by Lisbon has never failed to surprise me with its incredible flavors, warm hospitality, and rich culinary history. Whether you’re in search of fresh seafood, a perfectly grilled steak, or the best pastel de nata in town, you’ll find something amazing in this vibrant city.
I’ve dined at countless restaurants in Lisbon, and today I want to share five unforgettable dining experiences that showcase the very best of Portuguese cuisine. From local hidden gems to legendary establishments, this guide will help you navigate the city’s food scene like a pro.
1. Ramiro – The Best Seafood in Lisbon
📍 Location: Av. Almirante Reis nº1, 1150-007 Lisbon
💰 Price Range: €40-€70 per person
⭐ Signature Dishes:
- Gambas à la Guilho (Garlic Butter Prawns) – €25: Plump, juicy prawns swimming in a rich garlic butter sauce.
- Carabineiros (Scarlet Shrimp) – €50 per kg: Giant deep-sea shrimp with a sweet, almost lobster-like taste.
- Sapateira Recheada (Stuffed Spider Crab) – €45: A local delicacy where the crab’s creamy roe is mixed with spices and served inside its shell.
- Prego no Pão (Steak Sandwich) – €8: The perfect way to finish a seafood meal, with tender beef and mustard sauce in a fluffy bread roll.
🕰 Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM (Closed on Mondays)
🔗 Reservation: Walk-ins only, expect a queue
My Experience at Ramiro
When I walked into Ramiro, I could smell the buttery, garlicky aroma of sizzling seafood coming from the open kitchen. This place is an institution in Lisbon—famous for its ultra-fresh shellfish and relaxed, no-frills atmosphere.
I started my meal with the Garlic Butter Prawns, and the moment I took my first bite, I knew why everyone raved about them. The prawns were plump, juicy, and covered in a heavenly garlic sauce that I mopped up with bread. Then came the Carabineiros—these bright red shrimp were massive, intensely flavorful, and slightly sweet.
The Stuffed Spider Crab was another highlight—its roe mixed with spices created an incredibly rich and creamy filling, perfect for spreading on toast. To finish, I had the famous Prego no Pão, a simple yet perfectly cooked steak sandwich that balanced out the seafood feast.
Dining Tips
💡 Arrive early (before 6 PM) to avoid long waits.
💡 Don’t forget to order a side of buttered bread—it’s perfect for dipping in the garlic sauce!
💡 Pair your seafood with a crisp Portuguese white wine like Vinho Verde.
2. Cervejaria Trindade – A Historic Beer Hall with Amazing Steak
📍 Location: R. Nova da Trindade 20C, 1200-303 Lisbon
💰 Price Range: €25-€50 per person
⭐ Signature Dishes:
- Bife à Trindade (Trindade Steak) – €25: A thick, juicy steak coated in a creamy mustard sauce.
- Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato (Clams in Garlic & Cilantro Sauce) – €15: Fresh clams steamed in white wine, garlic, and cilantro.
- Chouriço Assado (Flamed Chorizo) – €10: A Portuguese sausage grilled tableside for extra smokiness.
🕰 Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
🔗 Reservation: Recommended, book via their website
My Experience at Cervejaria Trindade
Stepping into Cervejaria Trindade felt like stepping back in time. The beautiful azulejo (tile) walls, high ceilings, and grand chandeliers create an atmosphere unlike any other restaurant in Lisbon. Originally a 13th-century monastery, this beer hall is now a lively spot for great food and drinks.
I started with Clams in Garlic & Cilantro Sauce, and the flavors were light yet rich, with the freshness of the sea shining through. The Trindade Steak was the highlight—tender, cooked to perfection, and smothered in a creamy mustard sauce that added just the right amount of tangy richness.
Dining Tips
💡 Try their house-brewed beer—it’s made exclusively for this restaurant!
💡 Perfect for a casual but elegant meal in a historic setting.
3. Taberna da Rua das Flores – A Cozy and Authentic Portuguese Eatery
📍 Location: R. das Flores 103, 1200-194 Lisbon
💰 Price Range: €15-€35 per person
⭐ Signature Dishes:
- Polvo Grelhado (Grilled Octopus) – €20
- Bacalhau à Brás (Salted Cod with Eggs & Potatoes) – €15
- Iscas com Elas (Liver with Fried Potatoes) – €14
🕰 Opening Hours: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
🔗 Reservation: No reservations, first come first serve
This small but extremely popular restaurant is hidden along the charming Rua das Flores. When I arrived, there was already a queue, but trust me—it’s worth the wait.
I ordered their Polvo Grelhado (Grilled Octopus), and it was perfectly charred on the outside, tender on the inside, and drizzled with fragrant olive oil and fresh garlic. The Bacalhau à Brás, a dish made of salted cod, scrambled eggs, and crispy potatoes, was another standout.
Dining Tips
💡 Come early or be prepared to wait at least 30 minutes.
💡 The portions are slightly smaller, so order a few different dishes to share.
