Lisbon’s food culture is a rich tapestry of history and innovation. For centuries, this coastal city has blended influences from around the world, thanks to Portugal’s maritime empire, which introduced exotic spices and ingredients that redefined local cuisine. Today, Lisbon’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, with chefs reimagining traditional flavors through a modern lens. Despite this wave of creativity, the city remains deeply rooted in its philosophy of simplicity and respect for ingredients, making every meal a celebration of its vibrant past and dynamic present. Here is the list of the best restaurants in Lisbon by Chic Icon.
Sala de João Sá
A truly special spot inside Lisbon’s vibrant culinary scene, Sala de João Sá is more than just a restaurant—it’s the culmination of Chef João Sá’s lifelong passion for gastronomy. Cooking has been a constant thread in João’s life since childhood. At just 12, he was already organizing school events centered on food, and by 14, his hands-on curiosity led him to the Estoril Hotel School, marking the beginning of an intense and dedicated culinary journey.
His bold leap into Lisbon’s avant-garde scene came in 2003 when he joined Bica do Sapato under Fausto Airoli’s mentorship—a place known for cultivating notable culinary talent. In 2004, João expanded his horizons at Viridiana, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Madrid, where he absorbed the intricacies of Spanish cuisine under Chef Abraham Garcia. His journey continued through the luxury of Sheraton Porto with Chef Jerónimo Ferreira, and later, alongside culinary luminaries like Lubomir Stanisic at 100 Maneiras and Nuno Mendes at Viajante in London.
At Sala, João Sá’s menu is an elegant expression of seasonal Portuguese ingredients infused with global techniques. Guests can choose between two tasting menus: “Horizonte à Vista” and “À Procura de Novas Texturas” . Signature dishes include Spider Crab with Goan Curry and Harissa, Lobster with Caramel and Chestnut, and the exquisite Seabass with Green Asparagus and Caviar. Adventurous pairings like Chocolate with Mushrooms and Black Truffle highlight João’s fearless creativity.
The minimalist décor and open kitchen create an intimate, immersive atmosphere, while expertly curated wine pairings elevate the experience. Dining at Sala is a true testament to João Sá’s relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.
Address: R. dos Bacalhoeiros 103, 1100-068 Lisboa, Portugal
Phone: +351 21 887 3045
Website, Instagram
SUD Lisboa
SUD Lisboa isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a scene. A place where well-heeled locals and travelers sip cocktails against the backdrop of the Tagus River with the 25 de Abril Bridge towering in the distance. Since 2017, this riverside retreat has fused Mediterranean flavors with Italian flair—served with effortless cool. It’s where long lunches stretch into golden-hour aperitivos, and no one’s in a rush to leave.
At the heart of it all is SUD Lisboa Terrazza, where Executive Chef Patrick Lefeuvre crafts dishes that are indulgent but never fussy. Start with the tiger prawns—sautéed in garlic with lemon, salicornia, and spices, served alongside a velvety lime risotto. The grilled turbot fillet, perfectly charred and finished with chimichurri sauce, is paired with sautéed vegetables and another helping of that zesty risotto. For those seeking a deep, earthy flavor, the risotto Carnaroli with a mushroom mix—featuring oyster, portobello, porcini, shiitake, chiodini, and morilles—is perfumed with truffle, making for an indulgent yet balanced dish. And then there’s the mascarpone mousse—layered with savoiardi biscuits dipped in espresso coffee and black rum, a rich and decadent take on an Italian classic.
But it’s not just about the food. The real draw is the energy. Evenings bring DJs, live singers, and a crowd that knows how to make a night of it. Champagne flutes clink, bartenders stir up Negronis, and the city hums in the background. Upstairs, the rooftop pool lounge offers a front-row seat to Lisbon’s skyline, best enjoyed with something strong and cold in hand.
SUD Lisboa doesn’t try too hard—it doesn’t have to. It’s the kind of place where you linger, where the wine flows, and where the city’s pulse meets the rhythm of the river.
Address: Pavilhão Poente (ao lado do MAAT, Av. Brasília, 1300-598 Lisboa, Portugal
Phone: +351 21 159 2700
Website, Instagram
Prado
This establishment, located in the heart of Lisbon, embodies the contemporary Portuguese culinary narrative where sustainability and seasonality take center stage. Opened in 2017 by Chef António Galapito, Prado—meaning ‘meadow’ in Portuguese—encapsulates its ethos: a celebration of nature and fresh seasonal produce, reflecting the farm-to-table movement. The restaurant’s industrial-chic interior, with high ceilings, large windows, and lush greenery, creates an airy, vibrant space that mirrors the freshness of the dishes.
