Lisbon’s Culinary Symphony: The 10 Best Restaurants in this Foodie Paradise

Lisbon, Portugal, has earned its stripes as a culinary capital, drawing food enthusiasts from around the globe to its vibrant streets and diverse markets. From traditional delights to internationally acclaimed treats, the city's gastronomic scene is a melting pot of flavours. Here we will share our top 10 picks for the foods and restaurants that make Lisbon a foodie's dream destination.

10 - Restaurante o Frade

Located outside the central hub of Lisbon but in close proximity to the famous Pasteis de Belem, Restaurante o Frade is a Michelin Bib Gourmand gem. Guests are sat around a U-shaped bar where culinary artistry unfolds before your eyes in the middle, as though you have a front-row seat to an episode of Chef's Table. Don't miss Frade's special pie as a tantalizing start to your gastronomic journey.

9 - Miguel Castro e Silva at Time Out Market Lisbon

Nestled within the bustling Time Out Market, Miguel Castro e Silva is a great place to sample many traditional Portuguese dishes. The first dish we tried was the bacalhau à brás, a mix of shreds of salted cod, onions, and slices of fried potatoes, cooked together with scrambled eggs. The second was the francesinha de carne assada, a unique Portuguese sandwich in which a piping hot tomato and beer sauce is poured over the stack of bread, meats and cheese.

8 - Miss Can

In the charming Alfama neighbourhood, which is worth a walk around anyways, Miss Can elevates Portugal's famous canned fish experience. Diverging from basic grocery store options, the canned fish in Portugal span the gambit of varieties, each cured with delicious oils and spices for a truly elite dining experience. While you can buy these cans of fish all over the city, at Miss Can you can sit down, order off a menu, and sample the various options with the house bread. Then simply stock up on your favourite cans in their shop to take home for yourself, and anyone else on your souvenir gift list.

7 - Tapa Bucho

Nestled in the heart of Bairro Alto, Tapa Bucho offers a classic Spanish tapas experience with an upscale twist, providing an unforgettable taste of Iberian delights.

6 - Pensao Amor

Take a break from the foodie trail and venture into Pensao Amor, a multi-story bar with eclectic decor housed in a former brothel. Sip on delicious cocktails amidst the fascinating ambiance and give your feet a well-earned rest.

5 - Leve Leve Tapas Bar

Also in the lively Bairro Alto neighbourhood, Leve Leve Tapas Bar was our first meal in Portugal, and we were welcomed with warm hospitality and a spread of delicious tapas, deep-fried delights, and unbeatable sangria, delivering the quintessential Portuguese experience we were hoping for. 

4 - Croqueteria at Time Out Lisbon Market

Delve into the world of traditional Portuguese croquettes at Croqueteria inside Time Out Lisbon Market. These tasty treats are rolled balls made of anything from meat to vegetables, bound together in a deep-fried breadcrumb crust. We sampled a variety of these delights without quite knowing what each one held, which turned out to be a delicious adventure.

3 - Best Pastéis de Nata

No culinary exploration of Lisbon is complete without indulging in the iconic Pastéis de Nata, a Portuguese egg custard tart. While the debate over the best tart in the city rages on between Pastéis de Belem and Manteigaria, our experience led us to join the chorus of those recommending Manteigaria. Although Pastéis de Belem is the original home of the treat, it is quite far outside the city centre, and at least for our palates, not quite as tasty as Manteigaria, who boast a convenient location inside the Time Out Market. 

We couldn't resist sampling them hot and fresh, and to our delight, they were equally exquisite when savored cold the next morning. Load up your pastries with the provided cinnamon and sugar at the counter for an extra burst of flavor, ensuring each bite is a sweet celebration of Portuguese culinary prowess.

2 - Landeau Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake from Landeau Coffee Shop came highly recommended as a delicious treat from blogs and vlogs all around. It turns out Landeau Chocolate Cake isn't just a good chocolate cake; it is the epitome of chocolate cake perfection. Found in multiple locations around the city, this cake is a not to be missed treat.

1 - Ponto Final the best restaurant in Lisbon

Topping our list is Ponto Final, a restaurant that transcends mere dining to become a sensory experience, in our opinion, the best restaurant in Lisbon. Across the river from Lisbon in Almada, this location is worth the drive. A glass windowed elevator takes guests down from the cliffside to the edge of the water below. The restaurant is made up of tables laid out all along the waterside walkway, where you can perch on the edge of the water while enjoying your meal. But it is the food and not just the views at Ponto Final that are unparalleled. We sampled two different grilled fish, buttery vegetables, and an unforgettable tomato rice that arrived in a bubbling cauldron and was so creamy that it still makes appearances in our dreams. With its incredible popularity, ensure you secure a reservation for this culinary gem.