Where To Eat in Lisbon 2025: The Best Local Restaurants

Lisbon is a city that rewards curiosity. Beyond the postcard views and bustling tourist hubs lies a vibrant food culture built on tradition, community, and soul. Whether it’s an old-school tasca where locals argue over football with a glass of vinho tinto, or a chef-run tavern reimagining petiscos with seasonal flair, the best meals here feel both personal and timeless.

Dining in Lisbon is about more than just food — it’s about atmosphere, pace, and the art of sharing. Skip the guidebook hotspots and follow the scent of grilled sardines or the clatter of plates behind fogged-up windows. You’ll uncover honest flavours, warm hospitality, and menus written in chalk or recited from memory.

Here’s a curated selection of 10 local restaurants in Lisbon where you can eat like a true Lisboeta — from smoky grilled meats to petiscos, seafood feasts to nostalgic daily specials.

1. O Velho Eurico (Baixa/Castelo)

O Velho Eurico is a modern tasca that serves bold, no-nonsense Portuguese food. It’s loud, fast, and packed for a reason — the kitchen respects tradition but isn’t afraid to push it.

Address: Largo São Cristóvão 3, 1100-179 Lisboa, Portugal

Average price: 20–30€ per person

Tip: Get there just before opening time to avoid the queues. The vibe is vibrant, the wine flows, and the atmosphere feels like a modern-day Lisbon tavern reborn.

2. Zé da Mouraria (Mouraria)

A true Lisbon institution, Zé da Mouraria keeps it old-school. You’ll find hearty, classic dishes served in enormous portions that haven’t changed in decades. There’s no frill, no fuss — just unapologetically traditional Portuguese cooking, straight from the heart of Mouraria.

Address: R. Gomes Freire 60, 1150-175 Lisboa, Portugal

Average price: 15–25€ per person

Tip: Arrive hungry and bring friends. Dishes are often served in cast iron pans or family-style trays — perfect for sharing.

3. Cervejaria Ramiro (Intendente)

Lisbon’s most famous seafood restaurant — and for good reason. Cervejaria Ramiro is always buzzing with locals and visitors cracking crab legs and dunking bread into buttery garlic clams. It’s not fancy, but it’s a true Lisbon food experience, where the seafood shines and the beer never stops flowing.

Address: Av. Alm. Reis 1 H, 1150-007 Lisboa, Portugal

Average price: 30–50€ per person

Tip: Book in advance or go early and join the line. While you wait, servers come around with beers — a small mercy while you anticipate the feast inside.

4. Taberna Sal Grosso (Alfama)

A cozy neighborhood tavern tucked into the hills of Alfama, Taberna Sal Grosso blends rustic charm with bold creativity. The menu changes frequently and showcases a wide range of seasonal petiscos — from smoked fish to hearty stews — all cooked with flair and rooted in Portuguese tradition. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, with friendly service and a loyal local following.

Address: Calçada do Forte 22, 1100-256 Lisboa, Portugal

Average price: 20–30€ per person

Tip: Go with a group and order the whole chalkboard menu. Sharing is encouraged, and the rotating selection means there’s always something new to discover.

5. Tasquinha do Lagarto (Campolide)

A Sporting-themed tasca with walls covered in memorabilia, Tasquinha do Lagarto has been a local favourite since 1973. This is the place to go for comforting, home-style Portuguese food served in generous portions. It’s as traditional as they come, with warm service and an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a family gathering.

Address: R. de Campolide 258, Lisboa, Portugal

Average price: 15–25€ per person

Tip: Bring an appetite and maybe a football story or two — the friendly vibe here makes it easy to linger longer over dessert and a bica.

6. Taberna da Rua das Flores (Chiado)

One of the original modern tascas in Lisbon, Taberna da Rua das Flores is a tiny restaurant that delivers inventive Portuguese cuisine rooted in tradition, but full of surprises. The intimate space, dim lighting, and handcrafted details make it a favorite for locals and travelers alike seeking something uniquely Lisbon.

