Insiders

Five to Know: Lisbon

Indagare's Shoshana Balistierri, who recently relocated to Lisbon, shares five of her favorite places to unwind and refuel in the Portuguese capital. So whether you're looking for authentic tapas, a yoga community to plug into or what to bring back, here are some recommendations from an insider.

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The Traditional Taberna:Located in the heart of Bairro Alto, near Largo do Chiado, Taberna da Rua das Flores is one of my favorite traditional Portuguese restaurants. The menu features genuine Portuguese dishes covering both northern and southern regions. Local traditions can still be appreciated here: The wine is served in low glasses, some dishes are best shared and the special blend of lemonade is a must. Keep in mind that Taberna da Rua das Flores doesn't take reservations, and guests have to pay in cash. Try to dine on the earlier side, as the Portuguese often take their dinner late, so you'll have a better chance of getting a table before the locals arrive.The Yoga Studio:One of the first things I did upon moving to Lisbon was look for a yoga studio. Just steps from my flat in Lapa, in the budding neighborhood of Santos, I found exactly what I was looking for in Baraza. Owners Alex and Ruby opened Baraza with the desire to create a hub of activity, community and inclusion. The classes are hosted in English, and the studio opens it doors to teachers from all over the world. You can drop in for a class or sign up online via the mindbody app.
Related: Lisbon Shopping GuideThe Wine Bar:Steps from Jardim de Estrela is Senhor Uva, a humble wine lover's haven. Owned by a husband-and-wife team, the restaurant and boutique wine bar is a great place for anyone looking to take a break from seafood and enjoy fresh, vegetable-forward dishes paired with organic wine. The décor and ambience are simple but welcoming.The Organic Outpost:Though classics like Café Janis (steps from the Time Out Market) are always a nice go-to, one of my favorite local spots to grab lunch or a matcha is Comoba. A place where locals and tourists co-habitate, Comoba is a sustainably-minded, zero-waste restaurant that offers some of the best organic options in the city. My favorites include the matcha pancakes, egg bowl or beet latte.What to Bring Back:An homage to 20th-century grocery stores, Prado Mercearia is where old meets new. Between the captivating décor, the great coffee and the expertly selected products, stopping by Prado Mercearia will make you feel like a true Lisbonian. The items are chosen carefully, highlighting small producers who focus on exceptional quality. Whether you're looking for wine, cheese, olive oil, sausage or honey, it’s all from Portugal and specially curated for the shop.
Prado Mercearia, Courtesy Rodrigo Cardoso
Related: Why Go Now: PortugalContact Indagare for assistance planning a customized journey to Lisbon.

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