Lisbon is a haven for food and wine lovers, offering a rich blend of traditional flavors and modern culinary creativity. During our visit, we indulged in the local cuisine and explored some standout spots that are worth adding to your itinerary. Whether you’re seeking a quick coffee and pastry or a leisurely dinner, these places will give you a taste of the best the city has to offer. The Lisbon food scene is not to be missed!
Coffee & pastries
Fueling Up
Lisbon is home to countless coffee shops and bakeries, each offering tempting pastries like the famous pastéis de nata, croissant brioche, and travesseiros—all of them definitely worth a try. But for those watching their pastry intake, the city also has plenty of healthy options. Whether you’re craving espresso, coffee, or matcha, you’ll find them around nearly every corner. Here are a few of our favorites.
Castro
Castro was our daily go-to for pastéis de nata, conveniently located just a few blocks from The Ivens Hotel. The warm, flaky pastries became a morning ritual, perfectly paired with a coffee.
Pastéis de Belém
This iconic spot is said to be the birthplace of the famous Portuguese custard tarts. When in Belém, skip the long lines by heading to the “to-go” counter—you’ll have fresh, delicious pastries in hand in less than five minutes.
Honest Greens
With several locations across the city, Honest Greens is the perfect spot for a healthy start to your day. From acai bowls and smoothies to protein balls and fresh-pressed juices, everything we tried was both delicious and refreshing—a nice break from the more indulgent meals we enjoyed on our trip. They also offer lunch and dinner options.
Simpli Coffee
Simpli Coffee, located in a quiet square in Chiado, offers a perfect spot to sit outside and relax. With a menu featuring espresso, coffee, matcha, and local pastries, there’s something for everyone. The coffee is sourced from small roasters who follow fair trade practices, adding to its charm.
Where to Eat
Choosing from Lisbon’s wide array of excellent restaurants was no easy task. While the sheer number of options was a bit overwhelming, it was nearly impossible to make a wrong choice! The city’s thriving food scene blends traditional Portuguese flavors with inventive modern touches, and every meal was delicious. These spots, in particular, left us wanting more.
Ofício Lisboa
Featured in the Michelin guide, Ofício Lisboa offers contemporary Portuguese cuisine with a twist. Located near the Bairro do Avillez complex, the restaurant’s menu includes petiscos, seasonal dishes, and sharing plates in a relaxed, neighborhood setting. Each dish highlights classic flavors with modern technique—perfect for those looking to experience authentic yet inventive Portuguese cuisine.
Cantinho do Avillez
For casual dining with exceptional food, Cantinho do Avillez doesn’t disappoint. Started by renowned Portuguese chef José Avillez, who is dedicated to promoting Portuguese cuisine and making Portugal a premier gastronomic destination, the restaurant delivers on his vision. Our standout dishes included roasted cheese with tomato chutney, sautéed scallops with portobello mushroom risotto, and a hearty hamburger with house-made fries. The excellent wine list by the glass offers the perfect pairing for any meal.
By the Wine
We stumbled upon By the Wine after returning from our lunch at Ponto Final. Sitting at the bar, we sipped on a few glasses of white wine from the Dão region while enjoying olives. The warm atmosphere and friendly staff drew us back for dinner. After a large lunch, we chose a charcuterie and cheese plate, which was packed with flavor and the perfect way to end a wonderful day. Be sure to get a reservation when you’re in Lisbon.
Port Final
If you’re up for a little adventure, catch the Cacilheiro ferry from Cais do Sodré and head across the Tagus River to Ponto Final for lunch or dinner. Just a short 10-15 minute walk from the port, the restaurant sits right on the river with stunning views of Lisbon and the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. Enjoy incredibly fresh fish and other local dishes, paired with a bottle of regional wine. After being featured on Somebody Feed Phil, it’s become more popular, so be sure to make a reservation or be ready for a wait.
Penalva Da Graca
If you’re craving a delicious, authentic Portuguese meal, Penalva Da Graca is the place. Our fantastic tour guide, Nuno, recommended this local spot after our half-day tour, and it didn’t disappoint. The unassuming atmosphere, friendly staff, fresh fish, generous portions, and tasty house wine make it a must-visit. It’s the perfect spot for local seafood and shellfish, prepared in the traditional style.
Where to Drink
Lisbon’s drinking scene is diverse, with everything from traditional liqueurs to contemporary wine bars. Whether you’re trying Ginjinha for the first time or exploring Portugal’s rich winemaking regions, the city has no shortage of places to enjoy a great drink. These three spots stood out during our visit, each offering a unique taste of the local culture.
Ginjinha Sem Rival Eduardino
Ginjinha is a traditional Portuguese liqueur made by infusing brandy with sour cherries, sugar, and cinnamon. At 18-24% ABV, it’s a sweet but strong sip! Our local guide recommended Ginjinha Sem Rival Eduardino as a spot with fewer crowds, offering an authentic experience for anyone looking to try this classic drink. While Ginjinha shops are scattered throughout Lisbon, this one stands out for its charm and genuine feel.
The Little Wine Bar
With several locations around the city, The Little Wine Bar is a casual, welcoming spot perfect for an afternoon sip after a day of touring. Their extensive list of Portuguese wines lets you explore different regions, accompanied by small bites. Most locations offer both indoor and outdoor seating, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.
By the Wine
One of our favorite wine bars. See the description under “Where to Eat”.
Whether you’re craving a classic pastel de nata, seeking a memorable meal, or just want to sip your way through the city, Lisbon has something for every palate. Make sure to explore beyond the tourist spots to find hidden culinary treasures—you won’t regret it.
