The Best Italian Restaurants in Lisbon (2025 Guide)

If you’re in Lisbon and craving a taste of Italy, you’re in luck. From wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta that could come straight from a nonna’s kitchen to gelato that feels like Rome in a cone, the city’s Italian dining scene is thriving. Whether you prefer a timeless trattoria or a modern twist on Mediterranean classics, Lisbon is full of spots where Italian flavour meets Portuguese charm.

Here’s our 2025 guide to the best Italian restaurants in Lisbon.

1. La Trattoria – A Lisbon Classic

Location: Marquês de Pombal

La Trattoria holds the title of being Lisbon’s very first Italian restaurant, serving locals for decades. Expect timeless recipes — hearty pastas, comforting risottos, and generous portions — in an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and welcoming. It’s Italian tradition with a Lisbon accent.

2. La Mafia se sienta a la mesa – Fresh Pasta, Big Flavours

Location: Parque das Nações & Saldanha

With two locations in the city, La Mafia has built a reputation for fresh, handmade pasta and rich sauces. One of their highlights is the Rigatone de Ovo with pomodoro rosso and creamy burrata — a dish that shows just how indulgent Italian simplicity can be.

3. Mano a Mano – Contemporary Italian with Soul

Location: Cais do Sodré

More than just a pizza stop, Mano a Mano serves refined, modern Italian dishes in a cozy, vibrant setting. Think seasonal pasta dishes paired with a glass of Italian red, served in a space that’s equal parts stylish and relaxed.

4. Valdo Gatti – Pizza and Sustainability

Location: Bairro Alto & Cacilhas

Known for their organic, artisan pizzas baked with care, Valdo Gatti also shines with pasta favourites like their generous lasagna Bolognese. Quality ingredients and a focus on sustainable production make this spot a must for eco-conscious foodies who refuse to compromise on flavour.

5. Santa Lúcia – The Power of the Wood-Fired Oven

Location: Campo Pequeno

Santa Lúcia is all about pizza — and with more than 40 varieties on the menu, you’ll want to come back again and again. The wood-fired oven gives each slice that rustic, smoky touch that defines a true Italian pie. Add to that bruschettas, focaccias, and risottos, and you’ve got a feast.

6. Santa – Italian Inspiration With a Twist

Location: Sé de Lisboa

Santa isn’t a traditional Italian restaurant, but its bold dishes with Italian influence deserve a mention. Their Aqui o Papa é Tuga combines tagliatelle in squid ink sauce with tiger prawns and crispy greens — a creative take on Mediterranean flavours in a refined setting.

7. Nannarela – Gelato Worth the Queue

Location: São Bento

Sometimes dessert is the main event. At Nannarela, artisanal gelato is prepared daily with the same devotion found in Rome’s best gelaterias. Pistachio, basil flower, parmesan with Rocha pear — inventive, creamy, and unforgettable. Expect a line, but know it’s worth it.

Discover the best of Lisbon with WhereInRio & Beyond

From timeless trattorias to modern Italian kitchens, Lisbon has become a destination for authentic Italian dining. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, pasta, or a scoop of artisanal gelato, the city’s Italian restaurants bring a little piece of Italy to your table.

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FAQ - Italian Restaurants in Lisbon

1. What are the best Italian restaurants in Lisbon in 2025?

Highlights include La Trattoria, Mercantina, Valdo Gatti, Mano a Mano, and Santa Lúcia for pizza, pasta, and more.

2. Where can I find authentic Neapolitan pizza in Lisbon?

Mercantina Alvalade is certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, guaranteeing true Neapolitan pizza.

3. What’s the best place in Lisbon for Italian gelato?

Nannarela in São Bento is the city’s top gelateria, offering traditional flavours and creative twists.

4. Do Italian restaurants in Lisbon offer vegetarian options?

Yes. Many menus feature vegetarian pizzas, pastas, risottos, and salads made with seasonal produce.

5. Is it necessary to book in advance?

For popular spots like Mercantina, La Mafia, or Valdo Gatti on weekends, reservations are highly recommended.