Chef Galapito, who honed his craft under the acclaimed Nuno Mendes at Taberna do Mercado in London, returned to Portugal to reconnect with the land and its rich culinary heritage. His philosophy at Prado is rooted in the farm-to-table movement, working closely with local farmers, fishermen, and producers to source organic, seasonal ingredients. Every dish is a reflection of what’s fresh and available, making the menu dynamic and ever-evolving.
The menu is designed for sharing, with bold, clean flavors that let the ingredients shine. Signature dishes include beef tartare with fermented peppers and nasturtium, grilled mackerel with fermented cabbage and seaweed, and squid with ink, kale, and coriander oil. Vegetarian offerings are equally compelling, like the roasted pumpkin with buckwheat and smoked yogurt. The focus on fermentation adds depth and complexity, enhancing natural flavors without overpowering them.
Prado’s wine list is exclusively natural, showcasing small, independent Portuguese producers. The knowledgeable staff guides guests through unique pairings, elevating the dining experience.
Address: Tv. das Pedras Negras 2, 1100-404 Lisboa, Portugal
Phone: +351 21 053 4649
Website, Instagram
BAHR
Bairro Alto Hotel, BAHR (Bairro Alto Hotel Restaurant) offers a vibrant fusion of Lisbon’s rich culinary heritage and cosmopolitan flair. Surrounded by the mysticism and irreverence that define Bairro Alto, BAHR embraces the neighborhood’s bohemian soul, bringing it to life through bold flavors and an eclectic dining experience. Its name reflects both its location—on the hotel’s top floor—and its role as a beacon of Lisbon’s dynamic gastronomic scene.
At the heart of BAHR’s kitchen is Chef Bruno Rocha, whose cuisine reflects Lisbon’s diverse history, shaped by Portuguese traditions and global influences. The menu is an homage to Portugal’s maritime past, blending flavors from distant shores with local ingredients. Dishes like Japanese dashi meet the rustic comfort of Alentejo-style cod broth, highlighting Lisbon’s cross-cultural culinary narrative.
BAHR’s dinner menu is a showcase of creativity and seasonal flair. Starters include bold bites like Smoked Eel with Iberian Pork and Balchão, a fusion of Portuguese and Indian coastal flavors, and the delicate Crab Cracker, bursting with fresh seafood notes. Vegetarians will appreciate the vibrant Grilled Bimis with Stracciatella and Pumpkin Seeds, offering a perfect balance of smoky and creamy textures.
For dessert, indulgences like the Chocolate Tart with Banana and Caramel and the playful Dulce de Leche Mousse with Aperol & Tangerine Granita round off the meal with a mix of comfort and sophistication.
The restaurant’s crown jewel is its stunning terrace, offering panoramic views of the Tagus River and Lisbon’s rooftops. Whether basking in the sun with a refreshing drink or savoring a light meal at sunset, BAHR embodies the spirit of Bairro Alto—a place where tradition meets modernity, and life unfolds with every flavorful bite.
Address: Praça Luís de Camões 2 5º Piso, 1200-243 Lisboa, Portugal
Phone: +351 21 340 8253
Website, Instagram
Marlene
Marlene, the brainchild of Chef Marlene Vieira, is a love letter to Portuguese cuisine, blending tradition with modern refinement. Nestled in Lisbon’s Doca do Jardim do Tabaco, this Michelin-starred gem offers an intimate and personal dining experience that showcases the chef’s deep-rooted passion for local flavors. At its core, Marlene presents two exquisite tasting menus that highlight the finest seasonal ingredients, transforming them into bold, elegant dishes that reflect both heritage and innovation.
Every dish at Marlene is a meticulous balance between the familiar and the unexpected. Diners can savor delicacies like scarlet shrimp infused with bright citrus notes, aged beef tartare complemented by seaweed’s umami depth, or succulent suckling pig reimagined with intriguing textures that elevate its classic profile. Each plate tells a story, honoring Portugal’s rich culinary traditions while pushing the boundaries of contemporary gastronomy.
Desserts continue this theme of reinvention, with the iconic pastel de nata reimagined in a way that surprises and delights. The restaurant’s commitment to creativity, seasonality, and exceptional technique makes it a must-visit for those seeking an elevated and deeply personal interpretation of Portuguese cuisine, where every bite resonates with Chef Vieira’s expertise and artistic vision.
Address: Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa, Av. Infante D. Henrique Doca, R. do Jardim do Tabaco do, 1100-651 Lisboa, Portugal
Website, Instagram
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