Lisbon surprised us a bit with food. There are so many options and food at restaurants is no that expensive compared to some other European cities.
You’ve got traditional Portuguese places, but also a lot of really good international spots. So we tried a bit of everything.
Here are the places we kept going back to, or still think about.
Shakar (breakfast & brunch we couldn’t stop going to)
This is easily our favourite food spot in Lisbon.
We went here so many times that we almost went through the entire menu. But in my humble opinion, the chicken tacos are the best thing on the menu. Fresh, full of flavour, just really really good.
But honestly, everything is great.
Eggs benedict, shakshuka, french toast, matcha, fresh juices, lemonades… you can’t really go wrong here.
This is one of those places you plan to visit once and then end up coming back again. And we will be back for sure!
Fado Dinner (portugese food + experience)
It’s one of those places where you go not just for food, but for the whole experience.
Live Fado, small space, a bit intimate, and really good Portuguese food.
We tried a few things across two visits, starters with meat in the chef’s sauce, then mains like beef or fish, and everything was just really solid.
We still remember this place not just because of the food but the whole intimate atmosphere. It’s a must!
Lisbon has great international food too!
We didn’t just eat Portuguese food.
Lisbon has a really good mix of international spots.
- Karater Georgian Bistro – something completely different, but really good. If you want to switch it up, definitely worth it.
If you want something quick and easy:
- In Noodles – simple, fast, Asian food, perfect when you don’t want to overthink it
- Buga Ramen – they have a few spots around the city and it’s always a safe choice
- and you can’t miss Time Out Market, perfect place to try a bit of everything and great place to hang out.
Dessert
You can’t go to Lisbon and not eat the best pastéis de nata.
For us, it’s Manteigaria. Just grab a box and you’re set. That creamy, slightly cinnamony filling, crispy pastry… it’s just perfect. We always plan to bring a few back home but they never make it.
Lisbon gets warm, and at some point you’ll want something cold.
- Gelateria La Romana dal 1947 – this one really stood out. Blackberry, elderberry, lemon… those three together in one flavour is my top 3 flavour of all time.
- Gelateria La Verde – they do more seasonal and slightly “weird” flavours, but in a good way. We tried pumpkin…and it was actually really good.
Lisbon is one of those cities where you don’t need a strict food plan.
Just walk, stop when something looks good, and you’ll probably eat really well.
But yeah… if you’re not sure where to start, start with Shakar and Manteigaria and maybe Time Out Market.
Until next time, be mesmerized 💛
