Lisbon offers a truly interesting food and wine scene, blending local flavors with international influences, making Portuguese tradition both current and of high quality. During my last trip to the wonderful Lisbon, I had the chance to try several restaurants and fell in love with these culinary experiences. These places differ in history, concept, and menu, but they all share a common focus on quality ingredients, seasonal products, and a modern celebration of Portuguese heritage.
Bon voyage and bon appétit!
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Bistro 100 Maneiras
Bistro 100 Maneiras is the more informal, yet equally refined, restaurant of the renowned chef Ljubomir Stanisic, located in the heart of Chiado, in a historic Art Deco building (once home to Tavares Pobre and Bachus!). Opened in 2010, the Bistro was awarded World No.1 at the Monocle Restaurant Awards in 2017, and reconfirmed among the top Portuguese bar-restaurants in 2019 and 2022.
The menu changes daily, based on seasonal products: vegetables, meats, and fresh fish arrive every day from local suppliers like Horta da Garça, Ocean Tour, and responsible butchers. The “protein of the day” section brings daily surprises for the grill, alongside an intriguing “No Questions Asked” section, dedicated to bold dishes with offal and innards, following a zero-waste philosophy.
This approach reflects a sustainable culinary philosophy: reducing waste, respecting the entire supply chain, and honoring every ingredient while delivering a high-level, ambitious, and truly engaging cuisine in an eclectic and contemporary space where art, gastronomy, music, and mixology coexist — welcoming both traditionalists and the most eccentric food lovers.
Don’t miss: Your Bread in Paradise (with butter and olive oil), Our Travolta (potato skins with truffle sauce), and the Lombo Rossini with foie gras and summer truffle.
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1147 Restaurante
Castelo de São Jorge, Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo, Lisbon
1147 is a unique restaurant located in the former Sala dos Leões (Hall of the Lions) of São Jorge Castle. This space, once home to exotic lions during the reign of King Afonso V, holds centuries of Lisbon’s history. With historic azulejos narrating its glorious past, the restaurant invites guests to take their time and enjoy an immersive culinary experience in a space full of charm and authenticity.
The panoramic terrace is also a highlight, offering breathtaking views of the 25 de Abril Bridge, the Tagus River, and the rooftops of the Baixa district — framing Lisbon in all its beauty. Whether at sunrise, sunset, or under the sparkling lights of the city, it’s the perfect setting to savor Mediterranean cuisine with a modern reinterpretation of Portuguese dishes.
Don’t miss: Gratinated Oyster, Caesar Salad.
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Cantinho do Avillez Chiado
Rua dos Duques de Bragança 7, Lisbon
Cantinho do Avillez Chiado is the most iconic venue of chef José Avillez in Lisbon, opened in 2011 as a true expression of his culinary philosophy: Portuguese tradition reinterpreted in a modern way with an international flair.
What makes Cantinho special is its constantly evolving menu. It features a variety of contemporary tapas, main courses like codfish with migas and arroz de pato, and modern creations based on seasonality — along with a vegetarian section and side dishes. This daily rotation ensures freshness, seasonal ingredients, and a continuous sense of discovery for returning guests. All this in a cozy space where tradition and modernity coexist naturally.
Don’t miss: Tiger prawns with yuzu and truffle sauce, Moqueca-style prawns with white rice and a glass of Sidónio de Sousa Special Cuvée.
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A Severa – Casa de Fados
A Severa is the oldest fado house in Lisbon still managed by the same family, now in its fourth generation since 1955. It takes its name from Maria Severa, a legendary 19th-century fadista. Located in the heart of Bairro Alto, a historic neighborhood where fado music was born, A Severa offers an evening of authentic Portuguese food and emotional performances, in an intimate, candlelit atmosphere.
Every night, various fado singers and guitarists alternate with intense and moving performances, interspersed with pauses to enjoy dinner, which starts around 8 PM. The venue is warm and steeped in history, decorated with bricks, traditional azulejos, and vintage photographs that tell the story and traditions carried on through the generations.
The show alone is worth the visit, but the gastronomic offering is equally excellent: high-quality ingredients and traditional Portuguese dishes make the dinner an authentic and memorable experience. The price includes the performance — reservation is recommended!Don’t miss: Ameijoas à Bilbao Pato (clams), Tiger Shrimp with creamy shrimp and lime rice.
In the house cocktails section, try FADO NAS VEIAS with gin, licor de poejo (pennyroyal liqueur), and soda.
Images in the text by Laura Renieri, cover photo by Soop Kim | All rights reserved
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