4. A Cevicheria – The Best Peruvian Cuisine in Lisbon
📍 Location: R. Dom Pedro V 129, 1250-096 Lisbon
💰 Price Range: €30-€50 per person
⭐ Signature Dishes:
- Ceviche Puro (Classic Ceviche) – €18
- Tiradito Nikkei – €22
- Pulpo Anticuchero (Grilled Octopus with Peruvian Spices) – €20
🕰 Opening Hours: 12:30 PM – 11:00 PM
🔗 Reservation: Recommended
A Cevicheria is a modern, vibrant restaurant specializing in Peruvian cuisine. The moment I walked in, I was greeted by a giant octopus sculpture hanging from the ceiling—a fitting decoration for a place famous for seafood!
The Ceviche Puro was a revelation—fresh sea bass marinated in tangy lime juice, mixed with red onions, chili, and sweet potato. The Tiradito Nikkei, a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors, had an incredible balance of soy and citrus flavors.
Dining Tips
💡 Try their signature pisco sour—it’s one of the best in Lisbon!
💡 Perfect for seafood lovers looking for something different.
5. Pasteis de Belem – The Ultimate Pastel de Nata Experience
📍 Location: R. de Belém 84-92, 1300-085 Lisbon
💰 Price Range: €1.30 per tart
⭐ Signature Dish:
- Pastel de Nata (€1.30 each) – The original and most famous Portuguese custard tart.
🕰 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
🔗 Reservation: No reservations, but takeaway available
No trip to Lisbon is complete without trying the world-famous Pastéis de Belém. These custard tarts have been made using a secret recipe since 1837.
I ordered three—because one is never enough—and they arrived warm, with a perfectly crispy, flaky crust and a creamy, sweet custard center. I sprinkled some cinnamon and powdered sugar on top, and every bite was heavenly.
Dining Tips
💡 Go in the morning to avoid the long queues.
💡 Eat them fresh out of the oven for the best experience.
A Food Lover’s Paradise in Lisbon
After many visits to Lisbon, I can confidently say that the city is a paradise for food lovers. From freshly caught seafood to traditional Portuguese comfort dishes and modern fusion cuisine, Lisbon’s food scene has something for everyone.
Each restaurant I visited left me with memorable experiences, whether it was the rich, buttery prawns at Ramiro, the historic ambiance of Cervejaria Trindade, the homey and authentic feel of Taberna da Rua das Flores, the vibrant and fresh flavors at A Cevicheria, or the heavenly bite of the iconic Pastel de Nata from Pasteis de Belem. These places are not just about food—they tell stories, celebrate traditions, and bring people together.
Why Lisbon’s Food Scene Stands Out
✔ Fresh, high-quality ingredients – Lisbon’s location along the Atlantic Ocean means seafood here is incredibly fresh. The grilled octopus, prawns, and salted cod are some of the best in the world.
✔ Rich culinary heritage – From classic Portuguese stews to petiscos (small bites) inspired by centuries of history, the city’s food tells the story of Portuguese culture.
✔ Affordability – Compared to many other European capitals, Lisbon’s dining scene is surprisingly affordable. You can enjoy a full, authentic meal for as little as €15, while Michelin-starred experiences are more accessible than in cities like Paris or London.
✔ Warm hospitality – The people of Lisbon are welcoming and passionate about their food. Almost every restaurant I visited had friendly staff who were happy to recommend dishes and explain their history.
Tips for Enjoying Lisbon’s Culinary Scene
💡 Make reservations for popular restaurants – Lisbon’s best spots, like Ramiro and A Cevicheria, often have long queues. Book in advance if possible, or go at off-peak hours.
💡 Try the lesser-known dishes – Don’t just stick to seafood! Iscas com Elas (liver with fried potatoes), Açorda de Marisco (bread stew with seafood), and Feijoada à Portuguesa (Portuguese bean stew) are rich, comforting dishes that offer a deeper dive into Portuguese cuisine.
💡 Eat like a local – Portuguese dining culture is relaxed. Meals are meant to be enjoyed slowly, so don’t rush—take your time, enjoy the atmosphere, and savor every bite.
💡 Pair your food with Portuguese wine – Portugal produces some of the best wines in the world at very reasonable prices. A glass of Vinho Verde (light green wine) or a deep, rich Douro red pairs beautifully with many Portuguese dishes.
💡 Leave room for dessert – Beyond the famous Pastel de Nata, try Toucinho do Céu (almond cake), Pão de Ló (Portuguese sponge cake), or Arroz Doce (Portuguese rice pudding). These traditional sweets are the perfect way to end a meal.
If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, make sure to set aside time to explore its incredible food scene. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a street food explorer, or a fine dining enthusiast, Lisbon has a dining experience waiting for you.
I always leave Lisbon with a full stomach and a happy heart, knowing that no matter how many times I visit, there’s always something new and delicious to discover. So, book your trip, bring your appetite, and get ready to eat your way through Lisbon like a local! 😊🍷🍽️
