For the Portuguese, the day’s main meal is at lunchtime when time is taken to relax and savour great food and good company whilst shading from the midday heat. Lunch usually consists of three courses served between 12h00 and 15h00. Evening meal times are similar to Northern Europe and most restaurants are closed by midnight.
There’s nothing more amusing to the Portuguese than bombarding us foreign tourists with an overabundance of different names to describe similar items and the names of Portugal’s eateries are no exception. However with a mere basic understanding of each term used can help you match the dining experience to your tastes, appetite and budget. MADABOUTLISBON.COM is here to guide you through.
Eateries who call themselves Restaurante may not be as formal as you would expect. Dinning out in Portugal is a family affair with two or three generations sharing a table. Prices too may not be as expensive as you think, in general eating out is good value in Lisbon. Restaurante Típico suggests a regional specialty.
In addition to selling wine produced on an estate, an Adega may also have a restaurant or bar. The term refers to fresh farm produce, someones from a single estate, is served on the premises, it can be wine, olive oil, preserves, sausages, meat or vegetables. A term not seen much is Casa de Pasto which describes a canteen type dining establishment with a set menu meal. A great budget choice if you're not too choosey. A popular choice is a Churrasqueira/Churrascaria which translates as a grill house and specialise in cooking chicken, meat and fish on coals, often in belly-busting portions. A Frangasqueira is a grill house specialising in chicken and where you're most likely to find chicken peri peri. Chips and rice are usual sides to these restaurants. A Fumeiro means smokehouse and a description used in the Beiras and Alentejo regions and in Lisbon, restaurants specialising in those regional dishes. Expect cured meats, sausages, smoked presunto and pork items.
A Marisqueira is a specialist seafood restaurant. Fish is the Portuguese staple food and their fish restaurants are as varied as the dishes found on the menus. They can be expensive, especially if ingredients are sold by the KG. They can also be unpretentious and homely. Freshness is the key and not all items listed on the menu will be available all the time. Whats on offer is dependent on what has been caught that day. A Taberna or tasquinha is another name for a informal restaurant usually frequented by a regular local clientele. Quite often they'll have a local specialty and may not even have a menu. They're most busy at lunch times and seating is informal with diners eating at the bar or sharing tables. In Spain a Tasca is a tapas bar but in Portugal it refers to a small inexpensive family run establishment. The service will be a homely experience and portions likely to be generous.
A great seafood restaurant on the Doca de Santo Amaro. It is renowned for freshness and the skill of cooking high-quality dishes and served within comfortable surroundings. Enjoy the catch of the day lovingly prepared in a way that enhances its natural characteristics.
Daily: 12h00 – 01h00
Doca de Santo Amaro, 12 Armazém, Lisbon 1350-353, Portugal .
38º 42' 01.5" N | 09º 10' 30.8" W | +351 213 978 015 | geral@5oceanos.pt
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Portugal's oldest wine label has this cosy and distinguished establishment to not only highlight their great wines but also to accompany them with amazing regional and national dishes. Among the different gastronomical options, you can find the bread from the Algarve, ham of Bellota and cold meats from Guijuelo (Salamanva area), various cheeses (notably the famous Azeitão cheese), oysters from the Sado estuary, mussels salad, salmon ceviche, carpaccio and different desserts accompanied by the Moscatel de Setúbal wines. This flagship stores is used for wine tastings and new product launches and offers a relaxed environment for food and wine lovers, in the heart of Lisbon.
Tuesday-Sunday: 12h00 - 00h00, Monday: 18h00 - 00h00
41-43 Rua das Flores, 1200-193, Lisbon, Portugal.
38º 42' 32.5" N | 09º 08' 37.2" W | +351 213 420 319
bythewine@jmfonseca.pt | Website
This authentic family-owned restaurant has always inspired to produce great food sourced from fresh local ingredients and served within a small yet friendly atmosphere. The diner can sample many of the delicacies as they're served as petiscos, Portugal's version of Tapas, whilst enjoying a glass of wine and great company. The menu alternates with the seasons and new creations. However, you'll always find a good selection of bacalhau dishes, a range of quality cheeses, black pig hams and sausages. Those with a sweet tooth are also well catered for, their lemon pie is to die for. As with many of the Bairro Alto's restaurants seating is restricted. It's advisable then to book using the contact details below or to pop your head in if passing.
Tuesday – Saturday: 19h00 – 23h00, Monday: CLOSED
52 Rua dos Prazeres, 1200-355, Lisbon, Portugal.
38º 42' 54.4" N | 09º 09' 10.4" W | +351 218 065 185
cantinho.lusitano@gmail.com | Website
Italian & pizzeria with jovial staff. As with other restaurants on the docks, you're treated to a stunning view. The decor is well done if you wish to sit inside. The food is consistently good quality, portions are on the large size, yet the prices are not.
Daily: 12h00 – 02h00
Doca de Santo Amaro, 13 Armazém, Lisbon 1350-353, Portugal .
38º 42' 01.5" N | 09º 10' 30.8" W | +351 213 909 353
The Hippopotamus restaurant, the most recent development at the Tivoli Oriente in Lisbon, promises to surprise true fans of grilled meat. With relaxed decoration and a family atmosphere, this Lisbon restaurant is now the place to meet in Parque das Nações in Lisbon, for anyone looking to enjoy the best in grilled meat, done to perfection. The menu is varied with different meat and fish dishes, but without doubt, beef takes pride of place, which true devotees will appreciate. Located on the ground floor and with direct outside access, it is ideal for a quick lunch or a relaxing dinner with family or friends.
Daily: 12h00 – 00h00
Av. D. João II, n.º 27 Parque das Nações 1990-083 Lisboa, Portugal.
40º 44' 30.8" N | 73º 59' 21.5" W | +351 218 915 100 | htoriente@tivolihotels.com | Website
A foodie's delight. And if you're partial to fish you're doubly lucky. Lisboa a Noite champions a new take on Portuguese classic dishes. Located in the former stables of the Palácio dos Condes the restaurant still maintains an ancient well and the original Pombaline arches. The chef is a master of his art, the freshest seafood imaginable is cooked to perfection. If you don't fancy fare from the sea there are plenty of terrestrial dishes available of equally great quality. The choice of Portuguese wines here are of comparable merit and the choice desserts wheeled to your table are far too tempting to refuse.
Monday – Thursday: 19h30 – 00h00, Friday - Saturday: 19h30 – 01h00, Sunday: CLOSED
69 Rua das Gáveas, 1200-385, Lisboa, Portugal.
38º 42' 43.5" N | 09º 08' 36.6" W | +351 213 462 603
mail.info@lisboanoite.com |
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This quirky Michelin star establishment is not the largest restaurant in Lisbon, but it's certainly in contention for being one of the best. Its 22 seats surround an open planned kitchen where Chef Alexandre Silva and his team apply their art and the full-sized tree inside is a nod to their organic philosophy. There are only two choices on the menu, one is the 18-course taster menu and the other is similar with the addition of cheese courses. Each course or "moment" pays homage to local and seasonal produce that takes all your senses on a gastronomic journey. The wines are sourced mainly from small boutique producers of lesser-known locally sourced wines. The staff are extremely friendly and welcoming. They are more than happy to explain each course served. It's advised to book well in advance as LOCO is very popular and rightfully so.
Tuesday to Saturday: 10h00 – 19h00, Monday: CLOSED
53-B Rua dos Navegantes, 1200-730 Lisbon, Portugal.
