The Lisbon restaurants we recommend, from fine dining to a twist on PortugueseThe Lisbon restaurants we recommend, from fine dining to a twist on Portuguese
The best restaurants in Lisbon include tascas, seafood spots and Michelin-star favourites
If I had to name my specialist subject, there’s a good chance it would be Lisbon’s best restaurants. Which is funny, when I think that I only visited the city for the first time in 2021, and knew very little about Portuguese cuisine and culture before then. But as anyone who has visited will tell you, Lisbon is a city that gets under your skin, and from my first visit I was hooked – thanks in huge part to the many restaurants I visited serving up traditional and modern takes on delicious Portuguese dishes.
So, what is it about this unique cuisine that made me fall in love? Of course, it’s the traditions – sardines cooked fresh over coals in Alfama’s cobbled streets, piles of flavoured pork scooped onto a fresh bread roll, or rice dishes packed with flavour – but it’s also the enthusiasm locals have for their culture. Whether you’re visiting a traditional tasca run by the same family for 50 years, or a new hip spot where young twenty-something chefs are bringing excitement and fun twists on typical recipes, it’s a city bursting with life – and great flavours.
There’s no denying now that Lisbon’s restaurants are some of the most talked-about in Europe. It may seem sudden to some, but Lisbon’s growth as a foodie hotspot began some time ago – Prado opened in late-2017, while 100 Manieras came in 2019, the same year that Belcanto secured its spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Since then, new crowds have descended upon the cobbled streets at a rapid pace, cementing the city as one of the fastest-growing, most inventive foodie hotspots in Europe. The good news is, the openings aren’t set to slow down any time soon.
So, where should you eat in Lisbon? Most people visiting the city will want to try some form of traditional food at one of the city’s tascas: typical casual eateries serving very local dishes such as bacalhau (salted cod) and prego or bifana (beef or pork sandwiches). Those who are more familiar with the city or want to experience everything on offer might prefer one of the many modern or Michelin-starred restaurants.
Just like the city itself, Lisbon’s food scene is varied and exciting – and you can go from knocking back ginjinha (cherry liqueur) with locals to sipping wine at a tasting menu within the space of 24 hours. Whatever you’re looking for, these are the Lisbon restaurants I have personally tried and tested, and would recommend to anyone visiting the city (in no particular order).
How we choose the best restaurants in Lisbon
Every restaurant on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has eaten at that restaurant. When choosing restaurants, our editors consider both high end and affordable eateries that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for stand-out dishes, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new restaurants open and existing ones evolve.
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O Velho EuricoWalking into O Velho Eurico used to feel like stumbling upon a local secret; but as with all brilliant things, this restaurant has since been catapulted to many must-visit lists and lines form outside the doors way ahead of opening each night. The good news: it’s totally worth the wait.The cosy space, hidden in a corner on the way to São Jorge Castle, is filled to the brim every night with locals and travellers keen to enjoy a twist on classic Portuguese dishes. And while it may be incredibly difficult to get a reservation (we’re talking weeks or months in advance), the quality of food hasn’t changed. The menu has some mainstays, such as the can’t-miss bacalhau à brás (a classic dish made dish made from shreds of salted cod, onions and thinly chopped fried potatoes) and polvo (octopus cooked so perfectly you won’t be able to stop thinking about it afterwards), but dishes are updated or changed relatively recently; on my most recent visit, I was particularly taken with the impressively tender beef sandwich and the orange squid; a perfect blend of salt, sweet and acid.The space was recently closed for a number of months to allow for a renovation, which means a slightly bigger kitchen for the busy chefs (and yes, there are stools allowing guests to watch over). Best enjoyed with a group of friends so you can order at least one of everything, settle in for the evening and soak up the fun, relaxed atmosphere alongside the young chefs and owners, who will no doubt join you in a shot of their homemade spirit at some point during your evening. Embrace the chaos: it’s infectious.Price range: ££
Where? Central, near São Jorge Castle
Address: Largo São Cristóvão nº3, 1100-179 Lisboa
Website: @ovelhoeurico on Instagram
Should I book? Yes (in advance) via the email listed on their Instagram page
Cervejaria Ramiro
When Anthony Bourdain visited Ramiro in 2013 during filming for his show No Reservations, he turned the local cervejaria (beer bar) into a must-visit restaurant for tourists. Of course, locals knew about the institution years before.
