Top 14 Food Markets in Lisbon


 

*Originally published by Caroline on February 2020 and Updated by Vanessa in October 2022 and Updated by Vanessa R in October 2023 .

The food market culture is growing in Lisbon. Here we give you the top 10 food markets in Lisbon and areas to eat when you will be visiting. From traditional food to international cuisine and fusion, you can find a bit of everything in Lisbon.

The best one: Time Out Mercado da Ribeira

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This is the most famous food market in Lisbon, so it’s obviously on our top 14 food markets in Lisbon. Located in the city center by the river and near both the train and the subway, it hosts different stands of renowned Portuguese chefs. You can try different traditional specialties as well as food from different corners of the world.

This place was launched by the Time Out Magazine in 2014. They offer people the opportunity to try the best food from the best chefs, the trendiest and newest recipes. If your business is good it goes on the magazine. If your business is great, it goes to Mercado da Ribeira. Mercado da Ribeira only gathers the best of the best.

I love to go there during the afternoon for a snack and eat a “bolinho de bacalhau” (a little codfish cake) or a different kind of tapa while drinking a “fino” (a pint). It gets very crowded during meal times so I recommend you to avoid rush hour by going a bit earlier. From here, you can go out to Bairro Alto or Pink Street after dinner. You can also join a Portuguese Food and Wine Tour in Lisbon (find more information on Viator).

The quiet one: Mercado de Campo de Ourique

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In our top 14 food markets in Lisbon, you will find Mercado de Campo de Ourique. It’s not as famous as the previous one, but, it’s also a great one. It’s less busy than Mercado da Ribeira, and you can still enjoy an amazing meal. From handcrafted beer to the best little diabetes-inducing sweets, it’s a great market to visit. In a more reserved area of the city (Campo de Ourique), you can reach it by bus from Marquês de Pombal or by taxi.

The diverse one: Mercado de Fusão

This Martim Moniz eatery, also known as “Fusion Market” in English, is a favourite among both visitors and residents and offers a range of cuisines. The Martim Moniz concrete park is bordered by some of Lisbon’s most ethnically varied neighborhoods and eateries, making it a great place to tuck into Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and a variety of African cuisines.

Although there are several ethnic food stores in this region, the Fusion Market is still one of the most popular. Grab a dish of Asian noodles, a Brazilian caipirinha, and a burger prepared with Madeira’s Bolo do Caco.

The fun one: Martim Moniz

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In this top 14 food markets in Lisbon, I’m leaving you with three areas which are not actual food markets because we’re still growing that culture. But you can still have amazing food experiences in these areas. By the slopes of St. George’s Castle, you can find the square of Martim Moniz.

This is the ethnic center of Lisbon, where the first immigrant gathered and it is a melting pot of cultures. With its international nature, there are many festivals and initiatives which take place to promote the cultural integration. Several food festivals are organized in this square and celebrations from other cultures, such as the Chinese New Year that takes place there. Not being a food market, it’s still an area in Lisbon where you can have great food experiences!

The popular one: Bairro Alto

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In this top 14 food markets in Lisbon, I’m suggesting you Bairro Alto especially for dinner and drinks. Have dinner in one of the amazing restaurants that have popped out in the last few years. Now, you can find amazing, high-quality restaurants in Bairro Alto where you can have a great meal with your friends or your partner.

Alternatively, you can head to Bairro Alto after dinner for a drink. Beware: Portuguese people eat late, so we start our nights late. If you go to Bairro Alto before 11 pm, you’re very unlikely to catch it at its peak. For a full experience, go for drinks starting at 11 pm. This is the typical Lisbon nightlife happening in Bairro Alto. Come and enjoy it with us!

The unique one: Benfica Market

In our top 14 Food markets in Lisbon, you’ll find the Benfica Market which is well known. Along with clothing, shoes, cakes, and even flowers, you may purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish there.

The Benfica market is a destination for anyone seeking a really local experience and is situated in one of Lisbon’s most populated neighborhoods. Given that the market has a special section, it’s a fantastic chance to experience a genuine Lisbon street fair. This Benfica market is near Silva Porto Park if you wish to take a ride.

