The new restaurants in Lisbon, which have further enlivened the city’s gastronomic scene, are real gems that you really must try. If you don’t know what we’re talking about, in this list you’ll find the best restaurants of 2023, at least for us, who have visited and “tasted” them.
If there’s one thing Lisboners like to do, it’s go out for dinner! Think about it: when was the last time you went out for a walk in the city and ended up in a restaurant?
In 2023, we visited some of the best restaurants Lisbon has to offer, focusing more on those that have been open all this year, or that we’ve only just had the chance to try.
If you’ve missed any, now’s your chance to visit them, because if Portugal has the fourth best cuisine in the world, a lot of this is down to the best restaurants of the year in Lisbon.
Table Of Contents
- Eliseu dos Leitões
- Vila Bica
- Tre - Bambu Vietnamese Restaurant
- NOW
- Grass
- Soul Garden
- Rio Grande
- Chapter, Convent Square Hotel
- Jumper
- CRU
- Taste Invaders
- Han Table Barbecue
- Matchamama
- Magokoro Ramen
- Citron Lisbon
- SOI - Asian Street Food
- XXL by Olivier
- Nood
- Amphibian
- Tapas & Friends Rua Augusta
- Pizzico
Eliseu dos Leitões
No, it’s not the first time we’ve been to Eliseu dos Leitões, but the new dishes are such an irresistible temptation that we’ve already been there several times this year.
And we’re sure that in 2024 we’ll keep going. Have you had a good look at the menu? In addition to the real Leitão à Bairrada, you can also try Posta de Vitela, Cabrito Assado no Forno, Cabrito Estonado and even Cabidela de Leitão. Tell me it’s not worth going there several times a year!
Address: Rua Álvaro Benamor 2, 2B (Carnide near Colombo Shopping Center)
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m
Menu suggestion: at Fever
Vila Bica
Do you like oysters, tuna nails or are you looking for some of the freshest cocktails in town? Then Vila Bica is the right place for all this and much more.
Located right next to the bica elevator, one of the most photographed in Lisbon, Vila Bica is one of our places to enjoy these flavors with friends, from 12:30 to 22:30.
Address: Rua dos Cordoeiros 2-4 (Chiado)
Hours: every day from 12:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m
Menu suggestion: at Fever
Tre – Bambu Vietnamese Restaurant
If Tre-Bambu on Avenida da Liberdade was already a Vietnamese restaurant that turned out to be an incredible refuge in the middle of Lisbon, the space near Marquês de Pombal is not far behind.
The new Tre Bambu space doesn’t have the incredible “hidden” garden, but it does have what it takes: traditional Vietnamesecuisine at its best, as the restaurant’s chef is a native of that country.
Address: Rua Camilo Castelo Branco 20 (Marquês de Pombal)
Opening hours: every day from 12pm to 3pm and from 6:30pm to 11pm
Menu suggestion: at Fever
NOW
If there are places that “hold” us in Lisbon, the restaurant NOW is one of those places. The first time we went there, we didn’t feel like leaving: we went in for breakfast and ended up staying for dinner.
Very beautiful and full of good things to try, at AGORA you can have a good time with family or friends, with the highlight being the very tasty dinners accompanied by live music.
Address: Rua do Alecrim 24 (Cais do Sodré)
Opening hours: Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m
Menu suggestion: we tried it this
Grass
We have no doubt that this gastronomic experience is to be repeated in 2024. Also because not all hotel restaurants can boast of having an independent entrance, which we know counts for a lot when deciding between one restaurant and another.
The decoration and, of course, the quality of the food and service, are other aspects to take into consideration and which, at Erva, we applaud standing up.
Address: Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro 105 (Corinthia Lisbon – Sete Rios)
Hours: from Monday to Sunday, from 12 noon to 00:30 a.m
Menu suggestion: we tried it this
Soul Garden
Just when we thought that there were no quiet places in Lisbon, we discovered the Soul Garden, a place where you really feel like being in the city, away from the more touristy areas and with very private and intimate “corners”, perfect for a chat while enjoying some of the delicacies that are more typical of this type of summer venue.
We’re sure you’ll love staying here for a few hours, tasting everything you want. And you’ll see that at night it has an even more special glow, with the various fireplaces giving this space an even more “glamorous” touch.
Address: Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro 105 (entrance through the Corinthia Lisbon hotel); Avenida José Malhoa 24 (main entrance)
Hours: every day from 12 noon to 1 a.m. (DJ from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.)
Menu suggestion: we tried it this
Rio Grande
We already knew that the restaurant Rio Grande was a great suggestion in this area of Lisbon, but as we hadn’t been there for a few years, we confess our satisfaction, which was very positive.
