Lisbon's best bites

A brunch spot with a garden that feels like a secret escape. The French toast with poached pear and coconut yogurt is a favorite—moist, balanced, and not overly sweet. If you’re into savory, the Vietnamese pulled pork sandwich or the sweet potato and shrimp tartine are solid choices. It gets busy, and some items sell out fast, so coming early is a good idea.

The pastry here is just so good. The coffee is rich and flavorful and they’re fresh baked bread is delicious. It’s the perfect spot for brunch or a sweet treat.

This no-frills restaurant specializes in grilled meats, particularly their famous pork ribs, which are grilled to perfection and packed with flavor. The service is friendly and down-to-earth and the portions are generous, making sure you won’t leave hungry.

As a fan of Georgian cuisine, this is the perfect place to try in Lisbon. The shish chicken and grilled vegetables come highly recommended, and the generous portions ensure you leave satisfied.

This restaurant is a hidden gem in a non-touristy area, but worth the trip. Desserts are an absolute must, the coffee is delicious and the breakfast is on another level. Great service and friendly staff.

This place is super popular for its traditional Portuguese sandwiches “bifanas”. The meat is cooked to perfection and the sandwich goes well with beer.

This contemporary restaurant offers a Portuguese / Japanese fusion seafood menu, with a different concept: you need to ask. Yes, similar to a omakase experience, you choose the fish and let them design the dishes around that.

A little piece of Amsterdam in the heart of Lisbon. This little gem specializes in deliciously crispy fries, served with a variety of toppings and sauces that will leave you spoiled for choice. From classic ketchup to more exotic flavors, there's something for every palate. The New York-style fries come highly recommended for their perfect balance of crunch and flavor.

This tapas place is a former jewelry store, and the interior was kept almos the same. The server was really helpful and the food was spectacular. The octopus is cooked perfectly, be sure to try it.

If you love freshly baked bread and pastries that actually taste like they’re made with love, ISCO is the place. Their cardamom buns, pistachio croissants, and sourdough loaves have a serious fan following, and the open bakery setup lets you watch the magic happen. It’s cozy, the staff is friendly, and the smells alone are worth stopping by. Not the cheapest bakery in town, but definitely one of the best.

Fresh ingredients and great flavors, this restaurant serves asian food. The food is great and the atmosphere is inviting. The Bo Bun Shrimps and Umami Burger are the best.

A no-frills Portuguese grill serving steak, picanha, and fresh fish, all cooked to perfection. The veal on a hot stone is a must—you cook it exactly how you like it. Great food, big portions, fair prices.

Classic, no-fuss Portuguese food, done right. The caramel pudding is homemade and worth saving room for. Cozy, old-school vibes with a mix of locals and visitors.

If you love fun, creative cocktails, this place is a must. The whiskey sour is top-tier, but if you’re up for something different, go for the bubble gun drinks—literally. The owner is often around, making sure everyone’s having a great time. Chill, stylish, and never too serious—exactly the kind of bar you want for a fun night out.

A fado experience you won’t forget. The owner sings, which makes it even more special. The octopus and cod dishes are delicious, and the house dessert is a must-try. It’s small and intimate, with tables close together, so you’ll probably end up chatting with the people next to you. Fado performances happen throughout the night.

No signs, no menu, just a doorbell. Tiny (only 4-5 guests at a time) and all about the drinks. Tell the bartender what flavors you like, and they’ll make something just for you. Book ahead on Instagram.

Great spot for a lazy brunch, remote work, or just an excellent cup of coffee. Trullino serves up strong espresso, creamy matcha lattes, and fresh homemade dishes like gnocchi, avocado toast, and key lime pie. There’s plenty of seating, outlets for laptops, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it easy to focus.

In the heart of Lisbon, Solar 31 da Calçada is a celebrated gem for seafood enthusiasts. This restaurant offers a blend of Mediterranean and European dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced seafood. This spot is a favorite among both locals and tourists. Standout dishes include the octopus and grilled fish, often praised for their exceptional flavor and preparation. The wine list complements the menu perfectly, enhancing the overall dining experience. I recommend you do a reservation to secure a spot here.

A tiny, hidden wine bar with rare, high-quality natural wines. The bartenders know their stuff and will let you sample a few before you decide.

This cozy and authentic Portuguese gem has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Known for its warm, friendly service and a menu that celebrates traditional Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist, this spot offers an unforgettable dining experience. If you go there, try the octopus with sweet potato puree. It’s simply delicious.

A cozy brunch spot with simple dishes done right. Avocado toast, tuna toast, and ricotta & salmon toast are all standouts, and the Basque cheesecake is unreal. Coffee? Strong and smooth.

