Lisbon is one of our favourite food cities in Europe. The city combines traditional Portuguese flavours with creative new restaurants, natural wine bars, specialty coffee shops and exciting international influences.
Because we live in Lisbon for part of the year, we are always exploring new places to eat and drink. Every restaurant, café and bar in this guide has been personally visited by us. From memorable dinners and relaxed brunch spots to rooftop bars and some of the best coffee in Lisbon, these are the places we genuinely recommend.
We regularly update this guide with our latest discoveries, so save it for your next trip to Lisbon.
Best Restaurants in Lisbon
The best restaurants in Lisbon are one of the reasons we keep coming back to the city. From intimate neighbourhood restaurants and creative sharing concepts to refined fine dining, there’s always somewhere new to discover. These are the places that impressed us most — restaurants we genuinely recommend for their outstanding food, welcoming atmosphere and memorable dining experiences.
After Dark
When we talk about chefs expressing their passion through food, After Dark is exactly what we mean. The menu combines Brazilian influences with Japanese techniques, resulting in bold and exciting dishes full of unexpected flavour combinations. Pair everything with one of their carefully selected wines and you’ll quickly understand why this has become one of our favourite restaurants in Lisbon.
Familjen
Warm, personal and refreshingly different, Familjen feels more like dining at someone’s home than visiting a restaurant. This family-run restaurant serves creative sharing plates packed with flavour, inspired by Scandinavian cuisine with international influences. We especially loved the kale tempura and the green asparagus with pistachio sauce.
Gancho
Hidden in the charming streets of Alfama, Gancho effortlessly blends Portuguese, Italian and French influences. The menu is creative without becoming overly complicated, featuring beautifully prepared homemade pasta, crispy bacalhau and seasonal sharing dishes. Relaxed, welcoming and consistently delicious, it’s somewhere we’d happily return to every visit.
Touta
Touta offers one of the most original dining experiences in Lisbon. Inspired by Lebanese cuisine but combined with Portuguese influences, the chef transforms familiar flavours into something entirely new. From hummus with homemade infused oil to freekeh served like a creamy risotto, every dish feels creative while staying true to its roots.
Bar Alimentar
Bar Alimentar is one of those restaurants that simply gets everything right. The atmosphere is lively, the wine list is excellent and the sharing plates are packed with creativity. Their famous cannoli filled with whipped codfish perfectly captures the playful style of the kitchen. Reservations are highly recommended.
Possible World
Possible World brings together great food, outstanding cocktails and an energetic atmosphere. The menu is full of colourful, creative dishes with excellent vegetarian options, while DJs regularly provide the soundtrack for a fun evening. It’s the kind of place where dinner effortlessly turns into drinks.
Arca
Arca proves that fine dining doesn’t have to feel formal. Every dish is beautifully presented, technically impressive and full of surprising flavours, while the atmosphere remains relaxed and welcoming throughout the evening. One of our absolute favourite restaurants in Lisbon.
Alzur
At Alzur, Portuguese and Peruvian flavours come together in a colourful and creative menu. High-quality ingredients, thoughtful techniques and beautifully balanced dishes make every course a pleasure. The enthusiastic team happily shares the stories behind each creation, adding even more to the experience.
Maluca
Maluca is driven by a genuine passion for both food and wine. Seasonal ingredients, thoughtful techniques and plenty of creativity result in dishes that feel refined without becoming complicated. Our favourites were the beetroot tartare and the mushrooms, while the carefully selected wines complete the experience perfectly.
Entre
If you’re curious about the flavours of the Algarve, Entre is the perfect place to start. Led by chef Beatriz Nobre, the menu celebrates Portugal’s southern region through creative sharing plates, beautiful seafood and an excellent wine list featuring only Portuguese producers. We especially loved the confit mackerel and the sardine tempura. Thoughtful, sustainable and full of character, it’s one of Lisbon’s most exciting newer restaurants.
BouBou’s
Already recognised as one of Lisbon’s standout French restaurants, BouBou’s recently introduced a more approachable à la carte concept while staying true to its French roots. We left genuinely impressed by the beautiful garden setting, thoughtfully prepared dishes and exceptional wine selection. Save room for dessert — the Paris-Brest alone is worth the visit.
Best Wine Bars in Lisbon
We probably visit wine bars just as often as restaurants, and Lisbon has become one of our favourite cities for discovering great wines. From cosy neighbourhood gems to trendy natural wine bars, these are the places we genuinely recommend after visiting them ourselves. Whether you’re looking for a quick glass before dinner or a place to spend the entire evening, these are our favourite wine bars in Lisbon.
Vibeyard
Vibeyard is one of our newest discoveries and instantly became a favourite. This retro-inspired wine bar combines its own Portuguese wines with creative sharing plates in a laid-back setting. We especially loved the burrata with red pesto and the cured bacalhau with sour cream and dill. If you’re looking for a modern wine bar where great food is just as important as the wine, Vibeyard is well worth a visit.
