10 Different Cuisines to Eat in Lisbon

10 Different Cuisines to Eat in Lisbon

Since becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Lisbon has seen immense growth in diversity of global cuisines, especially within the city center. To be able to host people from around the world, you need to be able to feed people from around the world.

Vegans and gluten free eaters will also be pleased to know that the Portuguese capital has taken to both of these movements quite seriously, and restaurant competition of these cuisines are now on par with cities like Paris and Barcelona.

Lisbon – by Ben Hope – Unsplash

The following are ten diverse cuisines I had great pleasure in enjoying around Lisbon.

1. Authentic Portuguese: Zé dos Cornos in Lisbon

One can’t get away without sampling the local cuisine at least once during a trip to Portugal. And if you’re going to do it, you do it with the locals!

Zé dos Cornos is a hole-in-the-wall little spot in the far north of the Alfama . This is a loud, vibrant and authentic restaurant that is frequented mostly by locals.

The restaurant isn’t worried about decor, or bells and whistles; they only care about making Portuguese food and making it right. 10/10!

Zé dos Cornos in Lisbon – by Zé dos Cornos – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday – 11:45pm to 4pm (Thursday & Friday – 7pm to 10pm)

ADDRESS: Beco dos Surradores 5, 1100-591 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Rossio Lisboa

2. Indian: Tamarind in Lisbon

It will come as a pleasant surprise what a thriving Indian food industry there is in Lisbon. From the city center right through to Cascais, there are great Indian eateries within all of the restaurant hubs.

Tamarind is a simple restaurant with excellent food. Dishes are made to be shared so come with friends for the full experience. The menu is suitable for all diets.

Tamarind in Lisbon – by Tamarind – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12pm to 3pm // 6:30pm to 12am

ADDRESS: Rua da Glória 43, 1250-115 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Restauradores

3. Lebanese: Sumaya, Mesa Libanesa in Lisbon

I thought I’d eaten at ever Lebanese restaurant in Lisbon (there aren’t many), and then I found Sumaya. In terms of potions, quality, waiting times and prices, they’re really outdone themselves.

Again, dining here with a few friends is ideal because you can sample many of their mezze plates at once.

Sumaya, Mesa Libanesa in Lisbon – by Sumaya, Mesa Libanesa – Sourced from their website

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12pm to 11pm

ADDRESS: R. da Escola Politécnica 40, 1250-096 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Avenida

4. Italian: Tomato Garden Italian Restaurant in Lisbon

Bairro Alto is actually filled with Italian restaurants if you look carefully. Tomato Garden remains my one of preference; it feels the most wholesome and home-like for me, which is important for Italian cuisine.

It’s simple, homemade pizza and pasta; made just like your Italian grandmother would. Children love eating here too, and the staff are great at keeping them excited throughout the ordering and eating process.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12pm to 11pm

ADDRESS: Calçada do Combro 8, 1200-114 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Baixa-Chiado

5. Cuban: La Pequeña Habana in Lisbon

All the way to Lisbon just to eat Cuban food, why not?

The food, interior and even the servers all operate with a distinct Cuban attitude. You’ll feel very much like you’re eating on the streets of Havana, and not in Bairro Alto.

Note that they only accept cash and do not have any card facilities. There is an ATM across the street if you forget!

La Pequeña Habana in Lisbon – by La Pequeña Habana – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 4pm to 12am

ADDRESS: R. do Gremio Lusitano 14, 1200-212 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Restauradores

6. Moroccan: Marrakesh in Lisbon

I eat at Marrakesh often. The menu is actually half Moroccan and half Indian, which is great for when you need to dine with people who aren’t big fans of tajine.

It is a bit further north of the city center, closer to Lisbon’s public parks, but if you find yourself here seeing sights or on a free guided walking tour then stop by Marrakesh for refreshment.

Marrakesh in Lisbon – by Marrakesh – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12pm to 3pm // 7pm to 11pm

ADDRESS: Av. Conde Valbom 53, 1050-066 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Saldanha

7. Vegan: My Mother’s Daughters in Lisbon

Since we’re in the north near the parks, let’s stay for some vegan cuisine as well.

My Mother’s Daughters is a fantastic new vegan cafe with a menu that will blow your mind. Does vegan camembert cheese sound impressive enough?

Most of their tables are situated outdoors; it’s lovely to dine under the trees in a quiet part of Lisbon and watch the world go by.

My Mother’s Daughters in Lisbon – by My Mother’s Daughters – Sourced from their Facebook

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10am to 5pm

ADDRESSLargo de São Sebastião da Pedreira 49, 1050-010 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: São Sebastião

8. Dim Sum: Dim Sum in Lisbon

The name of this restaurant says it all. I spent many an evening searching Lisbon for dim sum that felt justifiable to the price, Dim Sum is one that passed the test.

The only downside of this restaurant is that it is inside of a mall in Lisbon north. While we’d all much prefer a street side cafe in Chiado, at least the food is good. There are also a few arthouse cinemas in this neighborhood.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11am to 11pm

ADDRESS: Amoreiras Shopping Center, 1070-103 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Rato

9. Mexican: Pistola y Corazon Taqueria in Lisbon

Many argue that Pistola y Corazon Taqueria is more Mexican inspired rather than authentic; in some ways I would agree. However if you’re looking to simply eat tasty, filling and well priced “Mexican” food for a few hours then this remains a great spot.

The taqueria is in Cais do Sodre, close to the Time Out Market where you can sample many more cuisines from around the world under one roof.

Pistola y Corazon Taqueria in Lisbon – by Pistola y Corazon Taqueria – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12pm to 12am

ADDRESS: Rua da Boavista 16, 1200-275 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Cais do Sodre

10. Japanese: Kanazawa in Lisbon

Great, creative sushi made by a quirky chef who lights up the whole room — that’s what you can expect at Kanazawa.

The only downside of this restaurant is its location. It’s deep down Lisbon’s west coast, past Belem (which is already far from the center). Make a full evening out here if you’re going to do the trip; sunset on the Tagus would be a good place to start.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7pm to 11pm

ADDRESS: R. Damião de Góis 3, 1400-291 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Alges