Where to Eat in Lisbon

restaurant

Cantina Peruana

Lisbon, Portugal

The latest offering from hyped chef Jose Avillez and the most exciting to date. Table are set all around a leafy indoor square balcony overlooking another one of his spots, inducing a feeling of floating elevation – like you’re sitting pretty in a hanging basket and are outside. Ambient lighting twinkles and pisco sours flow before you enjoy an innovative menu that takes all cross cultures of Peruvian settlers and combines cuisines, according to ‘six worlds’ (raw cold, red hot coals, fried, Andean, wok and sweet) meaning you’ll see some Asian influence and some BBQ. Try the classic tiger’s milk white ceviche, the barbeque pork rice, and the tempura fritters.

Address

Rua Nova da Trindade 18 1200-466

restaurant

Less

Lisbon, Portugal

Don’t be put off by the all-gin-everything vibe; this restaurant is the new sister spin off of a specialist bar and distillery set in the iconic Ribeiro da Cunha Palace, a XIX century new-Arabian Palace turned shopping and cocktail bazaar. The restaurant is located in the ornate, high ceilinged main hall and offers an unusual gin-paired a la carte that includes smoked gins along with lots of fish, duck and a strong focus on herbs. Try the basil risotto and scallops with a home-distilled gin basil smash.

Address

Praça do Príncipe Real 26 1250 184

restaurant

Tentações de Goa

Lisbon, Portugal

Family-run and usually busy, this tiny establishment is situated down an unassuming alley in the Mouraria neighbourhood and serves the best Goan food in Lisbon. Book ahead and enjoy delights such as crab curry and pork vindaloo.

Address

Rua de São Pedro Mártir 23 1100-034

restaurant

O Corvo

Lisbon, Portugal

O Corvo (the crow) is the protector of Lisbon and here you can feel right at home among a (surprisingly stylish) crow-themed setting that spills out into a beautiful azulejo-covered courtyard. Indulge in adapted Portuguese dishes, homemade focaccia and hefty brunches, washed down with aguardente bagaçeira (a local spirit made from pomace) cocktails.

Address

Largo dos Trigueiros 15A-15B

restaurant

Maria da Mouraria

Lisbon, Portugal

This fado restaurant is possibly the most historically significant in Lisbon. The building was previously the famous brothel in which Maria Severa worked until her lover, the Count of Vimioso, purchased it for her to live in. Now you can eat dinner and listen to some of the city’s best fadistas, or drop in after dinner service to enjoy the music.

Address

Rua do Capelão Largo da Severa 2/2B 1100 – 588

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Cozinha Popular

Lisbon, Portugal

Many of the best places to visit are associações, thanks to their innovative, all-inclusive approach. Hidden behind an inconspicuous steel doorway is one such in-the-know gem, the People’s Kitchen. Chefs and volunteers serve up the riches of Angola, Cabo Verde and Brazil among delightfully relaxed and kitsch settings for as little as €5 a meal. Ask about their involvement with Muita Fruta, an exciting project that’s combining tech and volunteer work to farm Lisbon’s fruit trees with juicy results.

Address

Rua das Olarias 5 1100-377

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restaurant

Cantinho do Aziz

Lisbon, Portugal

An acclaimed and incredibly friendly restaurant serving up satisfyingly spicy and inventive dishes from Mozambique, run by lifelong Mouraria residents. If you are won over by Cantinho do Aziz, like many high profile guests before you, they also have outlets in Leeds and Miami.