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Lisbon's dining scene has evolved dramatically in recent years to include any number of high-end dining opportunities, but amid the international fare, Michelin-starred restaurants, and molecular gastronomy, the city's simplest and most traditional restaurants still do a roaring trade. Meals generally include three courses, a dr
Lisbon's dining scene has evolved dramatically in recent years to include any number of high-end dining opportunities, but amid the international fare, Michelin-starred restaurants, and molecular gastronomy, the city's simplest and most traditional restaurants still do
Lisbon's dining scene has evolved dramatically in recent years to include any number of high-end dining opportunities, b
Lisbon's dining scene has evolved dramatically in recent years to include any number of high-end dining opportunities, but amid the international fare, Michelin-starred restaurants, and molecular gastronomy, the city's simplest and most traditional restaurants still do a roaring trade. Meals generally include three courses, a drink, and coffee. Many restaurants have an ementa turistica (tourist menu), a set-price meal, most often served at lunchtime. Note that you'll be charged a couple of euros if you eat any of the couvert items—typically appetizers such as bread and butter, olives, and the like—that are brought to your table without being ordered.
Lisbon's restaurants usually serve lunch from noon or 12:30 until 3 and dinner from 7:30 until 11; many establishments are closed Sunday or Monday. Inexpensive restaurants typically don't accept reservations. In the traditional cervejarias (beer-hall restaurants), which frequently have huge dining rooms, you'll probably have to wait for a table, but usually not more than 10 minutes. In the Bairro Alto, many of the reasonably priced tascas (taverns) are on the small side: if you can't grab a table, you're probably better off moving on to the next place. Throughout Lisbon, dress for meals is usually casual, but exceptions are noted below.
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Chiado and Bairro Alto
Avenida da Liberdade, Príncipe Real, and Restauradores
When you eat at this restaurant—situated in the luxurious Palácio do Governador and named for the Roman amphorae uncovered beneath the site—you'll feel as if you're dining in the vaulted halls of a castle. There's nothing old-fashioned about the food though: Chef Vera Silva has created a spectacular menu of dishes that combine traditional ingredients with modern techniques.
José Avillez, one of the city's most distinguished chefs, has created his own foodie "neighborhood" incorporating a range of dining styles. For formal meals, there's the spectacular Páteo (a wrought-iron balcony encircles the room, which is illuminated by an enormous skylight) and a more casual tavern called Taberna (the kind of place where haunches of ham hang over the bar). Then there's Pizzaria Lisboa, where the thin-crust pies are prepared with great care; and Mini Bar, a secluded and dimly-lit spot for intimate drinks and small plates for sharing.
Rua Nova da Trindade 18, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1200-303, Portugal
Lisbon’s beer halls tend to be noisy, crowded places, but those looking for more sophisticated atmosphere should head to this upscale eatery with towering murals and handsome wood paneling tucked inside the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade hotel. You'll find traditional fish or meat dishes listed on the menu, and they’re served with flair by an attentive staff.
Av. da Liberdade 185, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1269-050, Portugal
A long-time foodie favorite with a cool, contemporary design, this restaurant has undergone many changes over the decades but continues to impress with its food, drink, and attentive service. Alongside the fish and meat dishes that dominate the menu, there are sophisticated petiscos (appetizers) available from 3 pm. Diners can choose to eat in the handsome dining room or outside on the pretty, tiled terrace.
Travessa das Amoreiras 1, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1250-231, Portugal
Bringing along the famously glitzy chandelier from its much-missed location in Bairro Alto, this cutting-edge restaurant is now located within the cool confines of the Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré. The menu still lists cutting-edge versions of Portuguese classics—tuna with allspice, and a famous açorda, that bread-based stew rich in seafood (the luxury version contains lobster) and flavored with garlic and cilantro.
Av. 24 de Julho 49, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1200-479, Portugal
Although it’s quite spacious and comfortable inside, most people choose to sit at one of the many tables outside facing Restauradores Square. Waiters rush from table to table, mostly serving super fresh seafood and grilled fish and meats.
Praça dos Restauradores 79-80, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1250-188, Portugal
Seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients are the stars of the show at this chic but relaxed restaurant, where plants hang from the ceiling and contemporary furnishings keep things feeling serene. The presentation is on par with some of the city's most acclaimed restaurants.
Travessa das Pedras Negras 2, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1100-404, Portugal
You don't need to be a guest at snazzy Chiado hotel The Ivens in order to snag at table at its most glamorous restaurant, but you will need to book in advance: these are some of the most coveted seats in town. Perch yourself on one of the high seats for communal dining and watch the talented mixologists create the perfect cocktail to accompany light sharing dishes like tuna tartare with wasabi pearls and avocado. Negroni lovers are in for a treat: there's an entire menu dedicated to the drink, and the Negroni de Cacau is dangerously delicious.
This restaurant is a modern spin on Lisbon's traditional fish markets and beer halls, with a dash of Japanese flair. Take your pick from vast glass display cabinets of fish and crustaceans, and have it prepared on the spot in a variety of ways, whether it's dunked whole into the cooking pot or fileted and tossed onto the grill. Alongside the Chiado original, there's a smaller branch inside Time Out market.
Rua do Loreto 21, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1200-036, Portugal
Framed photographs of celebrities who’ve visited (from singer Adele to soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo) cover every inch of the walls of this bustling eatery. In business since 1947, it's known for the dry-cured ham that gave the place its name, but there are also many meat and seafood dishes on the menu.
Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 150, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1150-269, Portugal
Occupying a bright and breezy downstairs room at the LX Boutique Hotel (there's now a branch in Cascais, too), this sophisticated spot is widely regarded as one of the best places in town to eat sushi. There are vegan and vegetarian options alongside the usual seafood and sashimi.
Rua do Alecrim 12A, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1200-161, Portugal
The inspiration for this restaurant's food comes from Argentina, so expect a beef-heavy menu that has long made it a favorite among Lisbon’s carnivores. You’ll also find fish dishes borrowed from traditional Portuguese cuisine, and a couple of vegetarian options, too.
Rua D. Pedro V 18–20, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1250-094, Portugal
A city-smart sister to the celebrated Monte Mar formal dining restaurant in Cascais, Monte Mar Lisboa offers the same superior seafood with a more relaxed riverfront ambience. Occupying one of the formerly disused warehouses along the revitalized docks, Monte Mar has a terrific view of the river, the 25 de Abril suspension bridge, and the Cristo Rei on the other side, while indoors it is all slick black and chrome.
Rua da Cintura do Porto de Lisboa Armazém 65, Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
What you see is what you get at Ribadouro, one of Lisbon's best-known seafood spots: take your pick of the lobster, mantis shrimp, tiger shrimp, whelks, oysters, and clams on display and the staff will create a seafood platter to your specifications. You can dine inside, or at tree-shaded tables and chairs set out at a kiosk on the Avenida, opposite the main restaurant.
Av. da Liberdade 155, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1245-896, Portugal
Vítor Sobral, one of the country’s most famous chefs, has brought together the vibe of a traditional neighborhood eatery and sophisticated dishes that appeal to modern palates at "Tavern on the Corner." Expect to see fast food favorites like bitoque (lean steak topped with an egg) given a slick modern twist.
Rua Domingos Sequeira 41C, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1350-119, Portugal
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