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. Santos (Santos-o-Velho)
  3. Sao Bento
  4. Campo de Orique (visit the Campo de Orique Market (Mercado de Campo de Orique))
  5. Estrella
  6. Gracia & Sao Vincente
  7. Lapa
  8. Alcantara (Quimera Brewpub, Gleba Bakery, LX Factory and Village Underground Lisboa, etc.)
  9. Alfama (worth checking out but getting a bit touristy) Oldest district.
  10. Intendente (Has turned into one of the newer hip areas (by Cervejaria Ramiro)) & Anjos & Arroios but still a little “edgy” for some.
  11. 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).
  12. Mouraria
  13. Penha de Franca
  14. Marvila & Beato
  15. Bairro Alto (very busy at night – younger crowd) & Bica

Restaurants

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

  1. Âmago
    – Amazing Michelin star quality meal for a fraction of the cost. One seating at a ten-person table. Very fun night. (Chef/Owners: Andre and Marta). You must book well in advance as the word finally got out about this fabulous restaurant. Book online, or if full, you could try messaging Andre and Marta and get on the waitlist, or possibly they have room as sometimes they online pre-book eight of the ten seats (Text/WhatsApp for reservations: +351 913 701 177 or email: [email protected])
    – In May 2024, they opened a wonderful wine bar nearby. Check out Âmago a Cave.
  2. Omakase Ri—Faboulous omakase style sushi restaurant. Ten seats around the sushi counter. Fun staff, cool vibe and music and fantastic sushi. You will need a reservation to get in, so book well in advance. Another great option for sushi is KAPPO in Cascais.
  3. Cervejaria Ramiro – Old school seafood restaurant known for having some of the best seafood in Lisbon. No reservations. Very popular. Go during off hours.
  4. Senhor Uva (amazing vegetarian restaurant). They also have a great wine program.
  5. Maluca – Great food. Worth checking out! Book online or call +351 21 397 0064 (Landline)
  6. Tasca Pete (between Graca & Penha de Franca neighborhoods)- Great tiny little restaurant where you sit at the counter. They do have two or three tables but the counter is much better. Read this short review.
  7. Pica-Pau – Great restaurant to eat some classic Portuguese dishes. The food and quality is “elevated” so it is more expensive that many of the great tascas in the city. Try the Alentejo pork cheeks, octopus and a few other items off the menu. Serves lunch and dinner. Best to get a reservation through their website. On the main street in Principe Real.
  8. Tapisco – Great Spanish/Portuguese food in Principal Real. Michelin Guide Listed. Down the street from Pica-Pau (above).
  9. Cafe de Sao Bento – A classic old school steak restaurant. Private dinner club feel. Make sure to sit downstairs, in the lounge room. Order a cocktail and a steak. Make a reservaion.
  10. Lugar Marcado (Fatima Rodrigues and chef Sandra Carvalho)
  11. Coelho da Rocha (Tripadvisor Listing)
  12. Tasca da Esquina – Celebrity chef. Great high-end Tasca. Also good for lunch.
  13. Solar dos Nunes – This place is intimate, elegant, and very old school. Few places like it left in Lisbon
  14. SEM Restaurant (Alfama) – Eight-course tasting menu, or you can “often” order off the menu in the attached wine bar. I thought it was a wonderful meal, but it was overpriced for Lisbon.
  15. Mercearindo so Século – Lovely little Poruguese restaurant in Principe Real.
  16. Taberna da Rua da Flores—No reservations. Put your name on the list at the door, and then go grab a drink nearby (there are lots of options). I’ve had a couple of nice dinners here, but now it is showing up on lots of travel sites and articles. It might not be worth the effort to get in.
  17. La Cervicheria – Celebrity chef: “Chef Kiko” (Francisco Martins) – In Principe Real just down from Tapisco. A little spendy for what you get, but it is good. Get a Pisco Sour there!
  18. Gambrinus – A must-see institution in Lisbon – one of the oldest restuarants in Lisbon. Go to the bar and just have their famous croquettes with a beer…worth seeing the place.
  19. Time Out Market – lots of good dining options (also Mercado de Campo de Orique)
  20. Prado – Good but expensive. Maybe try for lunch.
  21. A Parreirinha do Chile  – A great hole in the wall bifanas place – real cheap!

