Where to eat in Lisbon?

When planning to visit Lisbon in 3 days, knowing where to eat is always a concern when choosing a restaurant! Fortunately, the Portuguese capital is filled with establishments serving traditional Portuguese dishes and international cuisine. You will always find a place to eat, even if you're looking for a budget restaurant in Lisbon

From typical Portuguese diners to modern restaurants, as well as cafes and food markets, Lisbon is buzzing with great spots. If you're looking for a place to eat affordably in Lisbon where you'll be sure to get your money's worth, then read this practical guide!

Food is one of the biggest expenses when traveling. Therefore, it's natural to wonder how much food costs in Lisbon and what budget you should plan. Lisbon is a large city with plenty of places to eat, offering a wide range of options, so your budget will mostly depend on your financial means and the type of restaurants you prefer

If you choose to eat in tascas, small traditional restaurants often frequented by locals, you can expect to spend between $10 and $15 per person for a complete meal. These places typically serve simple but tasty dishes that are accessible to modest budgets.

On the other hand, the bill can easily rise if you target modern restaurants or those located in more touristy areas. The final bill ranges from $20 to $30 per person, and these establishments usually serve international cuisine, Portuguese dishes, or more modern takes. In the case of a fine dining restaurant, the budget can quickly reach $50 per person.

Then there are fast meals or snacks that you can easily find in cafes and bakeries throughout Lisbon. These places offer plenty of snacks for under $10 You can also enjoy food markets for a quick bite! Lastly, you can eat at fast food restaurants that are found all over the world, but it would be a shame to miss out on real flavors!

On average, plan to spend between $10 and $30 per person per day for meals in Lisbon It's also possible that you will be offered a couvert, which consists of small things to nibble on like olives, bread with butter, or cheese. Keep in mind that this will be charged extra. You are free to accept or decline, but you have the right to refuse. Be sure to check that the price is listed on the menu.

As briefly mentioned in the previous section, there are plenty of options for dining in Lisbon! But if you really want to immerse yourself in Portuguese culture, tascas are a must! They serve generous, affordable, and simple dishes like bacalhau, grilled sardines, and caldo verde

If you're more inclined towards modern or bistronomic establishments, you'll want to head to neighborhoods like Bairro Alto or Chiado. In these restaurants, the cuisine is relatively creative with many reimagined Portuguese dishes. Unlike the tascas that feature family-style decor, these restaurants have a more polished, contemporary design.

To enjoy a variety of flavors in one place, I highly recommend trying food markets like the Time Out Market in Lisbon. This beautiful and large hall brings together several stands from chefs offering various local and even international culinary specialties. The portions are often small, but they're sufficient because it's impossible to resist visiting more than one stand

As for cafes and bakeries, they offer the must-try pastéis de Belém, savory snacks, sandwiches, and light dishes that you can eat on the go. Overall, you can really find anything to eat in Lisbon, just move away from tourist areas to taste authentic dishes!

Portuguese cuisine is truly rich and varied, with flavors that will surely make you want to return to Portugal for a vacation! If you want to be sure of what you'll eat before ordering your dish, here are some culinary specialties commonly found on menus:

Bacalhau, or salted cod, is undoubtedly the undisputed star of Portuguese cuisine! It's said that there are over 365 ways to prepare it, one for every day of the year. Among the most popular variations is bacalhau à bràs, where the cod is mixed with matchstick potatoes, scrambled eggs, and onions. You can also try bacalhau com natas, a creamy baked version made with potatoes, nutmeg, and white pepper.

Grilled sardines are also very popular, especially during the Saint Anthony celebrations in June. They're often cooked on a grill with boiled potatoes or on a slice of bread with some lemon wedges. It's simple, fresh, tasty, and very effective.

Caldo verde, on the other hand, is a traditional soup made from green cabbage. Although it originates from the Bairrada region, it can often be found on Lisbon menus! To be sure you're ordering correctly, know that this dish is consumed as a starter, especially when it's colder outside.

For the more indulgent, you must try leitão assado, a roasted suckling pig served with crispy potatoes and a small salad. This is a rich and flavorful Portuguese specialty often enjoyed with family during special events!

For those who love stews, there's also cozido à portuguesa which is a must. This hearty stew consists of various meats (pork, chicken, and beef), vegetables, and sometimes charcuterie like Portuguese blood sausage, all cooked slowly in a fragrant broth.

For dessert, you often find pastéis de nata or de Belém, these small, crispy cream tarts on the outside and creamy on the inside. They're often dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar. Cheese is also frequently offered at the end of a meal, like queijo da Serra, a creamy sheep's cheese.