It will certainly be a reason for future visits whenever we pass through the area Cais do Sodré. Tell us about your experience there!
Address: Rua Nova do Carvalho 55 (Rua Cor de Rosa, Cais do Sodré)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 12 noon to 1 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m
Menu suggestion: we tried it this
Chapter, Convent Square Hotel
The Capítulo restaurant, run by Portuguese chef Vítor Sobral, exudes Portugueseness throughout its menu.
We tried what the chef recommended and would order it again, especially the Arroz do Mar with Squid, Shrimp, Cockles and Fish of the Day, and the desserts Pudim Abade Priscos, Caramelized Pineapple and Mint and the reinvented Toucinho do Céu.
As well as the food being spectacular, the service and the space are worthy of a longer visit, of that we have no doubt.
Address: Rua Dom Antão de Almada 4 (between Praça da Figueira and Rossio)
Opening times: every day from 12.30pm to 3pm and from 7pm to 10.30pm
Menu suggestion: we tried it this
Jumper
The Salta restaurant was one of our last pleasant surprises when it came to Asian and Latin American cuisine, proving to be the ideal place for a multicultural gastronomic experience in the city.
In this interesting and beautiful restaurant near the Marquis, we tried some of the most delicious delicacies, from oysters to sashimi to Iberian pork secretos.
But there you can also find Bahn-Mi de Porco Ibérico, Soft Shell Crab Taco, Aubergine Taco, Duck Croquettes, Wonton de Calabacín or Tiger Prawn Tostada.
Address: Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca 82A (Marquês)
Opening hours: from Tuesday to Friday, from 12 noon to 3 p.m
Menu suggestion: we tried the Iberian Pork Secretos
CRU
There’s a place in Chiado that serves dream Asian food! It’s called Cru and there you can enjoy a sensory experience through various oriental flavors and aromas.
At CRU, the fish, which is always fresh and of the day, is prepared in the purest and most traditional way. And you wouldn’t believe how many ways you can try it in this restaurant.
The beautiful, modern space consists of four floors with more than 90 seats, and in all of them you can enjoy a contemporary menu full of delicacies.
The presentation of the dishes is a spectacle in itself, which we’re sure you’ll love.
Address: Largo Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro 15 (Chiado)
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, from 12 noon to 2 a.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, from 12 noon to 2 a.m
Menu suggestion: we tried the 26-piece Premium Combination
Taste Invaders
The hamburgers and sandwiches you can try at one of the newest restaurants in the Alvalade neighborhood are real UFOs, o Taste Invaders. Shall we “invade” them?
These burgers are unlike anything you’re used to, both in taste and in the way you eat them.
All the filling and sauces are “locked” inside a heat-sealed brioche bun, making these delicious sandwiches real flying saucers.
Address: Rua José Duro 22D/E (Alvalade)
Opening hours: from Sunday to Thursday, from 11.30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, from 11.30 a.m. to 12 p.m
Menu suggestion: we tried it this
Han Table Barbecue
Korean barbecues in Lisbon are one of the most fun and delicious experiences you can have in the city, and Han Table Barbecue was one of the first to bring it to you.
In these restaurants you grill the food you order from the extensive menu, whether it’s meat, seafood or vegetables, and believe me, it’s one of the coolest things we’ve ever done in a restaurant.
Address: Rua Gomes Freire 11B | Rua da Pimenta 5 (Parque das Nações) | Rua António Pereira Carrilho 11 (Arroios)
Opening times: from Tuesday to Friday, from 12 noon to 3pm, and from 6.30pm to 10pm; Saturdays and Sundays, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, and from 6.30pm to 10pm
Menu suggestion: we tried one of the many combos on the menu
Matchamama
One of the best gastronomic fusion restaurants, offering dishes from Asia to Latin America, is one of the best kept secrets in the world Lx Factory, in Alcântara.
On our visit to Matchamama we tried a bit of everything, especially the house specialties, and everything was great, so it’s one of our recommended places in this part of town.
Address: Rua Rodrigues de Faria 103, Armazém F (Lx Factory, in Alcântara)
Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday, from 12.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.; and Thursday to Saturday, from 12.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m
Menu suggestion: we tried it this
Magokoro Ramen
It’s next to santa Apolónia station one of the newest places to try delicious ramen, Magokoro Ramen.
As soon as you enter, you realize that you have passed through a portal that automatically takes you to a typical Japanese tavern, with a decor that left us stunned.
As for the house specialty, ramen, the broth is the real highlight, and is prepared with pork or chicken bone and cooked for several hours to get that rich, intense flavor, taking you on a unique and immersive experience.