The historical one: Arroios Market

In these top 14 food markets in Lisbon I suggest you visit Arroios de Lisboa Market, which was first established in 1942, is another market whose history and refurbishment go hand in hand.

The fascinating part is that some of the commercially manufactured food is actually grown there in a hydroponic greenhouse that was constructed on the roof after the restoration.

You may get fresh goods like fish and vegetables in a setting that is similar to the street fairs in Lisbon. However, the area’s beauty extends beyond its internal layout, as there are other restaurants around that are worth checking out. The Luminosa Fountain and the Alameda metro station, both attractive locations for a stroll and some photo opportunities, are close to the Arroios Market.

The fancy one: 31 de Janeiro Market – Açucena Veloso

In our top 14 food markets in Lisbon, you’ll find the 31 de Janeiro Market which is well-known for providing the top chefs in Lisbon with high-quality foods, particularly fresh fish and shellfish. Additionally, if you’re unsure about where to dine in Lisbon, check out Casa do Peixe, a restaurant on the upper floor of the market that serves food that is made using the fresh fish that is sold there.

The market was given a new name in September 2020 in honor of Açucena Veloso, a fish vendor who worked there for many years and rose to fame for providing fish to some of the most well-known chefs in the area. The Picoas Forum is located behind the 31 de Janeiro market, which is near Picoas station. Additionally, it is close to the Garden Henrique Lopes de Mendonça, another place to relax after shopping. There are numerous hotels in the Arroios parish, where the market sits.

The exciting one: Feira de domingo do LX Factory

 On Sundays, the LX Factory hosts a market called LX Market where you may enjoy breakfast and a few beverages while perusing the clothing, design, local goods, and veggie stands. What a fun way to spend a Sunday morning in Lisbon.

The traditional one: Rua Augusta

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Finally in our top 14 Food markets in Lisbon is an area downtown where you will find the best traditional Portuguese food: Rua Augusta. This street connects Praça do Comércio to Praça Rossio. Here, you’ll find restaurants that will serve you great grilled sardines (in the summer) and great meaty traditional dishes. You can also find as many desserts as you can eat in one year and I’ve got to tell you: they are delicious! For traditional food and a rested lunch, take a rest in Rua Augusta.

After eating, I can also suggest you go up the Rua Augusta’s arch. The arch was built to celebrate the reconstruction of the city after the 1755 earthquake. Plus, since 2013, the arch that leads to Praça do Comércio has been open to the public. Which means you can now go up, and take the most amazing photos from the top of this historical arch, especially as the sun sets. Rua Augusta is one of the main streets downtown. And it is closed to traffic, which makes it even greater!

The eccentric market: LxFactory

Some of Portugal’s hippest markets, like LxFactory, are located in Lisbon. This odd market is a jumble of eateries, speciality shops and pubs housed among the ruins of a former manufacturing facility.

Exploring the outside and interior of this unique Portuguese market is a lot of fun. Street art has been painted on the walls and every shop is filled with exciting items. This ends in a row of friendly rooftop bars. 

The market with the best fish produce: Portimão Market

Top 14 Food Markets in Lisbon

Esquerda.Net Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the nicest cities in Portugal’s Algarve region is Portimo, which also features a fantastic local market. A superb selection of local products can be found at Portimão store, food and produce store.

If you’re looking for fresh, local ingredients to cook up a delicious meal on a budget, Portimão is the ideal destination. Situated near the shore, this port city is well-known for its fresh fish. Make sure to try the speciality of the Portuguese community – a pound of goose barnacles.

The iconic one: Mercado Bom Sucesso

Top 14 Food Markets in Lisbon

Joseolgon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of Porto’s top spots for a quick snack is Mercado Bom Sucesso. It has been providing food to customers for 74 years. From its many windows, this sizable indoor market is drenched in pleasant light and filled with a wide variety of food.

Visit Mercado Bom Sucesso first before hitting the town in Porto. There are restaurants to suit every taste, and there are several charming taverns where you can sip on the local Port wine.

The tropical island: Santo da Serra Farmers Market

Portugal’s Madeira is a tropical island that produces some of the world’s juiciest, tastiest fruits. All of them are available for tasting on Sundays at the Santo da Serra Farmers Market on the island.