Ramiro serves up truly incredible seafood, including lobster, prawns and crab – all served by the kilogram (and therefore best enjoyed with a larger group so you can have more). Plates of warm buttered bread are slapped down in front of you, and it’s hard to resist piling on warm garlicky prawns or fresh crab.
Most diners skip dessert and instead opt for a Prego – a beef sandwich served with mustard – which is, to this day, the best I’ve ever tasted in Lisbon.
The restaurant covers three floors, but you should expect to queue before you manage to score a table.
Price range: ££
Where? Intendente
Address: Av. Alm. Reis 1 H, 1150-007 Lisboa
Website: www.cervejariaramiro.com
Should I book? Yes
Pigmeu
One thing you should know before visiting Portugal: pork, in all its forms, is a much-loved meat that makes up many classic dishes, from bifanas (a classic sandwich) to Leitão (suckling pig). Pigmeu is a true homage to this local love, using nose-to-tail cooking to create something sustainable, comforting and completely unique, bringing locals from across the city to indulge.
Inside, the vibe is immediately warm and welcoming; simple wooden tables and chairs fill the room, with shelves stacked with a wide variety of empty wine bottles – almost all of them Portuguese. But it’s the food that steals the show every time. It’s hard to tear yourself away from a menu that’s so creative, but I loved letting the passionate chefs choose what we should eat; and they didn’t hold back. We started with a couvert with lard, followed by what we, as British eaters, would describe as pork crackling. This might be simplifying the dish a little, since it was a million miles away from the packets served in pubs, but the snack was immediately familiar, if not far fresher and crispier than what we’re used to. Don’t miss the meaty croquettes served with a tangy mustard for dipping, or the moreish pork feet and bean stew. Daring diners will want to get stuck into dishes like the hearts and testicles, both of which are surprising and more than a little memorable.
Located in the trendy Campo do Orique neighbourhood, this is a restaurant that makes it worth hopping in a taxi from the centre of town. If you’re looking for a quick bite without going too far, there’s a second site – Pigmeu Da Ribeira – located in the Time Out Market. However, as of September 2025, the Time Out site is at risk of closure, and owner Miguel and team are fighting to keep their small but mighty wine shop open to share their taste of Portugal with visitors to Lisbon. Given our love for Pigmeu, we’re hoping their fight is successful and their unique influence will continue for many years.
Price range: ££
Where? Campo do Orique
Address: R. 4 de Infantaria 68, 1350-274 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: pigmeu.pt/
Should I book? Yes
Santa Joana
Chef Nuno Mendes is something of a celebrity in Portugal. The Portuguese chef splits his time between London and Lisbon, and it’s fair to say that his projects have been a success; from London’s Viajante and Lisboeta to Conzinha das Flores in Porto and now his newest project, Santa Joana. Located in the in-demand Locke de Santa Joana hotel, the restaurant opened in late-2024 to instant strong reviews and full tables.
Santa Joana is the result of the thriving Lisbon restaurant scene, and Mendes’ desire to split his time between London and his childhood home. Visually, it’s immediately captivating. “It’s a stunning, one-of-a-kind space,” Mendes told Traveller. “It’s in an old convent with beautiful high ceilings. It’s the kind of space you don’t really find, so this is a dream come true for me. And what’s critical is you can really feel the heartbeat of the city in that restaurant.”
The truth is, Santa Joana offers something different from what’s available in Lisbon’s many (wonderful) tascas and high-end restaurants; a fun, open space where groups of friends, couples and even families take their time over plates of stacked oysters, a beef tartare that rivals the best in Lisbon (and this is a city that knows how to do a great beef tartare) and Alentejo pork with a walnut sauce so good you’ll request extra bread to mop it up. There’s a hint of the traditional here, but the focus is mostly just… what’s good? The result is a fun, laid-back place that you’ll want to scoop up your friends and return to. And if you’re not ready to call it a night, head over to The Kissaten where you can pick an album from the library and indulge in a whiskey from Lisbon’s largest collection.
