LISBON’S BEST RESTAURANTS
words ANOUK WOUDT
Amongst cities where rich history, music, sights, and food collide, the Portuguese capital is a must. These twelve Lisbon restaurants stand out with their perfectly curated atmospheres and culinary offerings.
BELCANTO
Currently regarded as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world, Belcanto, led by Jose Avillez, straps you in for a unique gastronomic journey through the depths of Portuguese cuisine. Offering a contemporary twist, the food allows you to explore Lisbon’s romantic past through a modern lens. Located in the historical and bustling Chiado neighborhood, it promises authenticity in a sophisticated setting. With an option for a tasting menu or à la carte experience, you are able to indulge in a range of flavors that perfectly encapsulate the Portuguese cultural landscape.
ENCANTO
Encanto invites you into a deeply enchanting experience from the moment you walk in. With a fully vegetarian menu, the restaurant pays homage to the subtle beauty of the vegetable. Often regarded as a side, especially in Portuguese dining, legumes are pushed into the spotlight through a delectably diverse tasting menu. As another José Avillez production, fresh produce and a unique exploration of depth of flavor are key factors that make up Encanto’s identity.
ALMA
Fine dining is at its best at Alma, known for a high level of visionary Portuguese cuisine brought to you by a team of focused chefs who prioritize the art of quality. Located inside an elegant 18th-century warehouse, the decor has an old-timey elegance that elevates the entire experience. With frequent dining room visits by the chef and phenomenal service, you can rest assured knowing that your every need will be tended to.
FISMULER
Originally based in Madrid, fismuler’s international debut in Lisbon already cemented its reputation among the greats. Honoring its roots, the menu boasts a myriad of Spanish classics with an emphasis on fresh and high-quality produce, promising an authentic taste of home. Led by a generational restaurateur, the menu builds on familiar values to create simple, yet deliciously elevated plates.
BARBELA
In a restaurant scene overcome with monotony, Barbela offers a unique dining experience, specializing in seafood. Head Chef Leandro Carreira uses this menu as a sort of homecoming, harkening back to his experiences in London, where he was highly regarded for his innovations in sea cuisine. With delightfully fresh presentations and imaginative flavor combinations, he creates vibrantly modern dishes in an industrially chic setting.
CURA
Tucked inside the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz, you will find a restaurant renowned as one of the best in the world, by the name of CURA. Serving as a tribute to Portuguese traditions, the restaurant’s philosophy and dishes paint a glamorous portrayal of Portugal. With two extensive tasting menus, the internationally acclaimed head chef infuses influence from Portuguese nature into every dish, with sourcing through local farmers and fishermen.
OFICIO - TASCO ATIPICO
Since its start in 2021, Oficio describes itself as an ‘atypical tasco’, fusing informal dining with a touch of refinement. With the lively atmosphere of a traditional tavern, the menu pulls subtle inspirations from traditional Portuguese cuisine with a sophisticated technique devised by Chef Hugo Candeias. Reiterating its praise, they received a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide only a year into opening, a signal of their excellence in the market.
SANTA JOANA
Located within the confines of a restored 17th-century convent, Santa Joana of the Locke de Santa Joana hotel has put a spell on our hearts and our stomachs. Run by the acclaimed chef Nuno Mendes, the restaurant highlights Portugal’s rich culinary heritage amid a historically charged architecture. Menu-wise, a standout is the Alentejo pork presa covered in a walnut sauce with sides of chickpea fritters and smoked chouriço; an elevated dish that captures the soul of Santa Joana.
CANALHA
As a recent addition to the Lisbon scene, Canalha has already earned its spot as one of the top restaurants in the city. Founded by chef João Rodrigues, the menu boasts an array of hearty, familiar flavors that allow you to relax and feel a sense of home. Portuguese classics dominate the menu, leaning into tradition, which is reflected in the space. Lined with ivory tiles and pink marble counters, the restaurant emits a cozy, authentic atmosphere.
BRILHANTE
Inspired by the charm of Parisian brasseries, Brilhante breathes elegance into every inch of the room. Stepping inside, you are enveloped by rich velvets and dark, woody leathers that transport you back to the era of the Belle Époque. With a classic French menu fused with international influences, Brilhante promises deeply refined dining with a taste of modern recasting.
ROCCO
Offering a taste of Southern Italy and the Mediterranean Sea, Rocco provides a much-needed Italian influence to the Lisbon cityscape. With three different areas, including the Gastrobar, Crudo bar, and Terraza, this eatery offers a wide range of satisfying options. Its comfortably glam ambiance owes itself to the architecture and charm of Chiado, where it is situated.
BAHR
Situated within the Barrio Alto Hotel, BAHR provides a stylish, yet elevated eating experience. Located on the top floor, its modern terrace transports you right into a postcard, with iconic views of the Tagus River. While the lunchtime menu is inspired by informal market meals, the night hours contrast this with a cultivated à-la-carte lineup. Every bite promises quality ingredients and craftsmanship to gift you a true taste of Portugal.