Address: Rua das Flores 103 109, 1200-194 Lisboa, Portugal

Average price: 25–35€ per person

Tip: Go early. There are no reservations and the line starts forming before the doors even open. Expect a wait, but it’s worth it for some of Lisbon’s most inventive seasonal dishes.

7. Solar dos Nunes (Alcântara)

Solar dos Nunes is a Alentejo-rooted restaurant feels like stepping into a well-loved private dining room. Expect framed photos, white tablecloths, and comforting classics, served with old-world elegance. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and meals are savored over hours of conversation and excellent wine.

Address: R. dos Lusíadas 68, 1300-366 Lisboa, Portugal

Average price: 30–50€ per person

Tip: Ideal for long business lunches or special occasions with family. Service is traditional and very attentive — don’t rush, just enjoy.

8. Vida de Tasca (Roma)

Opened in 2024, Vida de Tasca brings back the soul of the Lisbon tasca with a modern sensibility. Housed in the former Casa Alberto, this revived neighborhood gem blends old-school charm with elevated touches — from freshly fried croquettes to pastel de bacalhau made to order. It’s compact, cozy, and full of personality, with a rotating daily menu that keeps things interesting.

Address: R. Moniz Barreto 7, 1700-306 Lisboa, Portugal

Average price: 15–25€ per person

Tip: Check their Instagram or chalkboard for daily specials — there’s always something new worth trying. Reservations recommended for peak lunch hours.

9. Casa do Alentejo (Restauradores)

Tucked behind a nondescript door near Rossio, Casa do Alentejo is one of Lisbon’s most atmospheric dining spots. Inside a Moorish-style palace, you’ll find two distinct dining experiences: a casual ground-floor tavern with budget-friendly small plates, and an opulent upstairs restaurant with carved wood ceilings and velvet chairs. Whichever you choose, expect hearty Alentejo cuisine served in a setting that feels straight out of a storybook.

Address: R. das Portas de Santo Antão 58, 1150-268 Lisboa, Portugal

Average price: 15–30€ per person

Tip: Dine in the courtyard tavern for a casual vibe, or head upstairs to the ornate banquet rooms for something more formal. Great for both budget travellers and romantic dates.

10. Corrupio (Cais do Sodré)

A downtown diner with attitude, Corrupio dishes out small plates with a Portuguese core and a creative edge. The setting is casual but stylish, with a central bar that invites solo diners and couples to settle in and watch the chefs at work. Expect great wines, good tunes, and a laid-back Lisbon crowd that’s in the know.

Address: R. Moeda 1 F/G, 1200-275 Lisboa, Portugal

Average price: 25–35€ per person

Tip: Ideal for solo diners or couples — grab a bar stool, chat with the chefs, and try the daily specials written on the board.

Discover the Best of Lisbon with WhereInRio & Beyond

To eat like a local in Lisbon is to chase flavour, not frills. Whether it’s a bifana on the terrace or grilled octopus with a good glass of wine, Lisbon rewards those who seek out the simple, soulful spots — the ones with handwritten menus, loud conversations, and food that feels like home.

If you're looking for places to stay in Lisbon, check out our handpicked collection of authentic Lisbon homes and luxury villas. Our properties put you right in the heart of Lisbon’s daily rhythm — perfect for those who want to experience the city beyond the guidebooks.

FAQ

1. What are the best local restaurants in Lisbon for seafood?

Ramiro and Taberna Sal Grosso are standout options. Ramiro is a classic marisqueira known for prawns and shellfish, while Sal Grosso offers creative seafood petiscos.

2. Where can I eat traditional Portuguese food on a budget in Lisbon?

Try Zé da Mouraria or Tasquinha do Lagarto. Both offer generous portions of classic dishes at very reasonable prices.

3. Are reservations needed at these local restaurants in Lisbon?

It depends. Places like Ramiro and Solar dos Nunes recommend booking ahead. Taberna da Rua das Flores and O Velho Eurico don't take reservations — go early.

4. What is a tasca in Portugal?

A tasca is a casual, often family-run tavern where you’ll find affordable, home-style Portuguese dishes. It’s the best way to eat like a local.

5. Is tipping expected in Lisbon?

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated. Leaving 5-10% is common if you enjoyed the meal and service.