This charming husband-and-wife-operation in Vila do Bispo (just a few kilometers from Sagres) is the perfect post-beach lunch spot. Chef Jose Pinheiro and his wife Isalia created a rustic-chic restaurant in an old farmhouse near the center of town. Antiques, checkered tablecloths and hand painted windows lend the dining room an intimate, lived-in vibe, which perfectly complement the local, slow-food dishes. Think tender rabbit in a red wine sauce, prawn stewed in nothing but olive oil and garlic and boiled quail eggs served with sea salt.

This sleek riverfront café is a great spot for a coffee, glass of wine or quick bite while touring the Belem district.

This local institution is best known for its traditional dishes like sheep’s cheese and oven-roasted pork tenderloin.

Housed in what was once the warehouse for the Bertrand bookshop, Alma serves two sea-inspired tasting menus and an a la carte menu.

Plant-based food is a growing trend in Lisbon, and dishes at arkhe don’t disappoint. This delightful, intimate restaurant was born out of the partnership between charming front of house Columbian, Alejandro Chávarro, and talented Brazilian-born, Chef João Ricardo Alves. The vibe is warm and welcoming, with elegantly exposed stone and well-spaced, glossy, wooden tables. The wine list is excellent, comprising bottles from all the great terroirs (a change from many restaurants here that exclusively have Portuguese wines), and the food dazzles with dishes like beetroot served with horseradish and green apple or Jerusalem artichoke paired with hazelnuts and sabayon.

Lisbon’s most beloved chef José Avillez has an empire of restaurants in the city, and Bairro do Avillez is a casual, family-friendly option.

Stomping grounds of Lisbon’s 1950s buzzy circle, Belcanto, located on Chiado’s Sao Carlos square, was totally transformed in 2011.

Transporting diners straight to Paris, this French-inspired brasserie delivers just what its interiors promise. Take a brass-studded red leather chair by the curtained window beneath fringed lamps and order a dozen oysters to share followed by a classic like sole Meunieré with truffled mashed potato.

Savor a glass of wine from the bar’s fantastic selection and then dig into delicious oysters and Portuguese cheeses.

Set in Praça do Comercio is the delicious and legendary Café Martinho Da Arcada, which opened in 1782 and is the city's oldest café.

Stop at this laidback, popular diner to tuck into the famous francesinha sandwich, a decadent Portuguese specialty with ham and linguica (pork sausage) stuffed between two slices of bread and slathered in melted cheese and egg.

In Fall 2023, Chef João Rodrigues (previously of Michelin-starred Feitoria) opened a restaurant with Brazilian head chef Livia Orofino, which quickly became the talk of the town. It is the kind of place that hums with atmosphere, with its busy open kitchen and a lively crowd waiting at the door for tables. The food is simple rather than sophisticated—but that’s the point. This is the kind of dinner you would make at home, if only it was as easy as it looked. If available, try the open prawn and onion tortilla, still runny in the middle.

This modern tapas bar and restaurant, outfitted with grey-washed walls and simple bulb lighting, presents excellent small plates as well as heavier fare. Begin with the blood sausage with apple or cured lupines before entrées like grilled chuck-eye steak and baked cod with potatoes. Don’t miss the famed cheesecake for dessert.

A labor of love from executive chef Jose Avillez, this trendy, casual restaurant is located in the buzzy Chiado neighborhood. Traditional yet modern, Cantino do Avillez is bedecked in reclaimed Portuguese ceramics and modern, fresh balsa wood reminiscent of Scandinavian design. Avillez (awarded two Michelin stars at Lisbon favorite Belcanto) manages to walk the same fine line with his cooking: the menu features highbrow fare but manages to remain appealing and accessible. Highlights include tuna tartare with Asian flavors, homemade steak sandwiches and the signature chocolate cake.

Visionary Portuguese chef Jose Avillez has opened his only restaurant outside of Lisbon in Porto, where he serves traditional Portuguese fare with innovative twists. The dining room is decorated with colorful Portuguese ceramics, matching the artistically plated dishes of cherry gazpacho, tuna confit with ginger mayo, curry veal cheeks and vegetable tagine.

Despite being housed in old stables, Cavalariça is a modern, elegant and airy space. Chef Bruno Caseiro creates an original take on Portuguese cuisine with a focus on regional ingredients and dishes designed for sharing. Signature dishes include cured meat croquettes, grilled and smoke cauliflower and chicken specialties with creative sauces.

This historic Lisbon institution has been around since 1956 and is insanely popular with locals and visitors alike.