When the days get longer and the nights are filled with music, Lisbon is transformed, with its decorated streets, contagious joy and the irresistible aroma of grilled sardines wafting through the air. This is the description of what happens when we eat the first of the year, during the city’s St. Anthony festivities.
More than just a tradition, sardines are part of our national identity. And they’re also good for your health: they’re nutritious, rich in omega-3, allied to a balanced diet.
By this time of the month you’ll be eating the best sardines of each season, the kind that make that incredible sound we love so much when they drip their fat on the grill: it’s a sign that they’re great for eating, especially in these restaurants in Lisbon.
Table Of Contents
Zé dos Cornos
Authentic flavors, a relaxed tavern atmosphere and sardines grilled as tradition dictates. Rustic and generous recipes, perfect for repeating with family and friends over a nice lunch or dinner.
Address: Beco dos Surradores 5 (Martim Moniz)
Solar 31 da Calçada
In one of the city’s most scenic streets, Solar 31 is a reference point for those who want fresh fish and tasty sardines, served in a cozy and very friendly space.
Address: Calçada Garcia 31 (Martim Moniz)
Visconde da Luz
Here, the sardines are prepared with great skill by Chef João Martins, who knows exactly the right moment to remove them from the grill, ensuring that they are juicy and with the flavor of the fresh fish clearly evident. They can be served with boiled potatoes and bell pepper salad or, if you prefer, with a fresh tomato and onion salad.
Address: Jardim Visconde da Luz (Cascais)
House of India
This is a Lisbon classic, famous for the tiles on the walls, the neighborhood atmosphere and the authentic grilled sardines, which are delicious enough to eat just one portion of.
Address: Rua do Loreto 49 (Chiado)
A Horta (Páteo Alfacinha)
It’s famous for its seafood, but the grilled sardines win you over at the first bite, and you’ll also be blown away by the terrace facing the Tagus River, making this one of our favorite places to “taste” summer.
Address: Rua do Guarda Joias 44 (Ajuda)
Pateo 13
In Alfama, there’s a lively patio where sardines come to the table accompanied by joy and bread, the secret ingredients of tradition and hospitality.
Address: Calçadinha de Santo Estêvão 13 (Alfama)
Last Port
This is one of the most secret restaurants in Lisbon, right next to the Tagus, where the grill never rests and the sardines are served overlooking the river. Booking is essential, especially during the summer season.
Address: Rocha do Conde de Óbidos Maritime Station (Alcântara)
Fisherman’s Retreat
Better than eating grilled sardines by the Tagus River, just with your feet in the sand, at sunset and with fish that is always very fresh. You’ll find this restaurant on one of Costa Caparica ‘ s most iconic beaches, Fonte da Telha.
Address: Avenida 1 de Maio 242 (Fonte da Telha, Costa da Caparica)
Solar do Kadete
This is one of the classics in Cais do Sodré, always with excellent grilled sardines and a terrace with the spirit of Lisbon, great for sharing good times at the table with friends and family.
Address: Cais do Sodré 2
Extra tip for Sardinha Lovers
Always book in advance, especially in the warmer summer months, because the best restaurants sell out quickly at this time.
To conclude this guide to the best places to eat grilled sardines in Lisbon, it’s worth remembering that, more than just a dish , grilled sardines are synonymous with celebration, conviviality and tradition.
Whether in the lively neighborhoods of Alfama, Mouraria or Graça, or at a table shared between friends and strangers, enjoying a grilled sardine is celebrating the true spirit of Lisbon.
Enjoy every moment, immerse yourself in this tradition and let yourself be enveloped by the warmth of summer nights and the unique taste of sardines on bread.
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