Restaurants on our “Hit List” to Try

  1. Canalha – Getting lots of publicity from food and travel magazines as one of the top new restaurants in Lisbon (and the world).
  2. *Tasca Baldracca (good review)
  3. *O Velho Eurico – Tasca, but with flare and updated dishes. Industry hangout. Great terrace. (on the way to Sao Jorge Castle???)
  4. *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)
  5. *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)
  6. Tricky’s – Recommended by others.
  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. Arkhe (vegetarian) (Michelin-starred or listed?)
  13. BouBou’s – Principe Real
  14. Jesus e Goes
  15. Solar dos Presuntos – Famous Lisbon restaurant and stars and politicians dine here. Great food!
  16. Belcanto (famous chef Jose Avillez)(Two Michelin Stars) – Probably Lisbon’s most celebrated restaurant – EXPENSIVE!
  17. Alma (also Two Michelin Stars) – Also expensive!
  18. Queimado – Baixa area
  19. Sala de Joao Sa
  20. Boi-Cavalo Restaurante – Alfama
  21. Plano Restaurante – Graca Area
  22. Come Prima (great pizza & Italian food). Good reviews and people claim it is very good..
  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. Essencial (From Justin’s Friend: foodie – cozy, trendy restaurant)
  29. Altar
  30. Bahr (from Prado)
  31. Taberba do Calhav (from Prado)
  32. Taberna Baldraca (from Prado)
  33. Ajitama (Ramen Bistro)
  34. The Insolito (by Principe Real – Great Views)
  35. Tasca Baldracca
  36. O Tachadas – 12E Steaks (From Justin’s Friend: 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)
  37. Bifanas do Afonso (From Justin’s Friend: The most famous hole in the wall in Lisbon for real Lisbon bifana)
  38. Ze Mouraria (From Justin’s Friend: 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)
  39. Faz Frio (From Justin’s Friend: Cool old tasca that has been reborn as a modern restaurant doing modern plating of old Portuguese classics. A beautiful old school place.)
  40. Forninho Saloio (From Justin’s Friend: Old school Tasca that is a wine industry hangout. Many Somms go there to taste wines, as they let you bring bottles)
  41. Bicho Mau (From Justin’s Friend: Great bistro in Campo de Ourique. Great chef-owner, great wines, super nice place overall)
  42. Casa dos Passarinhos (From Justin’s Friend: 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)
  43. Tartine
  44. The Old House (From Justin’s Friend:The best Chinese food in Portugal, hands down!)(Parque Nacoes)
  45. Chingon (From Justin’s Friend: best Mexican food)
  46. Manca Verde (From Justin’s Friend: Great old school Portuguese – zero atmosphere- right next to Santa Apolonia train station)
  47. Ze Pinto (From Justin’s Friend: Out of the way tasca in Benfica – go on Thursday for pork Pernil – reserve in advance. Super old school.)
  48. A Travessa (Portuguese/International)(Dieter’s List)
  49. Cave 23 (Modern fusion in a boutique hotel that consists of a series of converted mansions)(Dieter’s List)
  50. Grenache (excellent tasting menu, near the castle)(Dieter’s List)
  51. Lisboa a Noite (Great food in Barrio Alto)(Dieter’s List)
  52. Bastardo (From Justin’s Friend: 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)
  53. Sitio Valverde (Traditional Portuguese food in a very nice hotel on the Avenida da Liberdade)(Dieter’s List)
  54. Ibo (Great views of the water; excellent grilled tiger prawns and prawn curry; near Cais de Sodre)(Dieter’s List)
  55. Solar 31 (Seafood Restaurant)(Dieter’s List)
  56. 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)
  57. Floresta Das Escadinhas (TA #10) – Reserve on The Fork

Other Restaurant Lists for Top Restaurants in Lisbon
(I have another list toward the bottom of this page)

  1. Time Out – The 118 Best Restaurants in Lisbon
  2. Conde Nast Traveler – 23 Best Restaurants in Lisbon
  3. Eater – The 33 Essential Lisbon Restaurants (Sept 2023)
  4. Word of Mouth – The Best Local Restaurants in Lisbon (Dec. 2023)
  5. The Infatuation – The Best Restaurants in Lisbon (Feb. 2024)

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 (two locations side-by-side). At the small one you can get glasses of wine to go and drink them in the fabulous park across the street). Also some good dining options on this street.
  2. UVA LIVRE (tell Justin you know me (Great Irish guy who runs this wine bar.))
  3. Âmago a Cave (same owners as Amago Restaurant and right next door)
  4. Holy Wine
  5. Insaciavel (Great Wine Bar) – (Santos area)
  6. Grau Douro Tapas & Wine Bar (Great Wine Bar)
  7. Ladidadi Wines (Artisanal wines, self-imported, with bites and cool music)
  8. Rebel Rebel – Tiny wine shop where they showcase her natural wines. Sometimes, they do wine tastings.
  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 (Lisbon has some fantastic cocktail bars. Here are a few, but there are MANY more great ones. Also, if the weather is nice, check out some of the fantastic rooftop bars).

  1. Imprensa – Great cocktail bar in Principe Real
  2. Onda Cocktail Room (great cocktail bar (Peter & Joanna are the owners and are lovely)). Small, so best to make a reservation via the website or call Peter at +351 930658906.
  3. Matiz Pombalina Cocktail Bar (great cocktail bar (G&T’s, etc.) – (Santos area)
  4. The Bar – Another great cocktail bar in Principe Real
  5. FoxTrot
  6. Park (at the top of a parking garage)

Craft Beer
Check out: https://cityodes.com/lisbon-craft-beer-guide/

  1. Quimera Brewpub (Alcantara)
  2. Lisbon Beer District in Marvila
    1. Musa
    2. Dois Corvos
    3. Lince
  3. Oitava Colina (Graca)
  4. LX Brewery (Arroios)

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