10 Cheap Places to Eat in the Alfama

10 Cheap Places to Eat in the Alfama

The Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in all of Lisbon, and encompasses a very hilly area on the eastern side of the city center, down through the coast.

Because of its age, the Alfama has managed to remain largely non gentrified and is one of the most authentic dwellings of local communities still living in the capital. It’s grimy in parts, dazzling in others, with a few tourist hotspots here and there (mostly by the viewpoints).

The Alfama – by Fabrizio Sciami – Wikimedia Commons

Eating on a budget in the Alfama is simple business, if you know where to look. Don’t fall into the tourist trap restaurants that will exploit your cash money. Look out for the following instead:

1. Yak & Yeti in Lisbon

Indian-Nepalese cuisine at the top of the hill in the Alfama, and food that is cheap, cheap, cheap!

If you’ve been living on Portuguese food since you arrived, this spot will be a welcome change of pace. Delicious curries, fresh hot naan breads and recipes authentic to both nations. Highly recommend!

Yak & Yeti in Lisbon – by Yak & Yeti – Sourced from their Facebook

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 11am to 11pm

ADDRESS: Calçada de Santo André 17, 1100-466 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Martim Moniz

2. Lisboa Tu e Eu in Lisbon

One of those tourist hotspots I mentioned is the Alfama’s Miradouro de Santa Luzia. This restaurant nearby is actually a tourist trap, but not one that steals your money.

This is traditional Portuguese seafood at a fraction of the price to any other restaurant in the area. It fills up quickly; arrive before 1pm or prepare to queue for a table. Also, space is limited so be open to sharing with strangers. Welcome to Portugal!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 11pm

ADDRESS: R. Adiça 58, 1100-538 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Terreiro do Paço

3. O Tasco do Vigario in Lisbon

One of the most affordable meals in Portugal is always sardines — and this is where you want to eat them in the Alfama.

If sardines aren’t your thing, come anyway. At O Tasco do Vigario you’ll get a main course, a drink, a dessert and a coffee all for just €10.50. They do fantastic grilled fish and traditional mains like cozido.

by Elle Hughes – Unsplash

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday — 9am to 10pm

ADDRESS: R. do Vigário 18, 1100-405 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Lisboa Santa Apolónia

4. Alfama Doce in Lisbon

This roundup wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t tell you where to find the cheapest pastel de nata while in the Alfama. You’ll see the bakeries all over the place as you walk the streets, all with store windows piled with the custard desserts.

Alfama Doce is the cheapest I’ve found, coming in at a very generous €0.85 per pastry.

by Diogo Nunes – Unsplash

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday —8am to 7pm

ADDRESS: R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Terreiro do Paço

5. Quase Café in Lisbon

For breakfast and brunch in the Alfama that won’t break the bank, head over to the Quase Cafe.

All the classics like Eggs Benedict, crepes, English fry-ups and more for very reasonable prices. These Australian/Californian style cafes have become incredibly trendy across Lisbon, it’s rare for any of them to come to less than €20 per person. Budget for €12 to €15 at Quase.

Quase Café in Lisbon – by Quase Café – Sourced from their Facebook

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 8am to 4pm

ADDRESS: Rua do Salvador 14, 1100-465 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Martim Moniz

6. Fama d’Alfama Charcutaria in Lisbon

This cozy spot in the Alfama is something to remember when you’ve had a long day exploring the streets and are ready for a drink and a snack.

This is the most beautiful little eatery with a menu to swoon over. Portuguese classics with a modern twist. Dishes are paired with your choice of local wine and people come with groups of friends, or intimate lovers, to say goodbye to the day in Lisbon.

Fama d’Alfama Charcutaria in Lisbon – by Fama d’Alfama Charcutaria – Sourced from their Facebook

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday — 7pm to 1am

ADDRESS: Escolas Gerais 52, 1100-216 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Martim Moniz

7. Primo Basílico in Lisbon

Primo Basilico is the Alfama’s thriving pizza eatery where dozens of pies are brought out every few minuets for over the counter ordering. It’s unfathomable cheap, and equally as delicious.

There are always a handful of vegan pizza options available. If you don’t see them on display you need just request them from the cashier.

Primo Basílico in Lisbon – by Primo Basílico – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday — 12:30pm to 10pm

ADDRESS: R. dos Remédios 37, 1100-441 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Terreiro do Paço

8. Santo António de Alfama in Lisbon

More affordable fish and traditional Portuguese food, only this one comes with a patio!

It’s close to the lower end of the Alfama, where the district meets the Tagus water. Dining outside is a real treat here, but usually reserved for high priced restaurants or fado venues. Don’t sleep on this spot!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 12:30pm to 2am

ADDRESS: R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Terreiro do Paço

9. Alpendre in Lisbon

Steak lovers who can’t afford to take a loan every time they want to eat out in Lisbon can head to Alpendre, also in the lower end of the city.

The specialties are meats and fish, with great emphasis on steaks & skewers. The energy at Alpendre is always tangible. A true gem of the Alfama.

Alpendre in Lisbon – by Alpendre – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday — 12pm to 11pm

ADDRESS: R. Augusto Rosa 34, 1100-091 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Terreiro do Paço

10. Alfama Cellar in Lisbon

Finally, where to find cheap tapas in Lisbon? Alfama Cellar is the place.

Be warned, this spot is usually packed out by 6:30pm each evening. The food and affordability have made it immensely popular. Come early if you’re not keen to wait. The staff are experts at pairing wines for your meal choices, allow them to do so rather than bothering with the wine list — trust me.

Alfama Cellar in Lisbon – by Alfama Cellar – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Thursday to Tuesday — 12:30pm to 10:45pm

ADDRESS: R. dos Remédios 127-131, 1100-451 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Lisboa Santa Apolónia

Eating your way through the Alfama is one way to experience it’s authenticity, taking a free guided walking tour through the ancient streets is another. Book yours soon to avoid disappointment.