10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Lisbon

At Time Out Market Lisbon, you’ll experience local flavours from the country’s top chefs – all under one roof. This modern food hall is hosted inside the historic market hall, Mercado da Ribeira, located near the Tagus River. The market treats your olfactory senses to pleasant aromas, as over a couple of dozen stalls cook up tasty dishes ranging from fresh ham to oysters and doughnuts.

The vibe here is cool and fun, and you can expect shows, events and even cooking courses taking place. It’s a top spot in Lisbon whether you’re planning for dine-in or takeaway, or to meet up with friends for a fun night out.

A Valenciana offers a blend of Mediterranean and African flavours, owing to Portugal’s colonial past. Take in the feel of old Lisbon in this restaurant’s busy and old-fashioned dining room, as you tuck in for a meal among the gathering local crowd.

This is a great spot to try piri-piri chicken, charcoal-grilled and made with crushed chilli peppers, lemons, garlic, onion, bay leaves and vinegar. It’s a local favourite – the sweet and tangy chicken is juicy inside and its skin is so crispy. The restaurant is bustling, yet the service is quick and accommodating. They offer takeaway service for those on the go.

Casa do Alentejo is a top Lisbon dining spot where you’ll get the feeling of discovering a local treasure as you enter the building. It’s actually a former casino venue with ornate Moroccan stylings. There are 2 floors with a rich yet cool ambience, with beautiful chandeliers and ceilings decorated in gold.

On the bottom floor, smaller meals are offered, and you can try farinheira, a typical pork sausage served on bread. Full meals are offered in the upstairs dining room with local favourites comprising seafood, grilled pork, and lamb. Finish your evening with a drink or a coffee in the gorgeous courtyard, while taking in the beauty of the intricately decorated tiles, small fountain, and palms.

Mercado de Arroios is a fresh market and a highlight on strolls through the Arroios part of old town Lisbon. Take in the charming architectural sights with vibrant tiles on your way to this bustling indoor venue. Delicious aromas greet you inside the spacious dome-shaped venue that’s bathed in natural light.

Discover a variety of vendors offering fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood and meats, as well as bread, cheeses, olives, flowers and plants. Friendly vendors proudly present their goods and are willing to have a chat. After browsing, take a break at any of the restaurants or cafes and try a local dish like bacalhau, dried salted codfish, which is prepared in a variety of ways.

Taberna Anti-Dantas is a colourful and lively Lisbon tavern with a friendly vibe. It features rustic wooden floors, vintage posters plastered to its walls, and a giant wall rack showcasing the variety of wines on offer.

This tavern is where you can enjoy an assortment of seafood dishes that Lisbon is famous for, prepared with a twist. Their yummy tuna steak, fried octopus, codfish cakes, and fish soup are all delightful treats, served in an edible bread bowl. Save room for dessert and try a shot of local Port wine served in a chocolate cup. Arrive earlier in the evening or make a reservation for a later sitting.

Ultimo Porto is a seafood restaurant that’s tucked away among shipping containers at the Port of Lisbon. Impressive waterfront views complement the dining experience, with a Lisbon delicacy on offer: sardines. The mouthwatering aromas linger as you watch your order being prepared on the outside grill.

The local wild sardines are grilled perfectly to be juicy inside and are served with roasted bell peppers, boiled potatoes, and crisp cold wine. The unusual location of this restaurant makes it a little tricky to find. Simply look for the red umbrellas of its outdoor seating area… and follow the whiff of fresh grilled fish.

Café de São Bento is an old-fashioned steakhouse in Lisbon that’s been popular among locals for over 35 years. The decor is elegant with rich red couches and dark wood furniture, yet the atmosphere is cosy and relaxed, and the service is welcoming.

Off the menu are a variety of choices: from sirloin to filet mignon to steak sandwiches – you can choose to have your beef fried or grilled to your preference. The meat melts in your mouth and is served with the restaurant’s signature sauce and esparregado, a spinach puree. Wash your meal down with one of the many Portuguese wines.

Comida Independente in the trendy Cais do Sodre area is an artisanal grocery store, a wine shop, and a deli rolled into one. It sells uncommon speciality packaged foods from small producers around the country, as well as a wide variety of prepared foods to enjoy in-shop or for takeaway.

Experience the deli’s farm-to-table concept by sampling either the smoked sardines, craftily made sandwiches, charcuterie meats, cheeses, and pickled anchovies. You can try one of the local craft beers on tap or natural wines by the glass or by the bottle. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and happy to chat about the products on offer.

Isco Padaria e Bistro is a funky and cosy bakery and bistro in Lisbon. It’s where you can take in the appetizing sight and aroma of hundreds of loaves of various bread, sandwiches, cakes, and pastries on display.

You may find it hard to choose from their delicious menu of crispy chicken-and-pickle sandwiches, tomato tortillas, cardamon buns, and their version of pain au chocolat with a dark, creamy chocolate filling. Fortunately, they offer takeaway, just in case you can’t quite make up your mind.

Manteigaria is a pastry shop where you can taste a part of Lisbon’s history and try the famous local delicacy, pasteis de nata. This puff pastry has a creamy sweet egg custard in the middle and is topped with cinnamon. The taste is special, but so is its history, as it’s made from a centuries-old recipe kept super-exclusive by the creators.

The pasteis de nata are so scrumptious that you may find yourself wanting more. So take advantage of the takeaway service, which comes in really cute packaging, and makes for a perfect midnight snack.