With its year-round sunshine, old-world charm and lively nightlife, Lisbon is a popular spot. It is also a burgeoning foodie destination, with each of these ten eateries offering something unique...
1. Belcanto
Now with two Michelin stars to its name, Belcanto is a haute cuisine restaurant managed by prestigious Portuguese Chef José Avillez. Guests can enjoy new Portuguese cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere that still provides the former romance of the Chiado district, where the restaurant is located.
2. D’Bacalhau
No visit to Lisbon is complete without trying one of the many ways cod is prepared – and D’Bacalhau, located in Parque das Nações, gives diners a wide choice of options. Choose from grilled (“bacalhau á brás”), with cream (“bacalhau com natas”), or with a touch of olive oil (“bacalhau à lagareiro”)...
3. Bica do Sapato
Bica do Sapato is Lisbon’s hippest restaurant to see and be seen. Located in a renovated riverfront warehouse in front of Santa Apolonia train station, it features contemporary Portuguese dishes in a minimalist setting.
4. Ministerium
A three-in-one bar, restaurant (cantina) and night club. Featuring a wide variety of sandwiches, steaks, salads, cheeses and desserts, Ministerium Cantina’s Chef Nuno Bergonse combines 'youth' and 'ambition' in his creations. At weekends, chairs and tables are removed to welcome the best local and international DJs and their electronic beats.
5. Duetos da Sé
Gastronomy and arts meet at Duetos da Sé, located next to Lisbon’s Cathedral (Sé). While enjoying the eatery’s tapas-style snacks and its Portuguese mains, guests can take great delight in piano recitals, and jazz and fado performances, amongst other activities.
6. The Decadente Restaurante & Bar
One of the most popular restaurants in Lisbon for both locals and visitors alike, offering brunches, lunches and dinners. The Decadente specialises in serving affordable, locally-produced fare in a cosy dining room. Furniture from the '70s, design magazines from that decade, soft music and laid-back staff all add to the charm.
7. Flores do Bairro
This is a bistro-style eatery that reinterprets regional Portuguese cuisine in a quirky but refined way. The restaurant, located on the ground floor of Bairro Alto Hotel, offer great views of Luís de Camões Square and Rua das Flores, right in the heart of Lisbon.
8. Maria da Mouraria
One of the best ways to grasp Lisbon’s culture is by having a truly Portuguese meal while witnessing a fado performance. Maria da Mouraria is located in the former house of Lisbon’s first fado singer, Maria da Severa, and offers pure Portuguese food and fado performances.
9. Mini Bar Teatro
Mini Bar Teatro is Chef José Avillez’s first gourmet bar in Lisbon. Located in São Luiz Theatre (Chiado), its menu features cocktails, wines and beers – as well as various gastronomic experiences full of flavour.
10. Confeitaria de Belém
Located close to the landmark Jerónimos Monastery, this bakery, famous for its pastéis de Belém, is a must on any Lisbon trip. Legend has it, only three people in the world have the original recipe for these sweet egg-custard tarts, dusted with cinnamon and sugar. The tradition at the bakery is that the tarts should be eaten in pairs.
For more information on restaurants in Lisbon visit www.visitlisboa.com
Main image: Grilled octopus and chickpeas (Shutterstock)
