We will be in Lisbon in April. I have been reading travel reports and travel blogs. A few people have mentioned that many restaurants in Lisbon accept only cash. Does anyone know how true/accurate this is? I want to make sure we have enough cash with us. I know we can use ATM machines to withdraw cash, but sometimes we have had trouble with our ATM card while traveling overseas.

Thank you!!!

It's probably true in "tascas", the lower end of restaurants where locals eat by 5 or 6 euros and the owners don't want to pay commisions in order to offer such low prices. In all places in the medium to high ranges, cards are more than welcome.

The family owned places in some areas often take cash only. You will see locals dining there and the food is simple and often tasty. However, we only came across a few such place when we wanted take away petiscos. In the busy areas where most tourists are, you will be fine with paying by card.

Thank you lobo mau and sj184explorer. Your information is helpful. While I am sure we will eat at some medium-priced restaurants where the tourists are, we also like to seek out family owned places where locals eat, and the food is authentic and tasty and simple. So we will plan accordingly.

Thank you so much!

In general, cash always works, but the vast majority, even the smaller mom and pop restaurants, accept plastic, primarily VISA, but not Amerx Express in smaller venues. You may want to note that ATMs in Portugal (MC or Multibanco machines) restristrict cash withdrawals to 200 euros at a time. If you need more, you'll have to use another machine.