Parra Wine Bistro
Parra Wine Bistro is one of Lisbon’s best spots for wine lovers. The carefully curated wine list focuses on Portuguese producers, while the seasonal menu is built around sharing plates that perfectly complement every glass. The knowledgeable team is always happy to recommend new wines, making it an excellent choice whether you’re an experienced wine enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable evening in Lisbon.
Black Sheep
Located next to the beautiful Praça das Flores, Black Sheep is one of our favourite places for natural wine in Lisbon. The wine list changes regularly, showcasing small producers from Portugal and beyond, while the relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to spend an entire evening here. Grab a table inside or enjoy your glass outside on one of Lisbon’s prettiest squares.
Ruby Wine Bar
Located in the charming neighbourhood of Campo de Ourique, Ruby Wine Bar feels like one of those places you hope never becomes too popular. The cosy interior, friendly service and thoughtfully selected wines make it an ideal spot for a relaxed evening. Whether you’re starting your night with an aperitif or finishing it with one last glass, Ruby always feels warm and welcoming.
Insaciável
Insaciável has been one of our favourite wine bars in Lisbon for years. We love the relaxed atmosphere, the spacious terrace and the constantly changing selection of natural wines. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the city, whether you’re stopping by for a quick glass or settling in for the evening with friends. They have a lovely terrace as well!
Holy Wine
Don’t let the size fool you—Holy Wine may be one of Lisbon’s smallest wine bars, but it’s packed with character. Specialising in natural wines from small producers, it’s the kind of place where every visit turns into a conversation about wine. The passionate team loves introducing guests to new bottles, making it an easy recommendation for anyone wanting to discover something different.
IF IF IF
If you’re looking for something completely different, IF IF IF specialises in Georgian wines. Their unique selection offers a refreshing alternative to traditional Portuguese wines, while authentic Georgian dishes—including their delicious handmade dumplings—complete the experience. It’s unlike anywhere else in Lisbon and definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
Cuba N°160
If you’re exploring Lisbon’s creative Marvila district, Cuba N°160 is well worth the visit. This modern wine bar celebrates Portuguese wines from independent producers and perfectly reflects the innovative spirit of the neighbourhood. Marvila has become one of Lisbon’s most exciting food and wine destinations, and Cuba N°160 is one of the places that keeps drawing us back.
Best Lunch Spots in Lisbon
Lunch in Lisbon is never just about grabbing a quick bite. It’s about slowing down over speciality coffee, sharing beautifully prepared dishes and discovering neighbourhood cafés and restaurants you’ll want to return to again and again. From artisan bakeries and creative brunch dishes to colourful lunch plates and outstanding coffee, these are the places we genuinely recommend.
Senzi
Senzi is everything you could want from a lunch spot. Exceptional specialty coffee, creative brunch dishes and what might just be the best cheesecake in Lisbon make this an easy recommendation. We especially loved the green omelet with citrus cream cheese and asparagus, while the black sesame cheesecake absolutely lives up to the hype.
TIMS
Tucked inside a contemporary museum in Santos, TIMS is one of Lisbon’s coolest cafés. Freshly baked buns, outstanding pastries and excellent specialty coffee are the stars of the menu, while the calm, design-led space makes it somewhere you’ll happily spend an entire afternoon. Don’t leave without trying one of their signature buns.
Liberty Café
Liberty Café has been one of our favourite lunch spots in Lisbon for years. Beautifully presented dishes, excellent coffee and a menu full of colourful classics make it an easy place to return to. Whether you order the fluffy pancakes or one of their creative tostadas, you really can’t go wrong.
Albi
Albi is one of Lisbon’s coziest lunch spots, combining a warm, welcoming atmosphere with fresh seasonal dishes. The focaccia is a must-order, while the relaxed setting makes it the perfect place to slow down over lunch.
Monka
Monka quickly became one of our favourite bakeries in Lisbon. Everything starts with incredible homemade bread, topped with fresh seasonal ingredients that change regularly. If you spot one of their savoury pastries, don’t think twice—they’re some of the best in the city.
Tact
Minimalist in style but big on quality, Tact lets outstanding ingredients do the talking. Build your own brunch with freshly baked bread and seasonal toppings, or go for the baked cottage cheese with fresh fruit. Simple, honest and incredibly well executed.
Do Beco
Do Beco has become famous for its signature tornado eggs: a creamy omelette served on a soft brioche bun with chilli oil. Pair it with one of their freshly baked pastries and you’ll quickly see why locals love this neighbourhood favourite.
