Lisbon's Plate: A Curated Guide to Authentic Dining

This article has been updated in June 2025.

Faz Frio

• Type: Portuguese Classics
• Location: R. Dom Pedro V 96
• Why We Return: After 150 years, Faz Frio has been thoughtfully restored, preserving its soul while serving up timeless Portuguese classics. It’s a place where history meets the plate. Don't miss their authentic cod dishes, the delicate Tempura green beans, or the flavorful Alheira croquettes. A word of advice: ask for Carlos, who often offers a warm, personal touch to the experience.

Taberna da Rua das Flores

• Type: Classic & Traditional Portuguese
• Location: Rua das Flores 103
• Why We Return: This is a true classic, a quintessential Lisbon experience that's always in high demand. Taberna da Rua das Flores operates on a no-reservations policy, fostering a lively, spontaneous atmosphere. We suggest arriving by 6 pm to put your name down and prepare for a genuine taste of old Lisbon, where the daily menu is written on a chalkboard.

Pharmacia

• Type: Portuguese with a Twist
• Location: R. Mal. Saldanha 1, Santa Catarina
• Why We Return: Pharmacia offers a unique setting, sharing its space with Lisbon's intriguing Museu de Farmácia in the vibrant Santa Catarina district. Its beautiful terrace provides a charming spot for an aperitivo or a meal. The menu offers a playful approach to Portuguese cuisine, blending tradition with modern sensibilities in a distinct, memorable way.

Pharmacia has a beautiful terrace, and shares space with the Museu de Farmácia in Lisbon's Santa Catarina district. R. Mal. Saldanha 1.

Prado

• Type: Farm-to-Table Portuguese
• Location: Tv. Pedras Negras 2
• Why We Return: Led by Chef António Galapito, Prado (meaning 'Meadow') is a compelling advocate for farm-to-table eating. The focus here is on the purest local ingredients, prepared with a thoughtful hand. Its curated wine list emphasizes organic and biodynamic Portuguese wines, making it a complete experience for those who value provenance and natural flavors. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Tati

• Type: Portuguese Wine Bar & Small Plates
• Location: Rua Carrilho Videira 20B, Penha de França
• Why We Return: Tati is a local treasure, a neighborhood wine bar in Penha de França that's famed for its compelling selection of unfiltered Portuguese wines. Beyond the exceptional sips, their food menu offers creative small plates that perfectly complement the wine. Don’t miss their shrimp wontons, Pleurotus mushrooms, crispy fried potatoes, and the soulful arroz de bacalhau (codfish rice).

Boi-Cavalo

• Type: Inventive Portuguese & Natural Wines
• Location: R. do Vigário 70B
• Why We Return: Boi-Cavalo serves Portuguese dishes that draw inspiration from the city's diverse communities, creating a menu that feels both familiar and new. The culinary journey is thoughtfully paired with natural wines from small producers, with the selection shifting almost weekly – ensuring a fresh discovery with each visit. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Alma

• Type: Contemporary Portuguese
• Location: R. Anchieta 15
• Why We Return: Boasting two Michelin stars, Alma provides a compelling, contemporary take on Portuguese flavors within a striking setting in the Chiado district. Led by Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, it is renowned for its creative approach and an immersive tasting menu that celebrates the richness of Portuguese ingredients with a modern sensibility.

O Frade

• Type: Alentejo Cuisine
• Location: Av. 5 de Outubro 200
• Why We Return: O Frade offers a deep dive into the soulful cuisine of Alentejo, a region celebrated for its rich, traditional flavors. This spot is known for its focus on authentic methods and quality ingredients, delivering hearty, comforting dishes that speak to the heart of Portuguese cooking. It provides a distinct, regional experience within Lisbon.

84 Rooms recommends: An Insider's Guide To Comporta, and The Best Waterfront Restaurants In The Mediterranean This Summer.