Built on seven hills, Portugal’s capital city is not just a feast for the eyes, but also the palate. No surprise then that it was crowned the winner of Europe’s Best Culinary Destination at the 2024 World Culinary Awards. Lisbon boasts of 20 Michelin-starred restaurants, some of the best cocktail and wine bars in the world, bustling food markets and family-run eateries. Whether you want to try traditional Portuguese food or have a gourmet experience, these are some of the places you should not miss during a visit.
Fifty Seconds
Perched atop the iconic Vasco Da Gama tower, this one Michelin star restaurant is Lisbon’s highest restaurant with incredible views. It is also counted as one of the city’s top Michelin star restaurants. The 14 course Portuguese tasting menu it serves starts with a champagne trolley being wheeled to my table with a choice of three – I settle for Krug. Then some delectable dishes begin arriving. I start with Mushroom – Anchovy – Citrus, a crisp tart of mushroom and anchovy, served with a mushroom infusion and a few drops of citrus oil. The array of seafood dishes that follow are so delicately plated that I almost feel guilty biting into them. Think of delectable bites of urchin, blue lobster, shrimp, crab, prawn, smoked eel and tuna, all bursting with flavour and creatively paired with six glasses of wine. Don’t be surprised if a pani puri shows up in between one of the courses. Chef Rui Silvestre’s had an Indian grandmother hailing from Goa and has been inspired by her cooking. The restaurant’s name by the way refers to the 50 seconds it takes for the lift to ride up for the evening of fine dining.
Allora
An orange tree at the centre, an open kitchen and a chic bar lend an elegant but cheerful ambience to Allora, one of Lisbon’s top Italian restaurants, located at Epic Sana Marquês hotel. A focus on fresh, hand rolled pastas and an impressive drinks menu make a meal here memorable. I order one of their signature cocktails, Allora Vermouth Cocktail, and even as I turn my attention to the food menu, a server wheels in a trolley, ready to prepare the drink right there. A dash of homemade basil syrup, white vermouth and gin, are given a brisk stir and poured expertly in a champagne coupe glass. It is potent and delicious.
For an appetizer I choose the Black Angus Carpaccio – beef drizzled with parmesan sauce and topped with pine and rocket leaves. It simply melts in the mouth. Pastas, especially ravioli, is my weak spot, so I opt for the homemade ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta. It is velvety, delicious with a subtle hint of sweetness. The menu is quite extensive with plenty of veggie options.
Pastéis de Belém
The most famous spot in Lisbon to have pastéis de nata, the famous Portuguese egg tarts, has been around since 1837. This iconic eatery claims they were the first to make them in the city using an ancient recipe from Jerónimos Monastery. They still follow the same technique. Even though their menu includes other Portuguese snacks, pastries, sandwiches, and more, it is the sweet and warm aroma of these tarts that engulfs me when I enter. As I sprinkle some cinnamon on the flaky egg tart and bite into it, creamy custard oozes into my mouth. Hands down to the best pastéis de nata I’ve ever eaten — its secret lies in the crispness of the pastry.
SUD Lisboa Terrazza
Perched by the Tagus River with sweeping views of the 25 de Abril Bridge, SUD Lisboa Terrazza is easily one of the hottest addresses in Belém. Known for its Mediterranean flavours, this chic restaurant and rooftop bar has an elegant indoor dining space, outdoor seating, and a DJ or live singer to set the mood. I begin with Wagyu beef crostini layered with Stracciatella cheese, tomato, and Parmesan on crisp focaccia, a flavour-packed start. Pan-seared sea bass and lamb chops follow, both beautifully cooked and balanced. For dessert, I go for a classic tiramisu and crème brûlée. In between, I sip delicious wine while tapping my feet to the lively singing. The restaurant is a popular celebrity hangout.
Time Out Market
Craving pastel de nata, the local cherry liqueur Ginjinha (also called Ginja), croquettes and shuck oysters too? Welcome to Time Out Market, a buzzing food hall crammed with 26 restaurants and 8 bars dishing out both Portuguese and international cuisines. It’s a must for food lovers. My eyes begin to feast as I take a round and make a mental note of what not to miss. A line at Croqueteria catches my attention – then I read that it’s the first (and only) croquet shop in the city. I tuck into three — they are incredible. Codfish cakes along with Ginja follow next.
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