Price range: £££
Where? Marquês de Pombal
Address: R. de Santa Marta 61B, 1059-002 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: santajoanalisboa.com
Should I book? Yes
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Sophie Knight Imperial de Campo de Ourique
A traditional tasca is a must-visit in Lisbon, and it’s hard to find one more adored by the community than Imperial de Campo de Ourique. Husband and wife João and Adelaide, along with son Nuno, welcome regulars every lunchtime with pots boiling over on the stove, filled with feijoada (bean and meat stew), or fresh fish purchased that morning from the local market. Originally from the north of Portugal, the couple’s hometown influences their menu do día, which is always served in the traditional tasca way: on a paper tablecloth, after a simple couvert of bread, butter and sardine paté.
It’s the flavours, the tradition and the reminder of home that keeps locals coming back to tascas just like this one, but João’s spot used to be one of many in the area – now there are just a handful of traditional tascas. And while it can be an intimidating experience to step into a place so traditional as a non-native speaker, you can be sure you’ll be welcomed with open arms by this family – and served up a hearty meal to remember.
Price range: £
Where? Campo de Ourique
Address: R. Correia Teles 67, 1350-095 Lisboa, Portugal
Should I book? No
Henrique Sá Pessoa
Moving on from two Michelin-starred Alma was always a risk, but Henrique Sá Pessoa, from the chef of the same name, managed to move and maintain its two stars just a handful of weeks later. In truth, very little of the menu has changed in the new spot in Amoreiras, but that’s no bad thing: the dishes are tried and tested, and loved for their combination of tradition, flavour and ingenuity. What has changed since the restaurant opened, though, is the general vibe of the restaurant: staff are warm, the walls are lined with books and local trinkets and the atmosphere is gently buzzing. There’s a more modern feel about the space, with room for a wine cellar and a private dining area for groups, plus a vast open kitchen, so diners can watch the meticulous team of chefs at work.
While the restaurant does offer an a la carte menu, the two tasting menus are worth splashing out on. During our visit we had one of each – the ‘Costa a Costa’, which is inspired by the local coast, and ‘Clássicos’, which has Sá Pessoa’s signature Portuguese-Asian inspired dishes. On the former, the blue lobster with roasted leek, corn and almond emulsion really stood out, while the foie gras with apple, beetroot and coffee on the Clássicos menu was impeccable, even to someone who tends to steer away from something as rich as this. There were also a few small surprises served before we found our flow with the menu: a small, punchy piri piri chicken snack with crunchy bell pepper, plus a salty and punchy ‘crab tea’ with a hint of lemongrass that I can almost taste even as I’m writing this. Mostly, my memory of this dinner was that everything felt like a wonderful surprise – from the way dishes were presented with a flourish, to unique flavour combinations. And while it’s certainly a treat to visit Henrique Sá Pessoa, if you’re willing to splash out on a delicious meal there’s no doubt you’ll leave feeling more than satisfied.
Price range: ££££
Where? Amoreiras
Address: Páteo Bagatela, Tv. da Légua da Póvoa 11 Corpo 3 Bloco B, Loja L, 1250-138 Lisbon, Portugal
Website: henriquesapessoa.com
Should I book? Yes
Where? Belém
Address: R. da Junqueira 207, 1300-338 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: @restaurantecanalha on Instagram
Should I book? Absolutely: you’ll struggle to get a table last-minute
Tasca Baldracca
This fun restaurant is not a secret to locals, who pack out the tiny space every evening, and often leave it booked weeks in advance. I thought briefly about gatekeeping it a little longer, but who am I to deny you a memorable meal, particularly when Lisboetas have already claimed it as a top spot? Tasca Baldracca comes from chefs Octavio Delmonte, Bruno Gama and Pedro Monteiro, who met when working at Taberna Sal Grosso (another must-visit) and decided to launch their own tasca-style spot with a focus on great dishes and a memorable time.
The experience is no doubt fun – energetic, high-spirited and, yes, loud – but it’s the food that keeps me returning to Baldracca most times I’m in Lisbon. The steak tartare is the best I’ve ever had: full of flavour, served with two crackers that almost look like they could be McDonald’s apple pies, plus a generous serving of mayo and some gherkins. The menu changes relatively frequently, but never skip the shrimp in a bright orange moqueca (don’t wear white) or the morcella scotch egg – a fun twist on the British classic made with Portuguese blood sausage. Vegetarians and vegans are actually relatively well catered-for, but it’s the meat and fish dishes that I continuously rave about. Come with as many people as you can get a reservation for: the more friends, the more dishes that you’ll be able to order to share. And, as the sign outside reads: “Fine dining is dead”. Here, it’s all about getting stuck in.