There are many delicious treats to sample at one of the top farmer’s markets in the entire country. At Santo da Serra Farmers Market, you may also find typical Portuguese souvenirs.

Here are a few honorable mentions

The modern one: Mercado de Algés

Opening hour during the week: 10 am – Midnight
Opening hours during the weekend: 10 am – 2 am

Mercado de Algés is located at Rua Dr. Manuel de Arriaga, near the train station Alges, which is the best way to get to this Lisbon market. It opens at 10 am and closes at midnight on the week days and at 2 am during the weekends.

Although Mercado de Algés is a lot smaller than the other markets in Lisbon mentioned in this article, it has a lot to offer.

Mercado de Algés is a renewed space from the old “Mercado“, preserving its former historical and architectural structure as well as its traditional and distinctive roof tiles, but with a new look on the inside.

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© Tiago Pais / Observador

This amazing market is well organized, modern and with a great variety of food and drink stands. The motto of this market is “Comer, Beber e Amar“, which means “Eat, Drink and Love” and can be seen in big lettering on the wall when you get inside.

Where to eat?

Some of the food shops you can go to in this Lisbon market are Peixe Ó Balcão, Chicken All Around, Atalho do Mercado, Atalho Burguer House, Sushic, Walkamole, Weeel, Artisani, O Mercado dos Bolos, NaTábua, A Banca do Petisco, Pizza ao quadrado and Mister Pig

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© Onde Vamos Jantar?

Where to drink?

As many other markets in Lisbon, all drinks must be bought in a separate specific area. This system works well in this kind of environments because it keeps you from waiting in long queues if you only want to go grab a coffee for instance.

Enjoy live music!

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© Tiago Pais / Observador

Mercado de Algés also has Live music!

Yes, this amazing market in Algés has an elevated platform, in a mezzanine with a stage right above the food stands. So you can enjoy a great show while you hang around with friends and get something to eat.

This unique feature makes this market one-of-a-kind when it comes to markets in Lisbon.

The most typical: Mercado de Arroios

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If you are looking for a more traditional type of Lisbon markets, the Mercado de Arrois is the perfect place for you!

Located at Rua Ângela Pinto, the easiest way to get there is by train! You need to get down at Arroios train station.

Founded in February, 28th of 1942 and renovated on September of 2017, this place offers everything you will need in terms of food related products. The building itself is huge and has an amazing architectural structure that will leave you astonished once inside.

Fresh vegetables, fish, meat and fruit arrives everyday from local farmers who sell their products themselves. So you will actually get to meet the people that actually brings food to you. Isn’t it great?

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© Trienal de Arquitectura de Lisboa

So where should you eat?

Around Mercado de Arroios, you will also have some variety of restaurants but not as many as in the markets in Lisbon that were mentioned above. Some of the restaurants are:

  • Há Tapas no Mercado
  • A Tasca do Mercado
  • Solar dos Cortadores
  • A Avó tinha Arroios, for traditional Portuguese food
  • Bem-me-quer, for vegetarian food
  • Pastelaria Lido, which is a bakery in case you want to try some “pastéis de nata

Since you visit this area, you might as well just go and visit Parque Eduardo VII which is a ten minutes walk from the Arroios Market. In there, you will find a huge Greenhouse and a beautiful park and the access is free!

You now know my top 5 food markets in Lisbon! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my article and that it has been useful to you. One understands a lot about a country’s culture and lifestyle through its food and customs! I hope you will manage to go to one of these food markets and share with us your experience! Alternatively, you can join a food tour in Lisbon and get a taste for the local cuisine (check pricing & availability on Viator).

 

A good way to discover Alfama is by joining a walking tour. You will see the city like a local and see the best attractions in Lisbon.Established in 2010, Discover Walks runs free walking tours in Lisbon every day at 11am & 4pm. This Alfama Tour starts right in front of the Castle’s entrance and lasts a relaxed 90 minutes. You can visit our website to book your spot and walk with us!

Also, don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further information or any kind of help and guidance!

Enjoy your trip to Lisbon!

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