Lisbon has many local restaurants you should try, but here’s a list of my favourites ones:
Cervejaria Ramiro
If you like seafood, this is definitely the restaurant you should try in Lisbon. The restaurant is quite big, with two floors, but is literally always full!
As a starter I recommend you to get Portuguese-style clams (“Ameijoas à Bolhão Pato”) with warm buttered bread – which is so delicious it really just melts in your mouth. We also tried shrimps, crabs, lucifers fingers, giant tiger prawns and oysters which were all perfectly made. The price is a bit higher than the average in Lisbon but totally worth every penny.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to make a reservation upfront, so you’ll probably have to wait quite some time. The best thing to do is just to go there, take a ticket and walk around for a bit while you wait for your table. They have a beer tap/vending machine outside with some tables and benches in case you prefer to wait there. Just make sure you are not that hungry because you will sense the amazing seafood from across the street!
Papo Cheio
This traditional Portuguese restaurant is located in Bairro Alto, very close to Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara. From all the local restaurants I tried in Lisbon, this is one of my favourites. This is the place where they definitely serve the best Bitoque in town, they call it Bitoque à Casa.
Bitoque is a very famous dish among the locals – a fried beef steak, with french fries and fried egg on top. At Papo Cheio, the garlic sauce is key for the distinguished flavour that made the place famous. It costs only 8€ and was already awarded the prize for best Bitoque in Lisbon, so it’s definitely a must. If you prefer they also have other dishes on the menu around the same price.
It’s a very small restaurant, with around ten tables so making a reservation is almost mandatory.
You can find this restaurant’s location here.
Casa do Alentejo
Casa do Alentejo is located in downtown Lisbon, close to the National Colosseum and Restauradores square. From the outside, it looks like an ordinary building, but once you step inside you will be impressed.
First you enter a the courtyard which is beautifully decorated in Arabic style. Don’t get confused once you go inside the building, the restaurant is on the first floor. There, will you find a big dining area inspired in the XVIII century architecture. The menu is traditional Portuguese (with regional flavours and petiscos) and the staff is very friendly and attentive. It might seem like an expensive restaurant, but is actually fairly priced and is one my favourite local restaurant in Lisbon.
You can find this restaurant’s location here.
O Trigueirinho
This restaurant is located in Mouraria, a very traditional neighbourhood, birthplace of Fado music. The restaurant is run by a small family and they serve typical Portuguese food, from the heart.
The place is very small and can pass almost unnoticed for most of the people. Those who know the place, specially locals, are certainly keeping it busy. The food is very nicely and homely made – meat and fish are both great. If you are a fish lover (like me) then the grilled salmon is definitely a winner!
You can this restaurant’s location here.
Lucimar
I LOVE the food at this restaurant! I first tried it when I just moved to Lisbon and was looking for local restaurants. It’s a traditional Portuguese restaurant located in a residential area close to Entrecampos station.
Every dish I tried there was perfectly made. From starters to deserts, everything was delicious – the Portuguese flavours really popped up, in every bite.
The most famous dish is the Francesinha – a kind of french toast filled with meat, sausage and a special sauce. It’s actually a Porto special, but Lucimar brought it to Lisbon and mastered its flavour perfectly.
Don’t expect a fancy place, but a really traditional local restaurant with friendly, genuine staff. It’s always busy, so I do recommend you to make a reservation.
You can find this restaurant’s location here.
David da Buraca
This restaurant is very spacey and therefore perfect for dinners with a group. It’s located in Buraca which is already outside the city, but fairly close – about 20/25 minutes away. There is no public transportation close by, so you will have to go by car.
I went there several times, ordered several dishes and I never got disappointed. Especially when I ordered fish! Their tuna and salmon steaks are very nicely grilled. The waiters are quick, friendly and very welcoming. If you don’t like fish, I recommend to order one of the specials, Bife na Pedra (steak slowly cooked on a hot stone).
You can find this restaurant’s location here.
Insider Secret Tip
Sometimes the best meals in Lisbon are found on the smallest places.
As Bifanas do Afonso
This is the best bifana place in the city! Since bifana is Portugal’s most famous sandwich, this is quite a statement.
A bifana is basically just a bread with slowly cooked pork meat. These bifanas are made right in front of you and cost €2,50 each. The place is always very busy, specially during lunch time, and manly with locals.
The place is super tiny so be prepared for take away. There is a little square right in front, so you can get a seat and enjoy your freshly made bifana.
You can find this restaurant’s location here.