Price range: ££
Where? Mouraira
Address: R. das Farinhas 1, 1100-177 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: @tascabaldracca
Should I book? Yes
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Manuel Manso BAHR
The Bairro Alto Hotel is one of the best hotels in Lisbon, and while hotel restaurants can be hit or miss, BAHR is a triumph. The decor – all curved ceilings, cosy corners and oversized wooden bar – is immediately welcoming, but some diners may prefer to skip the interiors and instead dine on the terrace, with a view of the city and Tagus river. Either way, your attention will soon be drawn back in by the menu which features a twist on classic Portuguese cuisine, resulting in dishes such as prawn with endives and yuzu, couvert featuring arguably the bes bread in Lisbon and suckling pig with smoked broad beans and kale – the latter of which comes highly recommended.
Price range: ££
Where? Bairro Alto
Address: Praça Luís de Camões nº 2, 1200-243 Lisboa
Website: bahr.pt
Should I book? Yes
Plano
An unassuming doorway in a residential street in the neighbourhood of Graca opens to Plano; a hidden gem for fine dining in the city, where a thoughtful range of dishes come together to make a tasting menu to remember.
Chef Vítor Adão has created a range of plates that are deeply connected to his hometown of Trás-os-Montes, leading guests on the literal tour of the north of Portugal. After (delicious) freshly baked bread, the meal starts with a series of nine ‘snack’ moments: small bites, which are ceremoniously placed onto a 3D map of the area, with each hill and crevice built into the porcelain. It’s an incredibly aesthetic and fascinating start to the meal, and a sign of things to come: the presentation of the dishes is enough to make even the biggest technophobe whip their phone out to get a picture, and I was consistently wowed throughout. The dishes were – thankfully – more than just aesthetic. The fish dishes were particularly memorable, but far be it for me to spoil the surprise. I went in completely blind, having never seen a menu online before my visit, and it meant I could soak in everything from the kind staff’s descriptions of dishes to the flavours of that first bite.
We visited on a slightly chilly spring night and ate in the inside room, with its cool domed ceilings, but I’d love to return on a balmy summer evening and enjoy each moment in the outdoor terrace.
Price range: £££
Where? Graça
Address: Rua da Bela Vista à Graça 126, 1170-055 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: planorestaurante.com
Should I book? Yes
Where? Anjos
Address: Rua dos Anjos 59C, 1150-034 Lisboa
Website: @restaurantetrinca on Instagram
Should I book? Yes, via their Instagram page
Prado
Prado is the Portuguese word for “meadow”, and the restaurant applies a local focus on everything they serve thanks to partnerships with local farmers, fishermen and wine producers. This means their menu is proudly 100 per cent Portuguese and features dishes such as pumpkin with whey and toasted butter, fish with lobster emulsion and brioche with white port and chocolate. Before joining Prado, Chef António Galapito worked with hometown hero Nuno Mendes and brings a versatile and varied passion for food that’s evident in the menu and beautifully-presented dishes. Ideally you’ll want to bring a few friends so that you can sample them all and soak the creative, hip and fun atmosphere as part of a crowd – plus indulge in a bottle of wine or two, with help from the knowledgable sommelier.
Price range: ££
Where? Santos
Address: Tv. Pedras Negras 2, 1100-404 Lisboa
Website: pradorestaurante.com
Should I book? Yes
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Abigail Malbon O Churrasco
Most people will refer to piri-piri chicken when talking about Portuguese cuisine, but there are few spots that do rotisserie chicken as well as O Churrasco: a very traditional spot in what may easily be Lisbon’s most touristy street (but don’t let that put you off). Once you’ve dodged the outdoor tables and many waiters calling you to take a look at their menus, it won’t be hard to find O Churrasco: It’s the spot with lines of chickens spit roasting in the window. Of course, chicken isn’t the only thing that’s served here – there are many meats and fish – but in the multiple times I’ve been I’ve ordered the same thing every time: couvert, followed by half a chicken, chips, house salad and, of course, their homemade piri-piri sauce. Add on a carafe of house wine and you’ve got what I’d consider to be a failsafe meal at an incredible price.
This is a spot that’s relatively unknown to tourists who tend to go to Bonjardim around the corner (so please forgive me for including this, locals) so you can expect to find large families or groups of friends squishing tables together to make one large one. The vibe is jovial, lighthearted and fun – and very local. The staff will love you if you can speak a little bit of Portuguese, but their English is also excellent.
Price range: £
Where? Restauradores
Address: R. das Portas de Santo Antão 85, 1150-266 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: @restaurante_o_churrasco
Should I book? Walks-ins are generally fine
Oficio
A new chef and menu bring a host of changes to Oficio, a much-loved spot where I once ate a slice of basque cheesecake so creamy and gooey I still think about it to this day. Sadly, that dessert is no longer on the menu, but there’s plenty to remember instead. Take the prawn toast with fennel, for example, which was fresh and light; or the alheira croquette in milk bread, which was a totally new dish for me, almost a Portuguese twist on a katsu sandwich. Both of those are examples of what to expect here: Portuguese ingredients and cooking styles, made in new and inventive ways.
The interiors and architecture of this spot also make for a unique experience. Cave-like in many ways, the domed ceilings and textured walls are traditional, but paired with modern art and the odd hint of colour, the result is quite captivating. All of this, plus a long list of local wines and ports, makes this an ideal spot to visit with a group of friends for a special occasion.
Price range: ££
Where? Bairro Alto
Address: R. Nova da Trindade 11k, 1200-301 Lisboa
Website: paradigma.pt/oficio-lisboa
Should I book? Yes
Where? Bairro Alto
Address: Rua das Flores 103, 1200-194 Lisboa
Website: tberna.com/
Should I book? You can’t, but arriving early is the best way to secure a table
Gandaia Club
There’s layers to Gandaia Club… literally. The top floor is home to a rooftop (one of many in Lisbon, but they never get old) while the middle floor is hotel Independente Principe Real. Walk through reception and towards the back of the old palace, and you’ll finally stumble upon the restaurant – hidden behind the curtain, and decorated lavishly with candles, artwork and white table cloths. The vibe here isn’t remotely stuffy or upmarket, despite the drama of the decor. The crowd is mostly young people here to catch up with friends and dinners are long and low-key.
We visited on a thriving Thursday evening, and were met with immediate enthusiasm from the staff who led us to the table and explained the concept. It’s clear the team working here is full of excitement and energy about the restaurant, and they’ll immediately offer to share recommendations (take them, ours were impeccable). Plates are made for sharing, but not particularly small – you need to order fewer dishes than you think. The “decadent prego” was just that: a steak sandwich served on a silver platter covered in a creamy, mustard-y sauce for dipping. But, surprisingly, it was the vegetarian dishes that wowed me the most: the fresh beetroot with cashew, dill and mustard, or the grilled hispi cabbage with almond sauce, both of which were bursting with uniqueness. Flavours continued to come through during dessert, when the cucumber and meringue with lime granita made a perfect finish to an indulgent dinner. Only one thing to finish it off: a cocktail, before heading to the roof.
