There’s no denying that some of the best restaurants in Lisbon are the most talked-about in Europe right now. 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 Maneiras 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? Before I visited the city for the first time, I knew very little of Portuguese cuisine—aside from pastel de natas—of course. But now, having been lucky enough to know the city intimately and learn its traditions over many years spent there, I am a keen champion of everything on offer, whether that’s traditional dishes or a new twist. Most people visiting Lisbon will want to try some form of traditional food at one of the city’s tascas, 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 may prefer one of the many modern or Michelin-starred restaurants on offer.
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 24 hours. Whatever you’re looking for, these are the Lisbon restaurants I have tried and would recommend to anyone visiting the city (in no particular order).
Read our complete Lisbon travel guide here, which includes:
How we choose the best restaurants in Lisbon
Every restaurant on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new restaurants open and existing ones evolve.