Planning a trip to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and want to sample some of its culinary delights? Well then, dig in on the Portuguese cuisine beyond the tourist traps. Lisbon is a city full of history and culture and, more importantly, fantastic food. How do you discover that quality “secret” Lisbon restaurant among all the noisy, well-worn ones? Join me on a culinary tour to dig up some of the best-kept local dining secrets in Lisbon.
Why Hidden Gems Matter
You’re in a chaotic neighbourhood in Lisbon, where people are laughing out loud and the smell of fresh food being cooked is thick in the air. You stroll past a tiny café that doesn’t feature in any tourist guidebook. It’s in these places where locals eat, and where the real Lisbon comes alive. Find these places and your trip has a chance of becoming unforgettable, offering a real taste of the city’s food culture.
“But how do I find these places?”
- Yes. So you’re heading to Lisbon and thinking, ‘Yes, I want to eat like the locals and find the cool places. But how?’ That’s what this guide is for. We’ve tried all the best spots on your behalf so you don’t have to spend hours online reading hundreds of reviews, or wander around lost and pained. Enjoy our selection, because these Lisbon food recommendations are the best of the best!
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Top Hidden Gem Restaurants to Discover
- A Taberna da Rua das Flores
Small, intimate and on a cobbled street, A Taberna da Rua das Flores is one of Lisbon’s cosiest taverns offering set menus that change daily and a wide range of truly delicious petiscos (Portuguese tapas). Go here and you’ll be sure to enjoy a wide range of tastes in one meal.
https://www.facebook.com/ATabernaDaRuaDasFlores/
- Taberna Sal Grosso
Just out of Santa Apolonia, Taberna Sal Grosso is a neighbourhood goto for more robust, rustic plates and classic dishes (grilled sardines or octopus rice). It’s relaxed and unfussy, the kind of place to feast and feel fine.
https://www.facebook.com/tabernasal/
- Cervejaria Ramiro
A bit more upscale, but no less of a gem, is Cervejaria Ramiro, a seafood restaurant that doubles as a beer house selling the freshest molluscs in the city. Make sure you try the garlic shrimp and the Prego, the archetypal steak sandwich, to cap off your meal.
https://www.cervejariaramiro.pt/
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- Tasca do Chico
To get some São Pedro Petiscos (seasonal tapas) and Fado, Tasca do Chico is a great bet. At this intimist bar in Bairro Alto, singers hold the audience breathless while you eat one of the nicest petiscos in Lisbon. sagradacanica.pt The view from Pena palace on a gloriously sunny day: in summer, be sure to get there early before the crowds arrive.
https://www.facebook.com/TascadoChicoFado/
- Prado
At Prado, gourmet tourists can indulge in fresh, local, seasonal ingredients and feast on farm-to-table meals with minimalist, chic décor and innovative dishes, incorporating Portuguese ingredients and taste sensations in a modern key.
https://www.pradorestaurante.com/
“What else can you discover?”
So there you are – a list of suggestions to get you started. And now think about what other delights you might discover in just those bairros if you explored them more – a meal becomes an opportunity to discover more layers of Lisbon culture, get to know locals, create memories … The heap is a mere taste of what awaits, as every neighbourhood in Lisbon has its secrets of taste and charm it is happy to reveal to those who seek to explore.
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Ready to Taste the Best of Lisbon?
We can only hope that, in years to come, you’ll bring back your own favourite places you have discovered in Lisbon and that you’ll inspire others to do the same. Bom apetite!