In this section, I will suggest some great addresses to remember for your stay! I have made sure to list establishments offering good value for money, serving delicious food ideal for those on a budget.

Discover the best addresses in the city:

Há Tapas no Mercado offers excellent tapas made from local products served in small portions in a friendly and warm atmosphere. If you have a small appetite, or if you want to eat quickly and cheaply in Lisbon, this address is ideal for your trip.

Address: R. Ângela Pinto 14, 1900-067 Lisbon

Verde Minho is the perfect place to discover Portuguese flavors! It's one of the budget-friendly restaurants in Lisbon, and the dishes served are truly generous You'll find most of the Portuguese culinary specialties made with love in a family atmosphere.

Address: CC de Sant'Ana 17, 1150-169 Lisbon

NATA Lisboa is a sandwich shop specializing in pastéis de nata, but not only! You can find a wide choice of snacks such as quiches, sandwiches, and toasts. If you have time, you can even sit on the small terrace to enjoy your meal.

Address: Atrium Saldanha, Praça Duque de Saldanha, 11050-094 Lisbon

If you love Indian food, Sanskar Nepal prepares delicious cuisine. The portions are generous in a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere. In addition to being a budget-friendly restaurant in Lisbon, this place is perfect for vegetarians.

Address: das, R. Chagas 25 27, 1200-106 Lisbon

If you have a medium budget, here are other addresses of establishments serving very good dishes. These are generally typical and budget-friendly restaurants located in the center of Lisbon that deserve to be known. This list features a lot of cantinas or tascas

O Cartaxinho cooks traditional Portuguese dishes, notably carne alentejana, pork marinated in white wine and spices, then cooked with lard and onions. This dish is served with potatoes and some clams. It's definitely the signature dish of this restaurant

Address: R. de Santa Marta 20B, 1150-295 Lisbon

A Licorista also specializes in traditional Portuguese cuisine This restaurant offers very generous and delicious portions at reasonable prices. Major specialties include salted cod, cod fritters, and rice accompanied by pieces of octopus

Address: R. dos Sapateiros 218, 1100-587 Lisbon

The tasca A Provinciana offers typically Portuguese menus including a soup, a main dish, a drink, and a coffee for under $15. It's a perfect restaurant to eat cheaply in Lisbon while enjoying a friendly atmosphere in a very simple establishment.

Address: Tv. do Forno 23, 1150-193 Lisbon

In the city center, you'll find Zé Dos Cornos, known for offering attractive prices and generous portions. This tavern is famous for its pork ribs and many local specialties like duck rice or Portuguese cassoulet.

Address: Beco Surradores 5, 1100-591 Lisbon

For grilled meats, head to Frangasqueira Nacional, which specializes in grilled meat, particularly grilled chicken. The chicken is marinated in olive oil with garlic, spices, and lemon before being cooked over charcoal... Expect to pay only $8 for a whole chicken!

Address: Tv. Monte do Carmo 19, 1200-276 Lisbon

Before heading to Lisbon, it's important to create a budget dedicated to dining, especially if you have a modest wallet. Unbeknownst to you, the bill can add up quickly, so here are a few tips to help you save money and lighten your budget once in Lisbon

Always opt for cantinas and tascas. The prices are very reasonable, and the portions are often generous. You will always get your money's worth!

Book a hotel room that includes breakfast. This is the essential tip to save on meals. Have a protein-rich and filling breakfast to last as long as possible. Then, don't hesitate to grab a quick bite or eat in a cafe!

The food markets in Lisbon, such as Mercado da Ribeira, are real gold mines for eating at a low cost. Some stands offer ready-to-eat dishes on-site or to take away, often at prices lower than those of restaurants, so don't hesitate.

Always look for menus or daily specials (pratos do dia)! They are often available at lunchtime and include an appetizer, a main dish, and sometimes dessert or a drink. The price is fixed and always very attractive. Be especially careful to choose a restaurant away from tourist areas.

If you have rented a holiday home or apartment, you might do your own shopping to prepare your meals. Between supermarkets and markets, fresh produce abounds and could save you a lot of money, especially with family!

Of course, avoid eating in the tourist areas of Lisbon. Prices are always higher and the cuisine is not always the most authentic... Prefer lesser-known neighborhoods away from downtown Lisbon for fair prices.

This article is finished, and I hope it will help you enjoy your time in Lisbon. Bon appétit! And if you're wondering where to sleep in Lisbon or when to go to Lisbon, I have articles for you as well.