38º 42' 44.5" N | 09º 09' 38.1" W | +351 213 951 861 | info@loco.pt
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Formerly a traditional fisherman's tavern, situated right in the heart of the Old Town between the sea and the fishmarket, O Pescador Restaurant is as famous for its wine cellar as it is for the delicious fresh seafood it serves. A talented chef prepares light, modern dishes with a delicate touch and a real understanding of flavour. Aided by the fact that, thanks to its marina location, Cascais offers some of the best fish and seafood available, freshly caught in the Atlantic waters offshore, there is a real emphasis on fresh ingredients and good quality which is guaranteed not to leave guests disappointed.
Try the Algarve oysters, full of the flavours of the sea, for a quality start to your meal. Other favourites include carpaccio of tuna and swordfish and octopus. Lobster, freshly handpicked from the lobster tank is a favourite for the main course. Try the red prawns tossed with coriander and thin slices of garlic or, for meat lovers, tenderloin steak in Dijon mustard sauce.
Monday - Saturday: 12h00 - 15h00/19h00 - 23h00,
Sunday: CLOSED
10-B Rua das Flores, Cascais, 2750-348, Portugal. | 38º 41' 54" N | 09º 25' 9.1" W
+351 214 832 054 | reservas@restaurantepescador.com | Website |
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Perched right at the edge of the dunes of the Guincho beach is the Porto de Santa Maria Restaurant. This restaurant is often described as the "place where the sea and the land meet". The Porto de Santa Maria Restaurant perfectly manages to reflect its geographical location on its delicious menu that combines the very best of freshly caught Atlantic fish and seafood, with meat and poultry dishes inspired by centuries of Portuguese culinary tradition.
Fish is hand-selected daily from the local fish market to ensure the freshest possible ingredients are used. House favourites include the lobster carpaccio starter, a delicately flavoured delight, mussels served either natural or Spanish style, crab and clams served four different ways and grilled tiger prawns. Fish and seafood are priced by the kilo for main courses, giving diners the flexibility to order as much or as little as they like to suit the size of their appetite.
Daily: 12h30 - 15h30/19h30 - 23h30
Estrada do Guincho, 2750-640, Cascais, Portugal. |
38º 43' 28.1" N | 09º 28' 31" W
+351 214 879 450 | reservas@portosantamaria.com | Website |
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The restaurant first opened in 1958 however since distinguished Portuguese chef José Avillez's Belcanto took over the reins in 2012 it has gained two Michelin stars. In fact, in 2015 it was added to the world's 100 best restaurants. Although Belcanto has several other restaurants around Lisbon and Porto it is here where he presents his haute cuisine, reinventing Portuguese and international flavours and adds a playful twist to traditional fare. His youthful and playful nature produces such gems on the menu as a seafood starter called 'wave breaking' and a sea bass plate named 'dip in the sea'. There's a seven-course 'Lisbon' tasting menu that is expensive which comes in at €165.00, boy oh boy is it worth it. The relaxed atmosphere and fine decor add to the draw of this restaurant and bookings should be weeks if not months in advance.
Tuesday-Saturday: 12h30 - 15.00/19:30h00 - 23h00, Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
10 Largo de São Carlos, 11200-410, Lisbon, Portugal.
38º 42' 35.7" N | 09º 08' 29.2" W | +351 213 420 607 | Website
Located on the Doca de Santo Amaro, this marvellous fish restaurant prides itself on serving only the freshest fish. Choose which fish you desire. It will be weighed, priced and cooked to your personal preference. An array of house specialities on the menu, including the obligatory Bacalhau. Also, there is Octopus 'Lagareiro' Style, Lobster Rice with Clams, Tuna Fish Steak with Sesame Seeds and Prawns Curry with Pineapple. For the meat-eaters, there is also steak options.
Daily: 12h30 – 15h00/19h00 – 00h00
Doca de Santo Amaro, 14 Armazém, Lisboa, Portugal..
38º 42' 01.5" N | 09º 10' 30.8" W | +351 213 973 565 | info@docapeixe.com
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A reasonably priced atmospheric restaurant offers a selection of national specialities. Situated in a romantic courtyard canopied by leafy vines and lanterns. On certain nights there is a Fado show.
