Gives Commerce Square to the Sao Jorge’s Castleof wheezing The Belém Tower, Lisbon it is like this: it has an abundant cultural life that blends with the past and the present in a delicious way.
And speaking of delights, the streets of portuguese capital they spread the characteristic aromas and flavors of the country through their restaurants – which are true life experiences.
Once here, its charming corners give us the certainty that, yes, Lisbon is a gastronomic capital – and among the best in the world. The interesting thing is to note that, even in typical Portuguese food houses, each restaurant has its particularities. then define where to eat in Lisbon is a difficult task, as there are several incredible addresses – it makes you want to know them all!
One of the most sought after cities by Brazilians outside Brazil, both for tourists how much for residents, Lisbon is also synonymous with fresh seafood, given its proximity to the Atlantic. Fish, meats, sausages and, of course, plenty of beer and wine, are just some of the raw materials we enjoy here.
Next, I share 10 restaurants in the Portuguese capital who have a guaranteed space in my heart. Are you going to Portugal? Write down the tips and be surprised!
Belcanto
THE Belcanto, for me, is the best restaurant in Lisbon. Located in Chiado, it is one of the few restaurants where I have the tasting menu whenever I come to the city. Today the holder of two Michelin stars, I frequent the house run by chef José Avillez since he has a star – he is also among the 50 best in the world on The World’s 50 Best list.
For starters, all the dishes are amazing, and have an unparalleled consistency. Very elegant in decor and architecture, everything was excellent every time I sat down at the table. That said, there are three in-house tasting menus, ranging from €175 to €250, true journeys through traditional flavors and excellence in the execution of revisited Portuguese cuisine.
The à la carte dishes are also good, such as the prawn curry with apple and hibiscus (55€) as a starter, the sea bass with avocado “scales” (75€) and the crispy suckling pig with pepper sauce, orange peel puree, lettuce heart with sarapatel and soufllé potatoes (75€) as main. For dessert, the already classic tangerine (25€) draws sighs from the eyes and mouth.
Rua Serpa Pinto, 10 A, 1200-445 Lisbon.
Ramiro Brewery
Sausages, shrimp, shellfish, crayfish. Combine the dishes with a cold beer and we have the perfect combo in Ramiro Brewerya house in the center of Lisbon that has been here since 1956. It is one of the best known places in the Portuguese capital and one of the most celebrated for its tradition and quality, being considered a classic of the city.
Reference in seafood, there are nurseries inside the restaurant so that the food arrives super fresh at our table. Olive oil and garlic are traditional and error-free seasonings used here. With all this fame, the tip is to arrive early and be patient, as the restaurant is usually full in a short time.
Avenida Almirante Reis 1-H, 1150-007 Lisbon.
Solar dos Presuntos
Refinement and quality mark the experience in Solar dos Presuntos, an almost obligatory gastronomic stop in the Portuguese capital. Here we eat prawns, oysters, lobster and crab among the shellfish, as well as octopus vinaigrette (€6.50) and codfish pastries (€5) as starters. The waiter also cuts juicy slices of Joselito ham in front of us (19€).
Also, be sure to order the Queijo de Azeitão (€6.20), one of my all-time favorites, which matures for 20 days and is made in Setúbal, being creamy and containing a slight bitterness. A treat! The house has been in existence for over forty years and the hall has been renovated, adding a modern touch to the place.
Rua das Portas de Stº Antão, 150, 1150-269 Lisbon.
Gambrinus Lisbon
On the same charming street as Solar dos Presuntos, at number 23, is the Gambrinusa restaurant with over 70 years of tradition (refurbished in the 1960s) with three environments whose decor mixes traditional Portuguese details with antiques, porcelain pieces, exotic woods and period furniture.
From the kitchen, some specialties come out every day, such as cod à Chico Lage (€28) on Fridays, grilled grouper with flavored olive oil (€32) on Saturdays and roasted kid goat à souto-mor (€32) on Sundays. Among the fish, meat and seafood entrees, be sure to try the meat croquettes.
Rua das Portas de Stº Antão 23, 1150-264 Lisbon.
O Magano Alentejo Restaurant
Want to eat Alentejo food in a traditional restaurant that has more than 20 years of history in the city? The Magano it’s the right place. The house is small and carries a family atmosphere, and the kitchen comes out with simple dishes, but with a very elaborate and delicious preparation.