Price range: ££
Where? Principe Real
Address: Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara 81, 1250-238 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: paradigma.pt/gandaia-club
Should I book? Yes
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BelcantoRecently awarded number 42 on the annual list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Belcanto was the first restaurant in Lisbon to earn two Michelin stars. Chef Jose Avillez is practically a celebrity in Lisbon, so expectations are high – and Belcanto doesn’t disappoint. Interiors are chic and grand, without feeling stuffy. Meanwhile, service is impeccable; the wait staff are friendly but not overbearing, and share information about each dish without disturbing your evening.Diners can choose from three tasting menus, or a la carte – but the former is the real treat. The Evolution menu combines Portuguese flavours with new textures; expect plump scarlet shrimp served in a curry sauce with apple, delicate minced squid housed in incredibly crunchy roasted chicken skin and perfectly-cooked crispy suckling pig with puffed potatoes, all served with impeccable Portuguese wines, should you opt for the wine pairing. If you want to splurge on one of the best meals in Lisbon, this is the place to go.Price range: ££££
Where? Bairro Alto
Address: R. Serpa Pinto 10A, 1200-026 Lisboa
Website: belcanto.pt
Should I book? Yes
Where? Belém
Address: Calçada da Ajuda 14, 1300-598 Lisboa
Instagram: @restauranteofrade
Should I book? Yes
Where? Marquês de Pombal
Address: R. Rodrigo da Fonseca 88, 1070-051 Lisboa
Website: fourseasons.com
Should I book? Yes
Café do Paço
It’s highly unlikely that you’ll come across English-speaking tourists as you dine here, which, for me, is part of the charm of the place. Café do Paço is something of an institution for locals, somewhat hidden on an unassuming street outside of the hustle and bustle of Baixa or Bairro Alto. You’ll need to ring a doorbell to gain entry, and the speakeasy feel continues when you see the interiors; all plush red booths and vintage pictures hung on the walls. Food is simple and delicious. Start with a very classic Portuguese couvert: bread, butter and sardine paste, then follow up with some of the most-loved dishes in the country: an eggy, moreish Bacalhau à Brás (a dish made with salt cod, potatoes and eggs) and a Bitoque (steak topped with a fried egg) served with a creamy sauce. If you have space, the Encharcada (soaked eggs) from Alentejo are a beautiful way to end the meal. Wash everything down with a glass of local wine, or ask your waiter for their recommendation – they’ll be only too happy to help.
Price range: £
Where? Intendente
Address: Paço da Rainha 62, 1150-000 Lisboa, Portugal
Should I book? Walk-ins are generally accepted
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Bardo Creative Ground Parra Wine Bistro
Parra Wine Bistro is intimate, dusky and impossibly seductive – a wine first bistro tucked into Madragoa’s cobbled hush, where low lighting and low-intervention wines are met with food that’s anything but an afterthought.
Marinated in thyme, lemon and bay leaves, the olives set the tone: thoughtful, unfussy and exactly what you want alongside your first glass (we recommend sampling one of their delicious amber wines). The stuffed stone crab, a reimagined nod to a Portuguese staple, arrives light and refined, with all the depth of flavour and none of the mess – ideal for date-night dining.
The menu changes with the seasons, but the approach remains steady – ingredient-led and unmistakably local. The finely cut beef tartare is as elegant on the plate as it is on the palate. A standout dish features Alentejan black pork, slow-cooked and smoky, offset by sharp endive and a glossy, sultry grape ketchup with unexpected depth. The chocolate cake – gooey, warm, with house vanilla ice cream melting into a puddle of olive oil – reminds you why you left room for dessert.
The 400-bottle wine list is encyclopaedic, but the service is so warm you barely notice you’ve been guided into a second (or third) glass. Preshita Saha
Price range: ££
Where? Madragoa
Address: Rua da Esperança 72, 1200-658 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: https://parra.pt/
Should I book? Yes
Gunpowder Lisboa
Londoners will likely know and love Gunpowder, where the brand already has three restaurants. But rather than move to another British city – Manchester, or Birmingham maybe – the brand decided to expand into a different country entirely. Still, opening a Lisbon restaurant makes total sense when you see the menu, which is similar to the British one but with a Mediterranean twist; think Algarve oysters with pickled kachumber, big juicy wild Madagascar prawns with moreish roasted garlic & tomato dressing and grilled stone bass with green coorgi sauce, all available for you to select from the window display of fish. Of course, there are the classics available too – their delicious, crispy prawn toast and show-stopping spicy lamb and vermicelli doughnut. Served with a selection of stunning local wines, it’s a place for you to spend long evenings with friends mopping up sauces and snacking on chaat.
Price range: ££
Where? Bairro Alto
Address: R. Nova da Trindade 13, 1200-303 Lisboa
Website: gunpowderrestaurants.pt
Should I book? We’d recommend you do – as a new opening, it can be busy.