Daily: 12h00 - 15h00/19h00 - 22h30
7-7A Beco Azinhal, Alfama - Lisboa, Portugal.
38º 42' 41.0" N | 09º 07' 42.8" W | +351 218 940 558
rest.lautasco@gmail.com
A Peixaria Restaurant opened recently, offering a wide range of top-quality fish, delivered daily from the best fishing ports. This great restaurant is located in the Expo Zone, a privileged location next to the River (Mar dal Palha) and at the bottom of the Torre Vasco Gama. The restaurant seats 350 diners, with three dining areas, overlooking the esplanade at the river's edge.
Daily: 11h00 - 23h00
31 Rua da Pimenta, Parque das Nações, 1990-254, Lisbon, Portugal .
38º 45' 48.6" N | 09º 05' 37.6" W | +351 218 961 040 | restaurantepeixaria@hotmail.com | Website
This wonderful treasure is a refurbished bakery and they're maintained much of the decor from that time. The stonework, arches, a large oven which is now a wine bar and soft lighting make for a cosy and intimate experience. Located in the street which bears its name this restaurant curiously serves rustic delights from opposite ends of Portugal, both from the Minho and the Alentejo. The large number of locals who frequent this restaurant to me is a stamp of approval.
Tuesday – Saturday: 19h00 – 00h00, Monday: CLOSED
18 Rua das Salgadeiras, Bairro Alto, 1200-396 Lisbon, Portugal.
38º 42' 39.4" N | 09º 08' 39.9" W| +351 213 421 157
assalgadeiras@sapo.pt |
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With an outside seating area under a vine arbour and inside the walls are covered with photos of celebrities. Ideally situated within the centre of the Alfama this popular restaurant has a friendly staff and serves traditional Portuguese and Mediterranean food.
Daily: 12h30 - 02h00
7 Beco São Miguel, 1100-538 Lisboa, Portugal.
40º 44' 30.8" N | 73º 59' 21.5" W | +351 218 881 328
santantonio@excite.com | Website
Solar do Embaixador is a family restaurant always receiving customers with a sincere smile and an excellent service. Specialising in Brazilian cuisine, specifically from northeast Brazil and conjures up such specialties as "Fish Moqueca" and "Shrimp Moqueca".
Daily: 12h30 - 22h00
Rua do Embaixador 210, Belém, 1300-390 Lisboa, Portugal.
38º 41' 52.4" N | 09º 11' 57.2" W | + 351 213 625 111
cesar@solardoembaixador.com | Facebook
The Tavares restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in Europe and Portugal's oldest. It first opened its doors in 1784 and still retains the name of the Tavares brothers, who took over the business in 1823. Over the centuries it has gained and retained an excellent reputation. It is THE place for foodies and gastronomic critics from all around the world. In 1861, the businessman Vicente Caldeira endured to make the restaurant "the most luxurious place in Lisbon' and his efforts are self-evident. Its opulent guilted baroque and rococo interior is breathtaking. The chefs may have changed over the years, but the Tavares restaurant remains one of the best, most exquisite and historic restaurants in Lisbon.
Monday - Saturday: 19h00 - 22h30, Sunday: CLOSED
37 Rua da Misericórdia, 1200-270, Lisbon, Portugal.
38º 42' 40.9" N | 09º 08' 34.9" W | +351 213 421 112
tavares@restaurantetavares.pt | Website
Although located in close proximity to many cafés/restaurants geared for tourists Populi stands out as a restaurant of a high standard. Good friendly service and welcoming atmosphere good for lunch or evening meals. The tapas menu is a good introduction to Portuguese food.
Daily: 09h30 – 02h00
85/86 Ala Nascente Terreiro do Paço, 1100-148 Lisboa, Portugal.
38º 42' 26.7" N | 09º 08' 14.3" W | +351 218 877 395
geral@terranovabypopuli.pt | Website |
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