Duck rice, turbot tenderloins à Bulhão, fried squid, fish soups, among others, make up the menu. Here I highlight the sausages for starters, as well as the cod with wine pairing as the main course. My eyes – and stomach! – also shine a lot for the house fries. Have to ask!
Rua Tomás da Anunciação 52A, 1350-328 Lisbon.
Yakuza by Olivier
The proposal of yakuza is to merge Eastern and Western cuisine – and in the best possible way. Previously at another address, it is now located next to the Tivoli, the hotel where the Seen Lisboa is located, close to Avenida Liberdade. The atmosphere is stunning and the menu follows the same pattern.
Led by chef Olivier da Costa, we find the simplest to the most elaborate dishes of Japanese cuisine. It is the right destination for those who want to enjoy refined Japanese cuisine, with a selection of sushi, sashimi, nigiris, combinations, specials.
There are also tempuras and pasta, as well as novelties, such as the sirloin of sea bass in miso (45€), lobster salad (35€) and grilled crab leg with miso sauce (85€). There is also a pre-set lunch menu of €25 from Monday to Friday. In the house, the tip is to try to sit at the counter or at the tables overlooking the gardens.
Hotel Avani, R. Júlio César Machado 7, 1250-135 Lisbon.
XXL by Olivier
THE XXL is another restaurant in the Portuguese capital that has chef Olivier da Costa behind the project. Opened at the end of 2021, it is actually an evolution of the old XL which, now under the leadership of Olivier, has gained new decoration and dishes – in addition to an extra “X” in the name.
The house was already emblematic and is opposite the Assembly of the Republic. The menu retains the soufflés and steaks that made the place famous for a whole generation. In the best bistro chic style, I’m surprised by the Ferrero Roche souffle (12€), a sweet that tops off the meal very well.
Before the sweets, however, there are also the cheese and spinach souffles (25€) and fish and shrimp (35€), as well as salads ranging from 6€ to 10€.
Calçada da Estrela 57, 1200-661 Lisbon.
Seen Lisbon
Olivier da Costa, the same behind XXL and Yakuza, also has his name associated with Seen Lisbonrestaurant on the 9th floor of the Hotel Tivoli on Avenida da Liberdade, one of the main thoroughfares in the city. Hot spot from Lisbonhere there is a fusion between Brazilian and Portuguese cuisine with one of the most beautiful views of the country’s capital – the sunset on the rooftop is charming, lively and with music.
after the Seen open in São Paulo in 2017, at the top of the Tivoli Mofarrej, the Portuguese brother opened its doors in the country’s capital in 2018 and soon became a popular spot. Here, try the seen taco (15€) with marinated fish of the day, guacamole, Japanese mayonnaise, Tobiko roe, sprouts and pomegranate, as well as the six pieces of wagyu gyosa (14€) and the dulce de leche soufflé ( 15€)
Hotel Tivoli Avenida da Liberdade, Avenida da Liberdade, 185, 9th floor 1260-050 Lisbon.
jncquoi
IT’S one of the most popular addresses in the city. A huge dinosaur skeleton draws attention amidst the decor of the main hall, and the place is formed by several corners and floors. There is a bar, terrace, little shop and you can also play a DJ in one of the spaces, making everything more relaxed.
The menu follows an international standard, as are the starters: salmon gravlax (€19), burrata with ham (€29) and roasted eggplant (€14). Among the classics, there is duck confit (28€) and Meunière or grilled sole (47€), as well as other fish, pasta and cheese options. The menu is also extensive in terms of desserts, in which the beauty stands out.
Avenida Liberdade 182-184, 1250-146 Lisbon.
Ritz Four Seasons Lisbon
On Rodrigo da Fonseca Street, the Four Seasons is one of the best hotels in Lisbon. In addition to the panoramic view of the city, highlighting Parque Eduardo VII, Castelo de São Jorge and the Tagus River, the hotel also serves a delicious prego, typical portuguese dish consisting of bread and meat and, on top of that, best enjoyed with a fancy fries – and why not a drink too?
Always when I come to Lisbon I eat the nail here. Among the hotel’s kitchens are the Cura restaurant, which uses seasonal ingredients from the region to create exquisite handcrafted dishes; Varanda, which serves delicious brunch and lunches overlooking Eduardo VII Park; and O Japonês, which, as the name suggests, serves Japanese delicacies in an intimate setting.
Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca 88, 1099-039 Lisbon.
Source: CNN Brasil
