Lisbon Was Just Named the Best Culinary City Destination in Europe — Here Are Must-eat Places, According to a Local

In October, Lisbon was named Europe’s best culinary city destination at the annual World Culinary Awards, an honor bestowed by the “culinary community, industry experts, and consumers.” As Carlos Moedas, the mayor of Lisbon, shared in a statement, “It’s [the award] a recognition of the quality of the gastronomy for which Lisbon is so well known and an award that encourages all the professionals who keep it alive. The local economy is increasingly a distinctive factor for the city of Lisbon, and gastronomy contributes greatly to the quality of Lisbon’s tourism.”

And as someone who lives here, I can confidently say we deserve it. Big time. But I’m not the only one singing its praises. 

“The culinary diversity, in terms of the ingredients used, their combination, and the wide-ranging options, makes Lisbon’s food scene unique,” João Silva, the head chef at Blue Bistrot and Lumi Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, shared. “Today, you can sample a bit of everything in Lisbon, from world cuisine to local fare, side by side on the same street, in the same neighborhood.” 

In fact, there are so many fantastic choices that you may have a hard time nailing down where to make a reservation, according to Lucas Azevedo, head chef at Ryoshi. 

“With the gastronomic multiculturalism that inhabits Lisbon, I believe that travelers will have a difficult time when choosing a good restaurant because the offer is great and the quality is largely superior,” Azevedo says. “By this I mean that those who visit Lisbon can choose to have an experience of world foods. However, you can’t miss a trip to good traditional restaurants, with typically Portuguese food, or a good seafood restaurant because, after all, we have the best seafood in the world.” 

As for why this city just keeps getting better and better, chef Kiko Martins says it’s all based on three essential characteristics: “Portugal’s own history, a nation of travelers always open to other cultures, who set out in search of new lands where they found new products and spices that are now part of traditional cuisine; in the number of immigrants the city welcomes, making it very eclectic, multicultural, and with an impressive gastronomic variety; and in the ideal size of the city, which makes it easy to have lunch at a Peruvian restaurant and in the evening try a traditional Portuguese restaurant.”

As Martins adds, Lisbon “strikes a perfect balance between tradition and innovation, offering a very authentic experience of Portuguese cuisine where the freshness, quality ingredients such as fish and seafood, and the constant presence of bread and olive oil stand out. It’s also important not to forget the vibrant atmosphere of the tascas (local taverns) and various markets, where the warm hospitality of the Portuguese is immediately noticeable.” 

Need a few more specific recommendations beyond the restaurants run by the fantastic chefs above? I’ve got you. Keep scrolling to see all the best spots around the city you need to dine in during your next visit to Lisbon.

Where to Find the Best Coffee in Lisbon

Dramatico: Dramatico is a teeny, tiny shop in Principe Real. The owner, Rodrigo, makes perhaps the best cup of coffee anywhere on Earth, but don’t miss his homemade treats like the banana bread and chocolate chip cookies, both made from his mother’s recipes. 

Albi: Albi is one more small shop punching well above its weight class. On a hot day, there’s nothing better than its coconut cold brew, and on a cold day, you can’t go wrong with a flat white. Its toasts are also excellent if you’re hungry. (It’s also a very puppy-friendly space, so get ready to give a few pets.) 

Hello Kristof: Closer to Sao Bento, you’ll find not one but two Hello Kristof locations — its original location on  R. do Poço dos Negros, and its new, larger spot at Rua de São Bento, 15. Both serve delicious caffeinated drinks, along with a small menu that’s ideal for a quick breakfast. Or, you can always grab one of its magazines on display and stay for a while. (And, if you happen to be wandering around Alfama, you can visit their third location just behind the National Pantheon Museum.) 

Ela Ela: In Santos, you can pop in for another coffee and a quick snack at Ela Ela. Here, I recommend being a purist and just going for an espresso or cold brew, but again, you’ll find just about every kind of drink your heart desires. 

The Coffee: Looking for to-go coffee? It’s a little unorthodox in a city that loves to sip and savor, but for those who are more in a rush, there’s The Coffee. There are several locations around the city, all serving fantastic espresso-based drinks and a few specialty items like matcha and chai. 

Where to Eat Breakfast in Lisbon 

Rhodo Bagels: Craving a bagel fix? There’s no spot better than Rhodo. It’s a chic little space, and the owner, Lindy, is always ready to help you pick out the perfect flavor combinations. Plus, Lindy won the international category and was the 4th place overall pick at New York Bagel Fest, proving this shop has got the goods. 

Neighbourhood Lisbon: Just across the street from Rhodo (and with a second location in Graca), you’ll find Neighbourhood, which offers a full list of breakfast treats. However, the star of the show here is the breakfast burrito. Get it packed with meat, veggies, kimchi, or go vegan. No matter which you choose, you won’t be wrong. 

