marries traditional Portuguese ingredients with global culinary influences. Notable dishes include amberjack carpaccio with pickled onions and chorizo served with charred cabbage leaves, while the signature squid grilled on a josper sizzles with seaweed purée. Complementing the dishes, Bahr’s wine list highlights DOC Vinho Verde which is something that we frequently sip on, adding to the vibrant terrace atmosphere.

Bahr
Praça Luís de Camões 2 5º Piso
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Bahr

Tati

Located in Lisbon’s Penha de França, Tati presents a laid-back, vibrant atmosphere with a focus on natural wines and an ever-changing seasonal menu. Run by Romina Bartolini and Ramón Ibáñez, the restaurant combines Portuguese flavours with an international edge. Dishes often highlight fresh, local ingredients, featuring unique options like cod rice with katsuobushi and liver paired with homemade kimchi. Known for its inventive offerings, Tati also includes customer favourites such as empanadas and sardine toasts topped with comté cheese. With a curated natural wine list and a setting that encourages communal dining, Tati captures a contemporary yet cosy dining experience in Lisbon.