Lisbon, one of the Western Europe’s most vibrant cities, with its modern culture, heritage and traditions capture the Portuguese lifestyle. It’s also been recognised as one of the ten coolest cities on the planet and boasts an absolutely magnificent climate all year round.
The best is to visit Lisbon over a long weekend (five days if possible) to savour both the beautiful architecture and its delicious food. The famous cod, Portugal’s typical dish, served in a showcase pie or a molecular sphere, the seafood and fresh fish from the Atlantic served as a contemporary dish or fresh, straight from the grill, all make Lisbon a place you’ll always want to return to.
Although practically every restaurant in the city serves some of the marine species we mentioned, there are some spots we believe are really worth a visit:
- Aqui Há Peixe
The pleasure of good service, the best of the best in the seafood, where the chef Miguel Reino carefully selects the ingredients from the 31 de Janeiro Market in Saldanha on a daily basis.
Here you can find baby squid sautéed with garlic and coriander, Cantabrian anchovies, fresh natural oysters, main dishes like the fish of the day, tuna steak sautéed in scented olive oil, red prawns with the chef’s special sauce, grilled lobster, or the dish of the day based on the “inspiration of the chef”. A place that’s sure to captivate your senses.
Address: R. Trinidad 18A, 1200-468 Lisbon | Tuesday to Saturday 4pm – 12am. Sunday 6pm -12am, Closed Monday.
- Casa de Linares / Bacalhau de Molho
A beautiful place with vaulted ceilings, Renaissance decor and stone columns in a building reconstructed from the earthquake-ruined palace in 1755. Two of the country’s leading chefs, Samuel Mota and Ivo Bradão will delight your senses with Lagareiro style cod, smoked octopus, roasted Portuguese-style sea bass, or a delicious tradition loin of cod.
Casa de Linhares also has a wine cellar with reserves dating back to the 1980s. The almost constant temperature and humidity keep the excellent vintage wines in ideal conditions to accompany its mouthwatering dishes.
Address: Beco Armazens do Linho 2, Lisbon 1100-037, Portugal
- Feitoria Restaurant & Wine Bar
Creativity and good taste in a great restaurant describes Feitoria to perfection. You’ll find the true essence of Portuguese signature cuisine here with traditional and authentic flavours blended with modern influences.
Feitoria has two tasting menus on offer, with one of the star dishes being Peniche’s market fish, bivalve and salicornia rice coupled with an organic tomato salad or the coast prawn tarid with pickle and coriander.
A discovery or flavours and aromas to take you on a sensorial adventure in a sophisticated and elegant setting.
Address: Doca do Bom Sucesso | Altis Belém Hotel & Spa, Lisbon 1400-038, Portugal. | Tuesday to Saturday 7pm -11pm.
- Belcanto
Without a doubt, Michelin star chef José Avilez will conquer your heart and your stomach with his delicious dishes. Belcanto has two tasting menus where each dish forms part of the story of a unique and carefully planned gastronomical journey.
sea bass with seaweed and bivalves, giant red prawns with rosemary cinders, and salmon with clams & citrus flavours are just some of the dishes you can enjoy here.
Address: Largo de Sao Carlos, 10, Lisbon 1200-410, Portugal. | Tuesday to Saturday 12:30pm -3pm and 7pm – 11pm.| Groups of 35 people *Recommended to book in advance*.
- Peixaria do Rossio
Peixaria do Rossio is located in downtown Lisbon, overlooking Praça do Pedro IV (Rossio Square). The restaurant’s excellent location is also near historic, touristic attractions such as Chiado, Praça do Comércio and Avenida da Liberdade.
The restaurant specialises in fresh fish and grilled meats. Recommended dishes include the chef’s ceviche, swordfish carpaccio, mussels with Spanish sauce, and clams. The fish soup, tuna salad, seafood risotto, spiritual cod, Minhota cod, grilled tuna, and of course, the sardines, all allow you to savour the very best in traditional Portuguese cuisine.
Address: Calçada do Carmo No 9 | Rossio, Lisbon 1200-090, Portugal.
And if you fancy a taste of everything you could try the Mercado Da Riberia in Cais do Sodré, an old food market with a relaxed atmosphere and shared tables.