Dear Breakfast: Dear Breakfast is a small chain found sprinkled around Lisbon, meaning there’s always something delicious in reach. Its avocado toast is delicious, as are its croissant sandwiches and juices.

Seagull Method Cafe: Seagull Method is a very popular brunch spot — but it’s popular for a reason. The pancakes are unbelievable, and its fritters and smash are the stuff of dreams.  

Where to Eat Lunch in Lisbon 

Lupitas: Get a delicious pie (or two) at Lupitas, one of the most popular pizza spots in the city. Each pizza on the menu comes with a little elevated twist that makes it feel all the more special. I am a big fan of the funghi, but the newly added street corn e spicy alla vodka looks just as delightful. 

Pomme: Find something fresh at Pomme, a spot with highly shareable plates that are ideal for group lunch outings. Go for a few starters like the croquettes and the calamari, pair it with a salad and a few mains, and ask for whatever natural wine they recommend — it’s always a great suggestion. 

Magnolia: Magnolia sits on the corner of Praça das Flores, offering some fantastic people-watching. However, you may not even notice because all eyes will be on the food. Its menu changes frequently, but you can always count on a sweet brunch snack like French toast or heartier bites like Turkish eggs, cured salmon, or lamb meatballs. (Note: If Magnolia is full, its sister location, Calma, is just around the corner.) 

Where to Eat Dinner in Lisbon 

Estrela da Bica: Estrela da Bica was the first place I went out to eat after moving to Lisbon years ago — and it remains my absolute favorite dinner spot to this day. I literally just order the entire menu, but if you don’t want to do the same, just promise me you’ll order the cabbage. It will live with you forever. 

Tricky’s: Have a funky, trendy, and extremely tasty meal at Tricky’s. It too has plenty of shareable plates — the tuna and the razor clams are particularly wonderful — and it also has lots and lots of fantastic cocktails and local wines. Invite friends. Stay as long as they’ll let you.

Restaurante Ponto Final: Find the best view in the city by heading out to Restaurante Ponto Final. It has excellent traditional Portuguese food, but there’s one catch: You have to take a ferry to get there. But, again, you’ll be rewarded with a stellar view of Lisbon from just across the bridge. 

Rocco: Maximalist design meets delicious flavors at Rocco. Here, you’ll find a little Italian and a little Portuguese all mixed together, and it all works. It’s a prime spot for seafood fans with plates like prawn risotto and lobster linguini and comes with fancy touches like oysters and caviar. 

Rosetta’s: Please, I beg you to order every single thing on Rosetta’s menu. Literally, nothing disappoints, including its brown sugar butter, which you’ll want to lick off the plate. The menu changes frequently, but it doesn’t matter because, as I said, you’re getting everything anyway. 

Where to Find Traditional Portuguese Food in Lisbon 

Pica Pau: Pica Pau translates to “woodpecker,” but don’t worry, there aren’t any on the menu.  It’s a lovely spot in Principe Real that offers up old-school recipes like pastéis de bacalhau and rissóis de leitão that certainly proves Portuguese food is indeed the best. 

Faz Frio: Just down the street, you’ll find another traditional favorite, Faz Frio. Its sauteed shrimp will have you ordering thirds and fourths, while its tempura green beans will have you fighting over the last one. 

Pigmeu: Pigmeu is all about traditional and responsible Portuguese food. That means every piece of the animal is used in its dishes. The menu is broken down into three parts: One-third for vegetables, one-third for organs, and one-third for Alentejo pork. Naturally, the bifana is a favorite. 

Sala by João Sá: Treat yourself to a Michelin-starred meal at Sala. The menu, by celebrated Portuguese chef João Sá, is a tasty journey that includes spider crab, lobster, couscous, and more, which you can add to with a suggested wine pairing. Hot tip: If you can’t score a table, try walking in for a seat at the bar.  

Tascas: Tascas are everywhere in Lisbon. These small, usually family-run establishments offer easy meals you can enjoy on the spot, including bacalhau, bifanas, and plenty of local bread, olives, and cheese. Pop in for a snack, a whole meal, and a great time with locals. 

Where to Get a Drink in Lisbon 

Black Sheep: Discover all the best Portuguese wines by paying a visit to Black Sheep. The bar is dedicated to collecting wines from small, independent producers, and its staff is wildly knowledgeable about every single drop. Chat with them about your likes and dislikes, and soon, you’ll be sipping your new favorite label.  

Toca da Raposa: Treat yourself to a cocktail after a day of shopping in Chiado by popping into Toca da Raposa. The bar is ultra-curated, with just 10 to 14 drinks on the menu at any given time, each crafted from scratch with care. Go for something herb-forward for a surprising sip. 

Onda Cocktail Room: Have another inventive drink by heading to Onda. The cocktail bar uses futuristic techniques to make you one very cool drink. While sure you could just order a drink, the bar will also teach you how to make one via its masterclass or flavor discovery experiences.