2Monkeys
There’s no shortage of tasting menus in Portugal, but it’s still one of my favourite ways to experience all the flavours of local cuisine, and you can’t beat the experience of whiling away an evening as various plates are placed in front of you, each one beautifully presented. 2Monkeys is found in the former wine cellar in Torel Palace (one of the best hotels in Lisbon, with an impeccable view of the city) and, despite being open just one year, has already gained a Michelin star. That’s thanks to the relaxed, welcoming vibe and creative dishes from chefs Vítor Matos and Guilherme Spalk, who are so full of ideas that they change their menu almost consistently. When we dined, dishes included juicy shrimp from the Algarve with buttermilk and dill oil, langoustine with textured carrot served with white wine, port and lemongrass sauce and foie gras with brioche and rhubarb.
One of the best things about 2Monkeys is that it introduces high-quality fine dining in an environment that’s not stuffy or overly formal – there are just 14 seats, and guests sit on a simple, wooden table around the open kitchen, watching every dish being carefully created. Chefs are only too happy to talk through each dish as they plate up, which almost makes the evening feel like an immersive experience. You’ll emerge feeling stuffed, but satisfied.
Price range: £££
Where? Pena
Address: Torel Palace Lisbon, R. Câmara Pestana 45, 1150-082 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: 2monkeys.com.pt
Should I book? Yes, reservations are required
Kabuki
As a huge advocate of Portuguese cuisine, even I can admit that it pays to try something different during your time in Lisbon. Japanese restaurants have been increasingly popping up throughout the city in recent times, and given the country’s historically close relationship with Japan you can expect to find great sushi throughout the country. Kabuki, located in the renowned Galerias Ritz at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, offers something many other places don’t: high-end Japanese-Mediterranean cuisine in a stunning setting.
Guests who get a seat at the bar overlooking the kitchen are perfectly placed to watch the chefs in action, whipping up inventive bento boxes and passing over perfectly-seared wagyu. Each dish is an experience as much as anything, but the one that stuck with me the most was actually the dessert: a pastel de nata mochi which was a dream blend of flavours and textures.
Price range: £££
Where? Marquês de Pombal
Address: Galerias Ritz, R. Castilho 77B, 1070-050 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: kabukilisboa.pt
Should I book? Yes
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Sala de CorteIf you’re hungry for steak, you won’t find better than the impeccable cuts at Sala de Corte, which recently ranked number 34 in the list of the 50 World’s Best Steakhouses. There’s an impressive offering available – from Chateaubriand to Japanese Wagyu all selected from from bovine breed producers with certified origin – and each is cooked to perfection on the restaurant’s Josper grill.With steaks as the focus of the restaurant (and no other meat dishes available), it would be easy to neglect starters and side dishes, but Sala de Corte manages to make everything on the menu as memorable as their wonderful steak cuts. The baked rice with smoked sausages is a must-try; rich, warm and full of flavour, it’s the ideal accompaniment alongside the asparagus and mushrooms, for some much needed veg.Price range: £££
Where?
Address: Praça Dom Luís I 7, 1200-148 Lisboa
Should I book? Yes, although walk-ins are available
Where? Bairro Alto
Address: R. Ivens 14, 1200-227 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: www.rocco.pt
Should I book? Yes, reservations are required
Palacio do Grilo
Currently temporarily closed
There’s nothing quite like Palacio do Grilo in Lisbon. If you’re the type to gravitate towards new and unexpected experiences when you travel, this 18th century palace should be top of your must-see list.
Parisian Julien Labrousse bought the palacio in 2020, and knew he wanted to do something different. He set to work creating a restaurant in the middle of a living theatre, which highlights the ethereal, and almost spooky nature of the building. Performers parade (or sometimes crawl, or yell) around you as you eat, and there’s a good chance your dish will become almost-forgotten as you watch the show. That’s not to say the food isn’t memorable; burrata and pumpkin with crispy sage is a stunning way to start the meal, followed by lamb loin with pistachio paloise and goose fat potatoes. Just be sure you leave time after dinner to explore the other rooms in the palace, where you’ll find a small discotheque, or a bar serving cocktails to Lisbon’s coolest crowds. This is the type of place you’ll want to hang out at – not just pop in for a quick meal before heading home to your hotel. Take your time, soak up the atmosphere.
Price range: ££
Where? Grilo
Address: Calçada do Duque de Lafões 1, 1950-207 Lisboa
Website: palaciogrilo.com
Should I book? Yes
