Discovering the best local restaurants in Lisbon is the perfect way to experience the city’s authentic flavors and immerse in the local culture. As the foodie capital of Portugal, Lisbon has an impressive culinary scene. Here you’ll find everything – from fresh fish and seafood to plant-based food, from tascas (traditional Portuguese restaurants) to modern eateries and local wineries.
Lisbon is one of my absolute favorite cities for food, and every time I visit, it feels like a new culinary adventure. Whether I’m visiting my favorite spots or discovering new local restaurants outside the city center, I always find something new and exciting.
However, like in many other European capitals, there are also many tourist traps, so it’s not easy to find a truly authentic spot. That’s why I’m here to help you find the best local restaurants in Lisbon, where you can eat the most authentic Portuguese food.
Lucimar
If I had to pick one restaurant in Lisbon, it would undoubtedly be Lucimar. This small family place, hidden away from the tourist crowds, is a local favorite. They serve traditional dishes, prepared only with fresh local ingredients.
There’s a good selection of meat and fish, and portions are quite big. You should try Portuguese classics such as francesinha, gambas ao alhinho (garlic shrimp), and bacalhau à brás. You can pair your meal with their excellent red or white wine. And don’t forget to save room for dessert! One of the most recommended desserts is bolo de bolacha, made with Maria cookies soaked in coffee and layered with buttercream.
Lucimar doesn’t stand out only because of its great food, but also because of the excellent service and reasonable prices. Most dishes cost less than €15, so for example, you can have grilled dorado fish for only €12, and a homemade cake for about €3.50.
Just a heads up: waiters might serve bread and butter as an appetizer, but there’s an extra charge for it. That’s quite common in all restaurants in Portugal, so if you’d rather skip it, just let them know.
Address: R. Francisco Tomás da Costa 28, 1600-093 Lisbon, Portugal
A Carvoaria
If you’re a meat lover and looking for the best steak in Lisbon, then you must visit A Carvoaria.
This amazing restaurant offers high-quality meat, excellent service, a cozy ambiance, and reasonable prices ( 12-18eur dishes). Because the price-quality ratio is unbeatable, it became a popular spot among locals.
Here, you’ll find a variety of raw meats that you can choose directly from the counter to be grilled over charcoal. Their Wagyu steak and Iberian pork skewers are full of flavor and delicious. The sides, such as creamed spinach and garlic potatoes, perfectly complement the meats. Portions are big and you can order steaks by weight (300g, 400g, 500g).
A Carvoaria also offers a wide variety of wines as well as homemade desserts that are just as good as the main courses.
Note that there are two restaurants called ‘’A Carvoaria’’ in Lisbon, so be sure to visit the right one (check the location below).
Address: R. Maria Andrade 6A, 1170-216 Lisboa, Portugal
Cova Funda
Cova Funda is a small authentic restaurant with great food. It is a hidden gem that is very popular among locals and a perfect place to get a true taste of Portuguese cuisine.
Here, you can try some of the best seafood Lisbon has to offer, from perfectly cooked octopus and codfish to calamari and shrimp starters. Although the emphasis is on fresh seafood, they also offer fish and meat dishes.
The menu comes only in Portuguese, but don’t worry, the friendly staff will translate it for you if needed.
This place is truly authentic and local, so don’t be surprised if you’re the only foreigner dining here.
Address: R. Barão de Sabrosa 12A, 1900-092 Lisboa, Portugal
Petisco Saloio
Petisco Saloio is a traditional Portuguese restaurant, known for its fantastic value set lunch menu, priced at just €12, which includes a main dish, dessert, and a drink. The lunch menu offers a choice of a few options, all of which are delicious.
Whether you opt for the tender grilled octopus, cod with egg yolk and chips, or the sous vide pork with mashed potatoes, you won’t be disappointed.
This tiny restaurant has a rustic charm and is a perfect spot to enjoy the local vibe and try traditional Portuguese dishes and house wine. It’s often packed with locals and can get busy very quickly, so you should make a reservation in advance.
Don’t forget to save room for their amazing desserts, and bring cash because they don’t accept cards.
Address: Av. Barbosa du Bocage 38, 1000-072 Lisboa, Portugal
Versailles
Versailles is a historical café that opened in 1922 – so it’s more than 100 years old. It’s always buzzing with locals, and for good reason – the pastries and savory treats are amazing.
At Versailles, you’ll find perhaps the biggest variety of pastries in town.
Whether you stop by for breakfast or lunch, you can enjoy Portuguese-style steak or steak with eggs alongside a wide variety of tasty pastries. With a perfect cup of coffee, it’s the ideal place to start your morning or enjoy a meal in Lisbon.
Address: Av. da República 15 A, 1050-185 Lisboa, Portugal
The Best Pastéis de Nata in Lisbon
While the focus here is on the best local restaurants in Lisbon, no visit to Lisbon is complete without trying the city’s most beloved treat- pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts). So, here are my favorite spots to grab these iconic pastries:
Pastéis de Belém
The most famous place to try pastel de nata is Pastéis de Belém pastry shop. This is where the first pastéis de nata were made back in 1837, following a secret recipe passed down from the monks of Jerónimos Monastery.
When you visit, you’ll see lots of tourists waiting in line, which might give the impression that the place is a tourist trap.
However, because of its long history, this spot is so popular that it gets crowded with both tourists and locals. The warm, freshly baked pastéis de nata, topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar, are definitely worth the wait!
Address: R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal
Manteigaria
Another fantastic spot to enjoy pastéis de nata is Manteigaria, and it’s just as good as the famous ones in Belém!
One of the best things about this place is that you can watch the bakers make them right before your eyes. The tarts are warm and crispy with a creamy filling that melts in your mouth.
You can sit in front and enjoy this incredible treat with a cup of coffee. If you love this wonderful Portuguese pastry, you must visit Manteigaria.
Address: Rua do Loreto 2, 1200-108 Lisboa, Portugal
So, if you’re wondering where to eat in Lisbon, you’re in for a treat! The city is filled with amazing spots where you can find the best traditional food made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
From A Carvoaria, which is a great place for meat lovers, to Lucimar, a hidden gem that serves authentic Portuguese food, these are some of the best local restaurants in Lisbon.
If you’re short on time and want to taste many different traditional dishes and wines, you can book a food and wine tour with Get Your Guide, which includes 15 tastings. You’ll learn about the culinary history of Portugal and explore the heart of the city with locals.
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