A brunch spot that does it right. Brioche sandwiches, tapioca squares with spicy jam, and shakshuka—all fresh and full of flavor. Specialty coffee, natural wines, and smoothies too. Plus, they have luggage storage if you need a spot before a flight.

This Mexican restaurant serves probably the most authentic Mexican food in Lisbon. Dishes are small, and ordered in units. The habanero salsa is properly spicy and all the tacos are delicious.

A very local and authentic fish restaurant in the center of Lisbon run by a family. I could taste the home made flavor. Felt like my mom’s food.

The decor of this restaurant is truly beautiful and inviting. The food is amazing and the staff are incredibly helpful and attentive. Excellent food sharing concept, small dishes and a lot of flavors.

Dance and yoga classes with amazing teachers, this studio & cafe offers both learning opportunities and great coffee.

The food is amazing and the service si good. This small restaurant run by a family serves good fresh sushi at very fair prices. The quality is high, totally recommended.

Graça’s newest gem is everything you want in a wine bar—a carefully curated selection of Portuguese wines, fair prices, and warm, knowledgeable owners who make you feel right at home. You can come here for a quick glass, a bottle to take home, or a charcuterie board with freshly cut cheeses and meats.

A nice but small brunch place. The service is fast and each dish is beautiful prepared, and somehow tastes even better than they look. They also offer vegan options.

A hidden gem with a vibe you’ll love. Upstairs is cozy and quiet, perfect for a chill drink, while downstairs is more social with a good energy. The music is on point, the staff is great, and during happy hour, they serve free tapas—so you already know it’s a solid spot.

Some places you trust the menu, and others? You trust the staff—and here, that’s the move. They know exactly what to recommend, whether it’s the ravioli, croquettes, or crudo. Sharing is the way to go, but if you're keeping it simple, order the Zola cocktail—a margarita twist with coriander that just works. It’s intimate yet buzzing, the kind of spot where one plate turns into five, and before you know it, you’re planning your next visit.

A natural wine bar with a DJ spinning vinyl? Say less. 🎶🍷 The staff is super knowledgeable and always happy to guide you. Wines change often, so just tell them what you like and let them work their magic. Plates are small but well-crafted, with dishes like mackerel, beef tongue, and hummus with mushrooms. Not cheap, but for the atmosphere and quality? Worth every sip.

A standout brunch spot with a South African twist. The Eggs Benedict, shakshouka, and red velvet pancakes are all favorites, and the coffee is just as good as the food. Come hungry.

Stopped in for a cocktail, but the food was too good to skip. Small menu, but every dish is spot-on. The truffle pasta is a must.

One of the best cafés for getting work done in Lisbon. Fast WiFi, plenty of space, and zero rush to leave. The coffee is well-made, and they always have new filter options to try. Not a coffee person? They do great kombucha and fresh juices too. A solid spot to work or just chill.

If you love books and brunch, this spot is for you. English books, great coffee, and a cozy, artsy vibe make it a place you’ll want to hang out in for hours. The Caesar salad with halloumi, salmon bowls, and homemade sourdough are all great picks. They also host pop-up markets and book readings.

A low-key café perfect for breakfast or a coffee break. Flat whites, chai lattes, and AeroPress coffee are all solid. Simple but well-made dishes like scrambled egg toast, hummus toast, and croissant French toast. Cash only!

If you love good bread and strong coffee, this is your spot. Everything is made in-house, from the sourdough to the pastries. The grilled cheese and tomato toast is a favorite, and Monka Eggs are a brunch must. No laptops allowed, just good vibes.

If you love natural wine and good company, this is your spot. No pretentious wine talk—just great recommendations from staff who really know their stuff. You can taste different options before deciding, and there’s always something unique to try, including their own brand from Spain and Portugal. Chill but classy.

You don’t have to be a beer fanatic to love Pils Grill—but it helps. The beer selection is extensive, with local and international brews, and the food holds its own. The grilled peppers are a must-try, the steak tartare with bone marrow is next level, and the schnitzel is a fan favorite. The vibe is cozy but lively, with friendly staff who actually know what they’re talking about. A bit on the pricey side for Lisbon, but worth it if you’re after quality.

A cozy, aesthetic café where everything is made with care—from hand-brewed coffee to matcha flights that could easily compete with Japan’s best. The vibe? Warm and welcoming (shoutout to Virginia for making every visit feel special 🫶). The brunch game is strong, with fresh bread, Danish breakfast, and unique roti dishes that make it hard to choose just one. Whether you're here for a slow morning or a coffee date, this is a must-visit for matcha lovers.