Dine like a local in Lisbon

Join us as we share some of the best restaurants in Portugal, we'll show you what we ordered on the menu, give you a breakdown of atmosphere, what to wear, where to sit, how to get there and more!

Lisboa Tu e Eu 2 Escadinhas das Portas do Mar 4, 1100-410 Lisboa, Portugal

With two locations, we found this to be the most intimate and off the beaten path option! Down a cobblestone road and up a few flights of stairs, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and a sundress or something casual!

It's not uncommon for most Portugal restaurants to decide against a website or even social media, we used google photos for almost every menu before venturing out - here's the best one we found that is up to date: MENU

Here is where we spent our very first dinner in Lisbon after a long day of traveling and a much needed siesta.

We've come to realize, even in the states, we order like Europeans and will share our dishes, which makes dining in a foreign country even more exciting because we can taste more of the menu! We ordered the Codfish à Brás, which is a traditional Portuguese dish of shredded cod, matchstick potatoes, thinly sliced onions, scrambled eggs and olives. We would never think to combine all of these ingredients so closely and packed into the same dish, but the flavor was incredible!

For a lighter dish we also ordered the Squid Salad (aka octopus salad), this particular location grills the octopus in a sweet and savory finish with fried onions and fresh parsley, served with potatoes on the side garnished with a balsamic drizzle.

To sip we tried the Green Wine! Which is on tap and carbonated, a very refreshing (and surprisingly not green, but white, wine)!

And to most American's surprise, you do pay for water! Robert doesn't like sparkling water so in most locations we would order a "jug" of still/flat water.

We chose to eat outside in the tiny alley, at the top of a few flights of steps, it was a hot day in Lisbon, and being that most traditional Portuguese restaurants don't have air conditioning, we found this to be very comfortable and unique!

Robert would describe the restaurant as Punk Rock due to the signed walls, ceilings, tables and even chairs throughout the restaurant.

The whole theme of the restaurant was designed around love, for the owner (who is typically on site), dedicated this beautiful location to her husband who she lost around 15 years ago. You'll find a very sweet logo of two fish kissing to keep her husbands memory alive, be sure to read the back of the menu for the full story!

Time Out Market

Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa, Portugal

Website

This market is absolutely a tourist stop, but one you must put on your list!

With over 26 restaurants and 8 bars, offering a wide variety of cuisines - there is something for everyone! All seating is communal in the center, with a few restaurants also offering private seating, it is truly a unique experience. Read below to see some of the fun bites we had!

MANTEIGARIA SILVA, a traditional Charcuterie restaurant that's been around for over 100 years offered everything from charcuterie boards, cones, toasts, salad, sandwiches, olives and even sardines.

We absolutely loved the the Cone de Presunto Pata Negra (Iberian Pork Ham Cone) and the Viruta Mista Porco Preto (Iberian Pork Ham and Cheese Toast).

Sea Me, an incredible seafood bar where Robert slurped down freshly shucked oysters!

Borogodó (Located in the LX Factory)

R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-472 Lisboa, Portugal

Check out their Instagram for all the fun things happening here @borogodolx

For some of the most incredible food of our trip we highly recommend Borogodó! Located in the LX Factory, a "hipster" factory, now turned into a place for artists, boutiques, vintage stores, record shops, incredible restaurants and music!

Borogodó is CASH ONLY so be sure to hit the ATM across the street before grabbing a table. We ordered the Salmon Ceviche, Octopus Salad and the white sangria (which comes with cinnamon sticks, fresh mint, pears and apples)! This was such a refreshing dinner and was accompanied by some of the most lively, get out of your seat and dance, live music!

All of the seating is outdoors with long communal picnic style tables, gorgeous wicker lamps, a twinkle light canopy and fresh flowers everywhere.

Arcaz Velho

Calçada do Forte 56, 1100-256 Lisboa, Portugal

Website

This particular restaurant was located close to our Airbnb in a vibrant neighborhood full of restaurants, bars, live music and even a speakeasy. We chose a beautiful seat outside to take it all in.

The food was absolutely incredible, we ordered and shared the Prawns with Garlic Algarvian Style (if you're just meeting us now, understand our love for garlic is endless), the Prawns were served in a decadent sauce, so of course we also opted for a basket of bread! We also ordered the Octopus, potatoes and garlic with olive oil (case and point).

Check out their MENU here

Sol e Pesca

R. Nova do Carvalho 44, 1200-019 Lisboa, Portugal

Sol e Pesca Facebook

Have you ever had tinned fish? Let's clarify, have you ever had elevated tinned fish?

Look no further than Sol e Pesca, located on Pink Street in Lisbon, which also offers plenty of nightlife! We tried a one of a kind experience here and encourage you to ask the incredible staff for recommendations, try something new and step out of the box (or tin), these dishes are unlike anything we could have expected, just take a look for yourself: