Matthew Lucas

Digital Marketer, Chief Operating Officer, Startup Mentor

Lisbon

Nomad List – Lisbon

Neighborhoods

Good Resources

  1. Secret City Trails: Neighborhoods
  2. HoodPicker
  3. HoodMaps

Neighborhoods

  1. Favorite Neighborhood: Principe Real
  2. Campo de Orique (visit the Campo de Orique Market (Mercado de Campo de Orique))
  3. Sao Bento
  4. Gracia & Sao Vincente
  5. Alfama (worth checking out) Oldest district.
  6. Intendente (Has turned into one of the newer hip areas (by Cervejaria Ramiro)) & Anjos & Arroios
  7. Bairro Alto (very busy at night – younger crowd) & Bica
  8. Cais Do Sodre (and Pink Street (busy at night – younger crowd)) – Catch the train to Cascais or ferry across the river from here. Also home to Time Out Market (aka Mercado da Ribeira). You can walk, scooter or walk the river from here, which is worth doing (head west toward Belem).
  9. Estrella
  10. Lapa & Santos
  11. Alcantara (Quimera Brewpub, Gleba Bakery, LX Factory and Village Underground Lisboa, etc.)
  12. Mouraria
  13. Baixa & Chiado
  14. Avenida da Liberdade
  15. Belem
  16. Others (need to explore more)
    1. Penha de Franca
    2. Marvila & Beato
    3. Benfica

Restaurants

Our Favorite Restaurants (so far!) But there are hundreds of other outstanding restaurants.

  1. Amago
    – Amazing Michelin star quality meal for a fraction of the cost. One seating at ten person table. Very fun night. (Chef/Owners: Andre and Marta) – Text/WhatsApp for reservations: +351 913 701 177 or email: [email protected]
    – Good wine bar close by for pre/post drinks: Enoteca LX Wine Bar (owner: Felipe Reis)
  2. Cervejaria Ramiro – Old school seafood restaurant known for having some of the best seafood in Lisbon. No reservations. Very popular. Go during off hours.
  3. Tapisco – Great Spanish/Portuguese food in Principal Real. Michelin Guide Listed
  4. Lugar Marcado (Fatima Rodrigues and chef Sandra Carvalho)
  5. Senhor Uva (amazing vegetarian restaurant)
  6. Coelho da Rocha (Tripadvisor Listing)
  7. Tasca da Esquina – Celebrity chef. Great high-end Tasca. Also good for lunch.
  8. Taberna da Rua da Flores – No reservations. Put your name on the list at the door, and then go grab a drink nearby (lots of options)
  9. La Cervicheria – Celebrity chef: “Chef Kiko” (Francisco Martins) – In Principal Real just down from Tapisco. A little spendy for what you get, but it is good. Get a Pisco Sour there!
  10. Time Out Market – lots of good dining options (also Mercado de Campo de Orique)
  11. Prado – Good but expensive. Maybe try for lunch.
  12. A Parreirinha do Chile (A great hole in the wall bifanas place – real cheap!)

