Lisbon has no shortage of places to eat, but some of the best experiences can also be found just outside the city.
Over the years, I’ve spent time exploring Lisbon, as well as nearby areas like Cascais and Sintra. During that time, I’ve come across a number of restaurants that feel more authentic, less crowded, and genuinely worth visiting.
Here are some of the best places to eat in Lisbon and the surrounding areas based on real experience.
I went to Dear Breakfast just off Largo de Santo António da Sé, on the road leading up to Alfama and right near Lisbon Cathedral. My daughter and her friend were visiting and wanted breakfast, so I brought them here. It’s not exactly a hidden gem given the location, but it’s clearly popular, giving it a place in best places to eat in Lisbon and from what I understand, a lot of locals also order from here.
If I’m in this area, late morning I usually end up at O Triangulo da Ribeira when I’m in the mood for a proper bifana in Lisbon. It’s tucked just behind Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré, and feels about as traditional as it gets. The space is small and hasn’t changed in years—inside, you stand at the bar to eat, or take it outside and sit in the park next door.
This is one of my favourite local spots and one of the best places to eat in Lisbon.
La Contessa – Chicken Piadina in Cascais I went back to La Contessa in Cascais, right on the corner of Rua Alexandre Herculano and Rua Afonso Sanches. It’s a small place with no indoor seating, but the outside is nicely done and has a relaxed, chilled feel to it. It’s the kind of spot you sit down, have a beer, and don’t feel rushed.
I’d spent the afternoon around Belém and got the tram back into Cais do Sodré. By the time I got off, the last thing I wanted to do was go home and start cooking, so I went back to a small restaurant I already knew called Loja das Conservas Petiscos.
I stopped into Bifana Lisboa while I was up in Alfama doing a photo shoot around Castelo de São Jorge. I’d seen it a few times before but never actually tried it, so I thought I’d give it a go. First impressions – it’s small but clean, and you step down into the shop. There’s a big pan of pork cooking right in front of you, which is always a good sign, and the guy serving has a bit of personality about him.
Looking for somewhere relaxed to eat in Belém? Casual Lounge Caffé combines excellent burgers, Mediterranean-style comfort food, cocktails, board games and a laid-back atmosphere just minutes from Belém Tower. Making it one of the best places to eat in Lisbon.
Honest review of Food Palace near Martim Moniz in Lisbon. Excellent Chicken Tikka Masala, garlic naan and authentic curry house atmosphere
Tucked away down one of Graça’s small side streets, Vino Vero feels more like discovering a local secret than finding a wine bar. I decided to stop by and try it for myself.
Finding the right places to eat is part of what makes Lisbon special.
If you’re visiting and want to capture your experience, I also offer relaxed Lisbon photoshoots in some of the city’s most beautiful locations.
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In addition to my work in Lisbon, I also run Manchester Photography, a well-established photography business in the UK.
Now based in Lisbon, I continue to work with clients in Manchester and London, returning for a few days each month for commercial photography projects.