Our Recommendation: Restaurante O Tachadas, Santos
Fate led us a few steps further when the Museum of Puppetry was taking its lunchtime break, dropping us right to Restaurante O Tachadas. This charming eating spot is the epitome of culinary joy, fitting perfectly into an ideal evening of a long, leisurely lunch which we often yearn for. Notably, it contributes to the gastronomic richness of Lisbon by serving delicious Portuguese cuisine. Whether you're on a night out with friends or a romantic dinner date, this restaurant will not disappoint.
In Lisbon, one can stumble upon numerous enthralling spectacles. Half-opened entrances reveal picturesque sceneries of beautiful, colourful bougainvillea courtyards in decay and the lingering sounds of melodies permeating the air. One such doorway opens to a lively scene: Local folks huddled together at bustling tables, ready to relish the fragrant, grilled marvels prepared on a large-scale grill stationed at the premiership. The delicious line-up of the grill showcases an assortment of mega-sized meat cuts, squids, stunning fish recipes, and sardines. As we positioned ourselves and ordered a serving of delightfully roasted fish, an overwhelming sense of satisfaction flooded us. The ambiance, punctuated by genial waiters whizzing past and habitual patrons indulgently progressing through multiple courses, echoed leisureliness.
A visit to Rua da Esperança 178 can further provide details, by connecting to this restaurant on their Facebook page.
iona smith
Experience the Charm of Lisbon at Ristorante Ponto Final, Almada
Heartwarming home-cooked meals paired with the most breathtaking vistas of Lisbon are the speciality at Ristorante Ponto Final. Embark on an enchanting 10-minute ferry journey departing from Cais de Sodre that will take you across the serene waters of the Tagus to Cacilhas. From there, wander to your right, walking past the hardworking fishermen and towards the expansive ocean. The restaurant's highly recommended daily special features freshly-caught fish, gratifying Alentejo bread, and a fine selection of wine, all for just €15. Be sure to arrive early for the chance to secure a sought-after table in the al fresco dining area.
Located at Rua Ginjal 72
Posted by: Gonca
A Cevicheria, Principe Real
Stepping into the petite seafood haven of A Cevicheria might require a wait, but rest assured, an invigorating pisco sour will keep you company during your wait. The intimate establishment offers a mere four tables and a bar, fashioned in a semi-circular design to enhance your culinary experience as you observe the culinary prowess of chefs, crafting stunningly beautiful ceviche masterpieces. For €40 approximately, you're immersed in a gastronomic tour via the tasting menu, presenting delights such as tuna, scallops, and octopus, all meticulously designed to resemble miniature art pieces. It's an experience that commands your attention, even if it's just to appreciate the perched octopus watching guard over the culinary proceedings.
Find it at Rua D Pedro V, 129 or follow their updates on Facebook
Curated by alisonfgill
Cantinho do Aziz, Mouraria
Nestled within the cozy confines of a courtyard along Rua de São Lourenço, you'll discover the gem that is Cantinho do Aziz. Its unpretentious setting with unassuming plastic tables and chairs might seem simple, but it's part of the charm. Throughout this East African culinary haven, the tantalizing aroma of coconut, succulent seafood, and robust meat courses wafts through the air. The concise, yet diverse menu is riddled with dishes that hum with authenticity. Their offerings tell compelling stories of accolades or tout anecdotes of impressive past customers. A notable standout we sampled was the chacuti de cabrito - delectably melt-in-your-mouth morsels of lamb drenched in a dark coconut sauce, paired perfectly with coconut-infused rice for just €9. To complement this, we indulged in a full-liter of crisp white wine at an affordable €6. The cuisine was a delight to the senses, the spices hit just right, and the tenderness was second to none.
Directions and more can be found on Facebook.
Contributor: David O’Brien
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Terra, Principe Real
Regardless of whether you consider yourself a food connoisseur, a vegan, or a mere lover of exquisite cuisines, Terra located in Principe Real, Lisbon provides a unique dining experience. This serene restaurant packs in a captivating garden ambiance complemented by their extensive buffet, priced modestly at €15.90. Their line-up caters to all tastes with an impressive array of vegetarian and vegan appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Having been frequented multiple times, the charm of Terra hasn't let us settle on any favorite dish - instead, the joy lies in savoring the different offerings each visit brings. Touring Lisbon becomes an even greater pleasure with the promise of relaxing amid Terra's enchanting surroundings. If you wish to indulge in this experience, find them at Rua da Palmeira 15, restauranteterra.pt
Dona Quitéria, Praça das Flores
One must visit dining destination in Lisbon is Dona Quitéria. This delightful establishment prides itself on its knowledgeable staff, wonderful atmosphere, and most importantly, its masterful takes on traditional Portuguese petiscos. It's often compared to tapas in terms of its variety and style. The grilled octopus served here, in particular, is widely recognized as some of the best to be found not only in Lisbon, but across the globe, enhancing its culinary appeal.
Enjoy the ambiance outdoors at the vibrant crimson tables laid down on quaint cobbled streets or take a seat indoors for a trip back in time, with the vintage-themed interiors which were originally a part of a grocery store.
Find the location and keep updated with the latest by visiting the restaurant's Facebook page. This often overlooked gem, Dona Quitéria, is snuggled at Travessa de São José 1 and is a must for every food adventurer visiting Lisbon.