Restaurants on our “Hit List” to Try

  1. *Tasca Baldracca (good review)
  2. *O Velho Eurico (from Prado and Justin)(tasca, but with flare and updated dishes. Industry hangout. Great terrace. – Justin)(on the way to Sao Jorge Castle???)
  3. *The Decadente (in a youth hostel in Barrio Alto; awesome views of Lisbon from the square across the street; chef tired of working 5-star restaurants, so now he prepares 5-star level food here, for a fraction of the price)(also Dieter’s list)
  4. *A Venda Lusitana (Tiny place serving amazing Portuguese food (try the sharing menus), as well as good wines and a nice variety of craft beers, all at bargain prices. The owner speaks excellent English) (Reserve on The Fork) (Dieter’s List)
  5. Tati (most “famed” spot in Lisbon for wine and tapas)
  6. Come Prima (great pizza & Italian food)
  7. BBB Taste (great sandwiches, also brunch?)
  8. Feitoria (Michelin-starred) – Belem
  9. O Frade – Ajuda area
  10. Attla – Alcantara area
  11. Pigmeu – Campo de Ourique
  12. Cafe de Sao Bento – Another classic. Go late, go drunk, order the house steak – don’t even look at the menu – a martini. Make sure to sit downstairs, in the lounge room.)
  13. Arkhe (vegetarian) (Michelin-starred or listed?)
  14. BouBou’s – Principe Real
  15. Jesus e Goes
  16. Solar dos Presuntos (all of the stars and politicians here. Big energy vide, top food. Best lobster rice in the country)
  17. Belcanto (famous chef Jose Avillez)(Two Michelin Stars) – Probably Lisbon’s most celebrated restaurant – EXPENSIVE!
  18. Alma (also Two Michelin Stars) – Also expensive!
  19. Queimado – Baixa area
  20. Sala de Joao Sa
  21. Boi-Cavalo Restaurante – Alfama
  22. Plano Restaurante – Graca Area
  23. Encanto – Plant-based restaurant by Jose Avillez
  24. The Palacio do Grilo – restaurant in live theater (3 centuries old) – Beato District
  25. Frade dos Mares
  26. Santelmo
  27. Rosamar
  28. Season (great small plates, super good chef – Joao Magelhaes) – Justin
  29. Essencial (foodie – cozy, trendy restaurant)
  30. Altar
  31. Solar dos Nunes (intimate, elegant, but very old school. Few places like it left in Lisbon)
  32. Bahr (from Prado)
  33. Taberba do Calhav (from Prado)
  34. Taberna Baldraca (from Prado)
  35. Ajitama (Ramen Bistro)
  36. The Insolito (by Principe Real – Great Views)
  37. Tasca Baldracca
  38. O Tachadas – 12E Steaks (his favorite hole in the wall, grungy joint in Santos – Steaks that are as big as your head, beer-hall vibe, gruff waiters and no bullshit)
  39. Bifanas do Afonso (The most famous hole in the wall in Lisbon for real Lisbon bifana)
  40. Ze Mouraria (Two locations, the original is lunch only, the second has dinner and it’s pretty rollicking – old school food, snotty bit charming waiter – a real Lisbon experience)
  41. Faz Frio (Cool old tasca that has been reborn as a modern restaurant doing modern plating of old Portuguese classics. A beautiful old school place.)
  42. Forninho Saloio (Old school Tasca that is a wine industry hangout. Many Somms go there to taste wines, as they let you bring bottles)
  43. Bicho Mau (Great bistro in Campo de Ourique. Great chef-owner, great wines, super nice place overall)
  44. Gambrinus (One of the other must-see institutions in Lisbon – one of the oldest restuarants in town. Go to the bar and just have their famous croquettes with a beer…worth seeing the place)
  45. Cafe Sao Bento (
  46. Casa dos Passarinhos (Another mega-old school joint on the edge of Camp de Ourique – make sure to sit in the main dining room – classic waiters, old school food – get the steak or a stone or accordance da gambas)
  47. Tartine
  48. The Old House (The best Chinese food in Portugal, hands down!)(Parque Nacoes)
  49. Chingon (best Mexican food)
  50. Manca Verde (Great old school Portuguese – zero atmosphere- right next to Santa Apolonia train station)
  51. Ze Pinto (Out of the way tasca in Benfica – go on Thursday for pork Pernil – reserve in advance. Super old school.)
  52. A Travessa (Portuguese/International)(Dieter’s List)
  53. Cave 23 (Modern fusion in a boutique hotel that consists of a series of converted mansions)(Dieter’s List)
  54. Grenache (excellent tasting menu, near the castle)(Dieter’s List)
  55. Lisboa a Noite (Great food in Barrio Alto)(Dieter’s List)
  56. Bastardo (Fun restaurant on the edge of the Rossio, in the second floor of the Internatinal Design Hotel. Be sure to start with a round of Caipirinhas; they’re excellent here.)(Dieter’s List)
  57. Sitio Valverde (Traditional Portuguese food in a very nice hotel on the Avenida da Liberdade)(Dieter’s List)
  58. Ibo (Great views of the water; excellent grilled tiger prawns and prawn curry; near Cais de Sodre)(Dieter’s List)
  59. Solar 31 (Seafood Restaurant)(Dieter’s List)
  60. Gourmet Market at El Corte Ingles (On the 7th floor of Lisbon’s only true department store, this is a “food court” format, with lovely high-end appointments and a beautiful outside view deck for eating in good weather; the restaurants are conceived by several of Lisbon’s top chefs; great place for tapas) (Dieter’s List)
  61. Floresta Das Escadinhas (TA #10) – Reserv on The Fork

Breakfast / Brunch

  1. Mila – (Santos area) – Online Reservations Accepted
  2. Seventh Brunch Coffee
  3. Hello Kristof
  4. Dear Breakfast
  5. Augusto Lisboa
  6. The Mill

Coffee / Coffee Shops

  1. Neighbourhood (Santos)
  2. Buna Specialty Coffee Shop (Santos)
  3. Milkees
  4. Olisipo Coffee Roasters (Ajuda) – Limited hours but worth it!
  5. Fabrica Coffee Roasters (Avenida) (urban funky vibe)
  6. Bauba Cafe (Cais do Sodre)
  7. RoastBerry Coffee Lab (Alcantara)
  8. The Mill
  9. Hello, Kristof
  10. Copenhagen Coffee Lab and Bakery (many locations)
  11. Malabarista Cafe
  12. Thank You Mama Cafe (Anjos) (also bagels and babka)
  13. Cafe Dede’s (Lapa)
  14. The Coffee (multiple locations)
  15. Shaker (great flat whites)
  16. Dear Breakfast
  17. Give it a Shot (by the Timeout Market)
  18. The Royal Rawness (Marvila) (explore the Marvila neighborhood before or after coffee)

Ordering coffee:
– Un Bica
– Un Pingado (coffee with a drop of milk)
– American style cup of coffee: order an Abatanado (“un-but-o-NAH-doo”). With milk on the side “con lait (pronounced “light”) apart”.

Bars

Wine Bars

  1. Black Sheep – Great very small natural wine bar in Principe Real
  2. Enoteca LX
  3. Holy Wine
  4. Insaciavel (Great Wine Bar) – (Santos area)
  5. Grau Douro Tapas & Wine Bar (Great Wine Bar)
  6. Onda Cocktail Room (great cocktail bar)
  7. Ladidadi Wines (Artisanal wines, self-imported, with bites and cool music)
  8. Rebel Rebel (Jennifer’s tiny shop where she showcases her natural wines)
  9. Vino Vero (Very cool wines and bites (Italian owned w/ Italian spin)
  10. Comida Independente (great shop and wine bar full of incredibly specific artisanal Portuguese products)
  11. Solar do Porto (10’s of Port wines available to taste and enjoy in a club-like environment. (Near Decadente above)(Dieter’s list)
  12. Restaurante Federico (Looks like a great newer foodie restaurant but try first for wine and appetizers (by Principe Real view park) (Online reservations)
  13. By the Wine
  14. Grapes & Bites (sometimes have live music)
  15. Antiga Wine Bar
  16. Wine Not?

Cocktail Bars

  1. The Bar – Great cocktail bar in Principe Real
  2. Matiz Pombalina Cocktail Bar (great cocktail bar (G&T’s, etc.) – (Santos area)
  3. Imprensa
  4. FoxTrot
  5. Park (at the top of a parking garage)

Lists of Bars

  1. The Best Lisbon Wine Bars
  2. 12 best rooftop bars in Lisbon – Conde Nast Traveller (March 2019)
  3. 5 Best Lisbon Beach Bars to Pass the Day Away – Devour Lisbon Food Tours

Wine Shop

Garrafeira Imperial
R. Dom Pedro V 44, 1250-094
Lisbon
(on main road in Principe Real)
– They print out a purchase report to easily process your VAT tax refund at the airport (if you are bringing wine back. They also can sell you a suitcase for around 40 Euros which they can pack 13 bottles of wine in for check-in luggage at the airport.

