The 38 Best Restaurants in Lisbon, Portugal, According to a Local Expert

A food-loving visitor will quickly learn that sardines, cod, and the iconic pastel de nata are great, but the Lisbon restaurant scene can offer much more. Portuguese cuisine draws on global flavors from the country’s centuries of trade, and Lisbon’s restaurateurs have access to top-quality fish and seafood, unique cheeses, lovely wines, and vegetables from organic farms just outside the city. In a capital experiencing lightning-fast growth, Lisbon’s food scene mediates the collision of old and new, weaving together trendy wine bars, Michelin-starred restaurants, traditional and casual venues, and neo-tascas (modern neighborhood restaurants) that combine aspects of all of the above. 

We update this list regularly to make sure it reflects the ever-changing Lisbon dining scene. Our write-ups include insider tips from our experienced writers and editors, as well as a rough range of pricing for each destination — ranging from $ for quick, inexpensive meals with dishes largely under $10 (or the equivalent in euros), to $$$$ for places where entrees exceed $30.

New to the map in April 2026: Spring is when Lisbon slips into its most photogenic self. It’s the season for long afternoons on esplanadas and the first sardines coming off the grill, with blooming jacarandas casting entire avenues in shades of violet. Among the recent openings, Henrique Sá Pessoa has unveiled his most personal project yet: a namesake restaurant that nods to the sea, following years at Alma, where he held two Michelin stars. In Santos, Barbela Companhia de Peixe e Marisco brings a more creative, technique-driven approach to seafood in a city where fish and shellfish spots line nearly every corner. Meanwhile, Bar Alimentar has settled into its stride, with a warm, easygoing atmosphere and a menu of small Italian-leaning plates from chef João Magalhães Correia.

Rafael Tonon is a journalist and food writer living between Brazil and Portugal, covering the restaurant industry in Lisbon for outlets like the Washington Post, Epicurious, and leading Portuguese publications. A contributor to Eater since 2008, he is also the author of Food Revolutions (published in Portuguese and Spanish).