By: Sarah Castagnola
Tapisco, Principe Real
Every weekend, particularly on Saturdays, the bustling market at Praça do Principe Real is a sight to behold. This market stands out due to its focus on local, organic products, and unique crafts. Nestled close by, you will discover a culinary delight known as Tapisco, a restaurant popular for its combination of traditional and innovative flavors that opened just this year. Tapisco's menu is a food lover's paradise - traditional dishes like bacalhau à brás (a delightful mix of salt cod, eggs, and potato), and Alentejo pork paired with wholesome lentils, share space with exquisite plates such as bomba (resembling the much-loved arancini risotto balls), and the tangy chocos (a delicacy made from cuttlefish) showcased with coriander and lime. The average cost of these delectable plates is around the €12 mark. Paired with the stimulating flavors are a variety of vermouths and an impressive selection of wines served by the glass. Modern yet homely is the ambience, you can choose to be seated at the long bar and enjoy watching the skilled chefs in action. Located at Rua Dom Pedro V 81, tapisco.pt, Tapisco is a scene stealer in the Lisbon dining experience.
Written by john redston
Taberna da Rua das Flores, Bairro Alto
Make your way promptly to Taberna da Rua das Flores, as this gem of Lisbon doesn't offer seat bookings and usually fills up by 6pm. Simply reveal your identity to the congenial team, who will promptly inform you about the waiting time. This cozy establishment is celebrated for its innovatively prepared dishes. Inspired by traditional tapas, the menu here is a delightful rendition of these Spanish starters, with a distinctive Portuguese twist. One standout dish I sampled was a Portuguese-style sushi, luxuriously filled with succulent mackerel, and garnished with a scrumptious mix of finely chopped peppers and onions. Savouring the black pork is a must, notable for its uniquely robust flavor. There's also a running list of delectable fish recipes churned out daily, including enticing delicacies like cod tongues – don't let the names dissuade you!
Find this eatery at Rua das Flores 103, or visit them on Facebook.
Food Temple, Mouraria
Nestled within the charming backdrop of the medieval Mouraria district, you'll find a jewel known as the Food Temple. This oasis of vegetarian/vegan cuisine may be tiny and slightly elusive, but it's surely worth the hunt. The ever-changing and inventive menu is brimming with tantalizing tapas-style dishes that not only please your palate but offer astounding value with most dishes priced around €4. Delectable desserts complete the gastronomic experience.
But the Food Temple offers more than just food. It's an experience of southern European culture, characterized by its shared outdoor seating, reminiscent of a bustling communal patio. As you savour your meal and perhaps a crisp, cold beer, you can bask in an enchanting atmosphere complemented by the gentle buzz of al fresco diners and live musicians. Solo travelers find a sense of companionship as they leisurely indulge, observing the delightful ebb and flow of customers. It speaks to our primal desire for communal experiences and culinary storytelling.
Find this quaint dining haven at Morada, Beco do Jasmim 18, thefoodtemple.com. Experience firsthand the magic that makes Food Temple an embodiment of romantic, relaxed southern-European dining at its finest.
Darwin’s Café, Belém
Located in the heart of Belém, the Champalimaud Centre houses a gem of culinary delight - the waterside Darwin’s Café. The harbor-side eatery sports a chic modernistic design, which is a perfect backdrop for the artistic meal presentation. When the sun is high and resplendent, nothing acts as a better refuge than their open-air terrace. Here, a sublime lunch can be enjoyed with a tangy sip of wine, the historic Torre de Belem adding charm to the view, and a gentle brush of breeze from the Tagus river teasing the senses. Their menu boasts a plethora of excellently prepared dishes with distinctive flavor profiles, one of them being the flavorful combination of shrimp and octopus risotto, enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and coriander, all for €17. This plate truly puts the restaurant's innovative use of ingredient pairing on full display. Venture to Av Brasília Ala B, and discover more about this dining experience from their official site: darwincafe.com
Lisa Hatfield
Alma, Chiado
Treating yourself to a dining experience at Alma, a gem in the culinary scene of Lisbon, equates to a high-class adventure painted with commitment to quality and elegance, endearing customer service, and an innovative twist to traditional gastronomy. The restaurant, a shining star amongst the recent additions to Lisbon's globally recognized Michelin guide, left a profound impression for its superior standards. Coming from an urban environment, such as London, would make one appreciate the charming blend of exceptional service characterized by humility and genuineness.
The brain behind the culinary masterpieces at Alma is Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, known for his innovative tasting menu. Each dish is a well-thought-out creation, striking a balance between imagination and masterful execution, with a detailed narrative enabling customers to not only understand what's on their plate but also the best way to savor it. An interesting fact about Chef Pessoa is his love for incorporating local ingredients in his menus, demonstrating the rich culinary culture of Portugal.
We mustn’t forget the role of the charming sommelier, who carefully selects affordable yet perfect pairing wines to enhance the dining experience. The whole experience at Alma goes beyond fulfilling high anticipations, it creates memorable moments. The restaurant, although priced a bit higher than many, offers main courses starting at €29 and three-course meals beginning from €80 – a worthwhile investment for such a unique and exquisite dining experience.
You can find this gastronomical paradise at Rua Anchieta 15. Further inquiries, reservations, and perusal of the menu are available at almalisboa.pt.