Garrafeira Estado D’Alma
Ask for Nuno Santos
Rua Alexandre Herculano N.45 A, 1250-010
Lisbon

https://garrafeiraestadodalma.pt/en/

Coworking Cafes

  1. 12 best coworking cafés in Lisbon (Wi-Fi included)

Shopping

  1. Old School – Tea, Coffee, and Chocolate (and Port) Shop – ‘Casa Pereira‘
  2. Best Shopping in Lisbon – Conde Nast Traveller (July 2018)

To Do / Activities

Festivals
  1. June 12th – “The feast of St. Anthony” aka Santo Antonio Festival (One of Lisbon’s biggest street parties)
Tech Events
  1. Portugal Tech Week – List of Tech Events

Accommodations

Airbnb, etc.

2018

  1. COOL&CHIC MassageBed (Airbnb link down – looks like this unit is not currently being rented)

2021

  1. Unique, Exuberant, Arty Home in the Heart of Hip Bairro Alto (Pretty good)

2022

  1. Designer Apartment in One of Lisbon’s Trendiest Quarters (Our 3rd Favorite, but still very good. One of our favorite locations in the city. Great property managers (Nest Lisbon) who have a number of other good Airbnbs)
  2. Great river and town view apartment (Our Favorite so far! Better than the pictures. Lots of stairs, so if that is an issue, this is not for you. Just down the street from one of our favorite restaurants Senhor Uva. Walkable to Principe Real, Sao Bento, Campo de Ourique, Bairro Alto, and many other areas. Fantastic park (Jardim da Estrela) a couple of blocks away)
  3. Beautifully Restored Cottage on Patio in Historic Center A (2nd Favorite – Very comfortable and a different part of town than we usually stay in, but a good area. Great owner and good value. Will stay here again.)

Others
Design & Location! Artistic house in Principe Real

Other Options to Evaluate

  1. superb duplex with amazing terrace
  2. Amazing Mezzanine House w/ Garden and Parking
  3. Lisbon rooftop with terrace and stunning views
  4. Big terrace apartment – Graça
  5. NEW! Fantastic penthouse w/ terrace & top Riverview
Hotels
  1. .

Lisbon CoWorking Spaces and Biz Services

  1. http://www.baselisbon.com
  2. https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2021-11-11/find-a-place-to-start-your-business-in-lisbon/63471

Good Lists of Restaurants

  1. The 118 Best Restaurants in Lisbon (TimeOut)
  2. The 32 Essential Lisbon Restaurants – Eater
  3. Where To Eat In Lisbon Now: 16 Top New (and New-Ish) Restaurants – Forbes (Sept. 2022)
  4. Best Restaurants in Lisbon (also bars) – Conde Nast Traveller
  5. Michelin Listed Restaurants in Lisbon
  6. Eat Like a Local, Have Lunch at a Tasca
    – Try ‘O Gaiteiro‘ (on foot tour video below)
  7. Where to Eat in Lisbon
  8. Food in Lisbon: 12 Must-Try Restaurants – Will Fly For Food
  9. Brunch Culture Is Real: Best Brunch and breakfast Cafes in Lisbon
  10. 35 of the Best Lisbon Restaurants and Bars – 2 Food Trippers (Feb, 2022)

Nest Lisbon (Airbnb property manager) Recommendations Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/WaUDBTYSGBmR9udb8

Other Food/Restaurant Suggestions/Notes

  1. Bifana (pork sandwich) – Try at ‘O Trevo’ (Anthony Bourdain featured it here)
  2. Piri Piri Chicken – Try at ‘Bonjardim‘
  3. Chorizo Asado (Flaming Sausage) – Try at medieval-style bar ‘Trobadores‘
  4. Sol e Pesca (on Pink Street?) – Canned fish restaurant

Articles

  1. Lisbon Best – Fathom
  2. List of Things to do in Lisbon
  3. 5 Quick Day Trips from Lisbon
  4. “Almost” Complete Guide to Lisbon
  5. Digital Nomad Guide to Lisbon, Portugal
  6. Why Digital Nomads like Lisbon? We asked them!

Videos

Rick Steves: Lisbon

Lisbon Food Tour