Fabric
If you love Middle Eastern flavours, Fabric is an easy recommendation. Their fluffy challah sandwiches, creamy hummus and colourful sharing plates are packed with flavour, while the sunny terrace makes it an ideal spot for a relaxed lunch.
Comoba
With its Scandinavian-inspired interior and wholesome menu, Comoba has become one of Lisbon’s most popular all-day cafés. Whether you’re after a nourishing salad, homemade pastries or excellent coffee, it’s a reliable choice for breakfast or lunch.
Best Coffee Spots in Lisbon
Lisbon’s specialty coffee scene has exploded over the past few years, with beautiful cafés popping up in every neighbourhood. Whether you’re looking for a perfectly brewed flat white, an exceptional filter coffee or simply a peaceful place to slow down, these are the coffee spots we genuinely recommend after many visits to the city.
Dramático
Dramático may be one of the smallest cafés in Lisbon, but it’s easily one of our favourites. The passionate baristas take their time with every cup, creating beautifully balanced specialty coffee in an intimate setting. If you appreciate coffee made with genuine care, this is a place you shouldn’t miss.
Lilow Coffee
Hidden away in Campo de Ourique, Lilow is the kind of neighbourhood café you’ll want to return to again and again. Expect excellent specialty coffee, homemade pastries and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that attracts as many locals as visitors.
94 Degrees
Minimalist in design and serious about coffee, 94 Degrees consistently serves some of the best flat whites in Lisbon. Their rotating specialty beans and refreshing cold coffee drinks make this one of our regular stops whenever we’re in the city.
Baoba
Baoba takes coffee seriously, sourcing beans directly from their own farm in Brazil. The result is some of the smoothest, most flavourful coffee we’ve had in Lisbon. It’s easy to see why they earned Time Out Lisboa’s Coffee of the Year award.
Lugar Nenhum
Lugar Nenhum feels like a peaceful retreat tucked away from the city’s busy streets. The beautiful minimalist interior revolves around one long communal table where everyone quietly shares the space. Combined with outstanding specialty coffee and thoughtful homemade bakes, it’s one of the most unique cafés in Lisbon.
Calmo
As the name suggests, Calmo is all about slowing down. This relaxed neighbourhood café serves excellent specialty coffee, including one of the best cold brews we’ve had in Lisbon. It’s also laptop-friendly and welcomes dogs, making it an easy place to spend a couple of hours.
Buna
Buna pairs excellent coffee with one of Lisbon’s most enjoyable terraces. From your seat outside, you can watch the iconic Tram 28 roll past throughout the day—without squeezing onto the crowded carriage yourself. It’s one of our favourite places to enjoy a slow coffee break.
HALE MAT•CHA
Coffee isn’t the only reason Lisbon’s café scene is so exciting. HALE MAT•CHA specialises in beautifully prepared ceremonial matcha, whisked fresh to order. Combined with homemade pastries and a calming minimalist interior, it’s the perfect stop for anyone looking for something different.
Best Cocktail Bars & Speakeasies in Lisbon
Lisbon’s cocktail scene is every bit as exciting as its food scene. Hidden speakeasies, intimate neighbourhood bars and award-winning mixologists can be found all over the city. Whether you’re after a perfectly balanced classic or an inventive signature creation, these are the cocktail bars we keep returning to.
The Secret Poets Society
Hidden behind an unmarked door, The Secret Poets Society is one of Lisbon’s most magical cocktail experiences. Every drink tells a story, inspired by poetry and brought to life through house infusions, unexpected flavour combinations and techniques that take days to prepare. Combined with the intimate atmosphere, carefully curated music and immersive storytelling, it feels less like a cocktail bar and more like stepping into another world for the evening.
Uni
With just nine seats, Uni offers one of Lisbon’s most intimate cocktail experiences. Every drink is prepared with incredible precision, often combining ten or more carefully selected ingredients into a perfectly balanced cocktail. Reservations are highly recommended, but the experience is more than worth planning ahead for.
Fúria
Dim lighting, great music and inventive cocktails make Fúria one of the city’s most atmospheric bars. Despite its growing popularity, it still feels relaxed and personal, making it equally suited for a date night or an evening with friends. If you enjoy creative cocktails in a stylish setting, this is an easy recommendation.
Catfish
Run by a passionate couple, Catfish is one of Lisbon’s friendliest cocktail bars. While the signature menu is excellent, we’d recommend asking the bartenders to create something based on your personal preferences. Their creativity, experience and genuine hospitality make every visit feel unique.
Bar Na Colina
Bar Na Colina feels like discovering a hidden neighbourhood secret. The cosy interior blends medieval touches with vintage details, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Lisbon. Skip the menu and let the bartenders create a cocktail based on your mood—they’re exceptionally good at crafting something that feels personal, making this a place you’ll want to return to.
Planning another trip to Portugal? Explore our guides to Porto and Ericeira!