Address: Rua Caminhos de Ferro 136 (next to Santa Apolónia station)
Opening hours: every day from noon to 4pm and from 6pm to 10.30pm
Menu suggestion: we tried the Shoyu Tori Ramen
Citron Lisbon
O Citron is the latest Lebanese cuisine restaurant on our list of favorites, and to be awarded the Lisboa Secreta seal of recommendation.
It was here that, among many typical Lebanese delicacies, we tried two incredible specialties: Citrón has our favorite kibbeh in Lisbon, and it was here that we first ate Fried Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce, which is simply delicious.
Address: Rua da Padaria 30 (Baixa)
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 12 noon to 10:30 p.m
Menu suggestion: we tried it this
SOI – Asian Street Food
The first time we went to SOI was to try their Executive Menu (€12.50), and right away we were surprised by the quality of the Asian street food, done right, and in a beautiful space.
The SOI is right next to Cais do Sodré and every day of the week there is a dish from each of the best-known Asian regions: Laos, China, Indonesia, Japan and Thailand.
Address: Rua da Moeda 1C (Cais do Sodré)
Opening hours: from Sunday to Thursday, from 12pm to 6pm and from 7pm to 11pm; from Friday to Saturday, from 12pm to 6pm and from 7pm to midnight
Menu suggestion: we tried one of the curries
XXL by Olivier
XXL by Olivier is known for its dinners, but every day at lunchtime it has a new delicacy for you to try. We’ve already been there, and we loved it!
This is the first time in its almost 30-year history, , that this space has opened its doors at lunchtime, a wish much requested by many of the regular customers of this XXL, but also of the former XL. So what are you waiting for in 2024?
Address: Calçada da Estrela 57 (São Bento)
Hours: from Monday to Friday, from 12.30pm to 3pm
Menu suggestion: we tried it this
Nood
If you like the intense and aromatic flavors of Asian cuisine, you really must try o new Nood in Avenidas Novas.
Here there are novelties that you won’t find in any other Nood in the city, from rice to pasta, as well as delicious starters.
In addition to all this, the decoration of the space is amazing, immediately transporting you to the more oriental environments that we love so much for their colors and textures.
Address: Avenida Defensores de Chaves 55A (Saldanha/Campo Pequeno)
Opening hours: every day from 12pm to 3pm and from 7pm to 11pm
Menu suggestion: we tried it this
Amphibian
The Anfíbio restaurant is located in one of the best spots in front of the Tagus River and is an excellent experience in every sense.
In fact, we’re still assimilating everything we’ve experienced – and eaten – there. It was one of the last restaurants we went to in 2023, so expect a more complete “review” from us in these pages at the beginning of 2024.
For now, all we can say is that we eat and drink very well. Anfíbio has a very diverse menu and we’re sure you’ll like practically everything.
We loved it and we’re sure it will be one of the best restaurants of the year, even in 2024.
Address: Avenida Infante Dom Henrique A (Doca da Marinha)
Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday, 12 noon to midnight; Thursdays, Saturdays and national holiday, 12 noon to 2 a.m.; snacks & bar, every day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m
Menu suggestion: we tried the Roast Cherne with Burnt Butter, Lemon, Capers and Cauliflower Puree, and the “Bipolar” Duck, Turnips and Gherkins, Horseradish and Radishes
Tapas & Friends Rua Augusta
If you’re not already familiar with the Tapas restaurants & Friends, it’s time to at least visit one of the eight venues spread across the city, from Sé to Chiado, via Trindade and the Coliseum, until you reach Rossio and Rua Augusta, which was the place we chose for our gastronomic experience.
In Rua Augusta? You ask! We also found it strange, because there are so many tourists here, but the truth is that it surprised us very positively.
Tapas & Friends on Rua Augusta is very quiet and I’ll tell you, some of the most delicious snacks we’ve ever tasted have come out of that kitchen. We’re sure the same must happen in other kitchens.
Address: Rua Augusta 172 (Baixa)
Hours: every day from 12 noon to 2 a.m
Menu suggestion: we tried Ovos Rotos, Croquetes, Shrimp All’Aglio, Batatas Bravas and Padrón peppers
Pizzico
The pizzeria Pizzico is the ideal place to enjoy authentic Italian flavors, and it’s right in downtown Lisbon, where everything happens.
Even better! If you’re looking for places to eat one of the best Neapolitan pizzas, then Pizzico is definitely the place.
It’s true that we haven’t tried them all, but the fact that you’ll find pizzas here with the best Italian ingredients and handmade dough makes Pizzico a place to remember.
Address: Rua dos Correeiros 113 (Baixa)
Hours: every day from 12:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m
Menu suggestion: we tried it this