The Mediterranean Insider

Lisbon, Portugal

Sky’s the limit: Lisbon’s 5 ultimate rooftop restaurants and bars

The Mediterranean • Eat & drink • Sky’s the limit: Lisbon’s 5 ultimate rooftop restaurants and bars

Lisbon’s 5 most spectacular rooftop restaurants and bars

As dusk descends over Lisbon, a symphony of light dances over the city, illuminating cobbled lanes and historic facades. High above the hustle, the city’s rooftop bars and restaurants bloom, their tables set for an unforgettable culinary journey. Bask in breathtaking panoramas, savour sophisticated cocktails and indulge in exquisite cuisine, all while immersed in the vibrant pulse of the Portuguese capital. This guide takes you on a voyage above Lisbon’s picturesque skyline, showcasing the city’s rooftop gems, each offering a unique blend of ambience, gastronomy and unforgettable views. Brace yourself to ascend to the zenith of Lisbon’s dining and nightlife scene.

Bairro Alto Hotel

Commanding a privileged perch on top of Bairro Alto Hotel, this intimate rooftop bar dishes up more than just light meals and invigorating cocktails – it serves an exquisite panorama of Lisbon’s skyline, all the way to the Tagus River. Lauded since its inception in 2005, it’s become an essential stop in Lisbon for those seeking to savour a languid lunch basking in the sun, a refreshing interlude from exploring the vibrant streets below, or a scenic spot to kickstart an evening of festivities. Enclosed by the city’s picturesque roofs, you’re cradled in a cosy nest of wicker and cushions, soaking up an air of understated elegance that continues to charm locals and tourists. Just remember – nabbing a sunset table calls for early arrival.

Bairro Alto Hotel
Praça Luís de Camões 2
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Bairro Alto Hotel

Catch Me

Immersed in cinematic escapism and illusion, Catch Me ushers you into a dynamic world that morphs to the rhythm of Lisbon. This 2023 bar and restaurant reinvents itself throughout the day, embodying the mercurial charm of its film namesake, Catch Me If You Can. As the city unfurls beneath you, indulge in a gastronomic adventure crafted by Chef Lucas Aaron. With the bon vivant spirit in mind, he teases out an interplay of international and Portuguese flavours. The menu, an homage to the jet-setter lifestyle, guides you from Boarding with Cod Croquettes or Tapioca and Cheese Dados, through to Landing with decadent desserts like the Eggs and Almond Pie. Offering more than an eating experience, Catch Me seduces you with its pulsating musical agenda, inviting you to live, share and dance until the Lisbon night takes over.

Catch Me
Jardim 9 de Abril
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Catch Me

Suba Restaurante

Ascend to Suba Restaurante, an embodiment of elegant dining nestled within the historic 18th-century Verride Palácio Santa Catarina hotel. Named Suba – Portuguese for ‘climb up’ – this rooftop establishment is indeed a culinary peak. Its modern Portuguese-style cuisine, crafted by Chef Fábio Alves, is an expansive affair, ranging from à la carte offerings to as many as five different tasting menus with wine pairing. Its backdrop, a breathtaking 360° panorama of Lisbon and the Tagus River, is almost as irresistible as the food itself. Experience the transformative power of creative gastronomy, balanced with sophistication and unpretentious charm, under the watchful eyes of a team clad in aristocratic-inspired uniforms.

Suba Restaurante
Hotel Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina
R. de Santa Catarina nº 1
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Suba Restaurante

The V Rooftop Bar

Immerse yourself in the retro allure of the 1960s LA at The V Rooftop Bar, a sky-high oasis situated atop The Vintage Hotel in Principe Real. Here, stunning panoramas of São Jorge Castle and Lisbon’s old town provide the perfect backdrop for late-afternoon indulgence. Amidst a tasteful arrangement of squishy sofas, reclining chairs, and tropical plants, relish in an expertly curated cocktail menu. Crafted by renowned Portuguese mixologist Luís Levy, each cocktail honours local spirits like white port, Madeira wine and Portuguese vermouth, all mingled with vibrant fruit flavours. Although slightly on the pricier side, the quality of The V Rooftop Bar’s beverages, coupled with its splendid views, more than justifies the expense.

The V Rooftop Bar
The Vintage Hotel
R. Rodrigo da Fonseca 2
Lisbon
Portugal

Photography courtesy of The V Rooftop Bar

Café Príncipe Real

Set within the chic surroundings of Memmo Príncipe Real, Café Príncipe Real offers an exquisite blend of traditional Portuguese, Mediterranean and international flavours, served in a setting as sumptuous as the dishes themselves. Imagine floor-to-ceiling glass windows, an open-air terrace, and a breathtaking view of Lisbon that evokes the hippest districts of LA. The culinary repertoire is equally impressive, featuring dishes such as beef carpaccio adorned with truffle and pistachio, succulent prawn croquettes, and delicately seared tuna tataki. With a picturesque pool, elegant lounge sofas, and an alluring cocktail bar, this rooftop spot is a sublime retreat. Be sure to book in advance, particularly around sunset, to secure an unforgettable al fresco dining experience.