Best places to eat in Lisbon area-by-area

updated 10/10/2021

Where are the best places to eat in Lisbon? It's one of Europe's coolest city. So exciting restaurants aren't in short supply. You just need to know where to go. Here's our expert guide to eating out in Lisbon area-by-area. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Portugal, your essential guide for visiting Portugal.

Start with hip eats in Cais do Sodré

Waterfront Cais do Sodré has cleaned up its act. So come here for hip eats.

Find cool taco joints on Rua Cor de Rosa.

Hit Mercado da Ribeira for everything else.

Try Lisbon tapas. Take a petiscos e-bike tour of the city.

Rua Cor de Rosa one of the best places to eat in Lisbon if you like tacos © By Kavalenkava/Shutterstock

Go to Baixa for best bargain bites

Baixa is Lisbon’s commercial hub. It was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. And it's an early example of town planning.

Now it's also a tourist magnet. But restaurants still cater to office workers. So that means low, local prices.

Fast food Lisbon-style at Beira Gare

Want something fast and tasty? Head to Beira Gare next to Rossio Station. Grab a squished table. Or perch at the bar. Then dig in. Expect standards like octopus, pork and hake. Don't expect to pay much for lunch.

Try comfort food at Bonjardim

Bonjardim is known for spit roasted chicken. And it's one of the best places to eat in Lisbon. They do other roast meat too. But chargrilled chicken is what to order here.

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Chargrilled chicken is one of Lisbon's most famous dishes © Bernhard Richter/Shutterstock

Find best places to eat in Lisbon with views on the side

The Bica district is named after a lift. This hybrid funicular/tram takes on Lisbon’s steepest streets. Ride to the top. Then walk to Miradouro de Santa Catarina. The view from here's incredible.

Best outdoor terrace in Bica

Noobai sits close to Miradouro de Santa Catarina. So it's also hard to beat for views. Stare straight over the Tagus. Then order up. The menu ranges from healthy brunch to petiscos.

Want to hang out in the area? Book Browns Downtown Hotel between Bica and Bairro Alto.

Try upmarket dining in Chiado

Smart Chiado is Lisbon's shopping district. Famous A Brasileira café's here. And it's where to find Michelin starred chef, José Avillez,

Belcanto is original Avillez

Two Michelin stars make Belcanto one of the best places to eat in Lisbon.

Mini Bar is innovative Avillez

Mini Bar sits in Art Deco Teatro de São Luís. The menu's designed as acts. And it is theatrical. Exploding olives and tuna tartare cones are just a hint.

Cantinho do Avillez is contemporary

Cool Cantinho do Avillez serves modern Portuguese cuisine. Think black pork with coriander. Consider scallops, sweet potato and asparagus. Need a reminder you're in Lisbon? Historic tram 28 regularly trundles past the restaurant.

Crave more local theatrics? Book dramatic Teatro Boutique B&B in Chiado.

Eating outdoors is one of the great pleasures of Lisbon © Kuznetsov Alexey/Shutterstock

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Belém is best for Lisbon's famous pastries

Belém is known for its sights. It's home to Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. And Torre de Belém is here too.

Once you've explored, go eat. Belém is also pasteis de nata territory.

The original and finest custard tarts

Head to Antiga Confeitaria de Belém. This café's been making pasteis de nata since 1837. And it's always busy. Order a couple of tarts. They'll arrive warm and cinnamon dusted. Wash them down with strong coffee.

Create your own taste of Lisbon. Learn how to bake pasteis de nata with a local expert.

Try neighbourhood restaurants in Madragoa and Lapa

Go west in Lisbon. Here you'll find earthy Madragoa. And next door, chichi Lapa. Want to eat like a local? These are the areas to visit.

Taste tradition at Varina Madragoa

Varina da Madragoa is quintessentially Portuguese. It's tucked into a backstreet. Yet good enough to fed José Saramago and Jimmy Carter. The interior's snug. And specialties include salted-cod cakes and goat cutlets.

Go for classic at Guarda Mor

Turn up hungry to Guarda Mor. The starters are sublime. Try tempura vegetables. Then follow up with a salted cod main. To get the full effect, time your visit for a fado show.

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