We loved this New York-inspired sandwich shop in Lisbon’s Estrela neighborhood, but let’s startwith what surprised us the least, which was the bread; although it serves its purpose very well in holding all the fresh ingredients in these sandwiches, it didn’t have the “wow” effect we expected.
Other than that, at Tempo Deli, open since the end of September 2025, you’ll find some of the freshest and most delicious sandwiches we’ve ever eaten, inspired by the “city that never sleeps.”
The “perfect” filling
The Italian sandwich stands out for its red pepper filling, which gives it an incredible intense flavor. | @vleandro
The new must-visit spot for anyone who regularly passes between the Basilica and Jardim da Estrela is this Tempo Deli sandwich shop, which stands out for its small but tasty selection of sandwiches, with only five options on the menu, one of which is a monthly special.
Outside, you will find a small terrace (which will open as soon as the days get sunnier); and inside, upstairs, a small room with two or three tables and a counter for three people; downstairs, a “secret” hideaway, ideal if you want to escape the office routine, proving to be the perfect spot to work remotely while devouring a fresh and authentic American-inspired sandwich .
The Secret Lisbon Experience
The three sandwiches we tried at Tempo Deli. | @vleandro
We put three modern classics to the test and it’s very difficult to say which one is the best, so we’ll just say that it’s worth going there to try them… at least these ones, which are spectacular:
- The Italian (€13.50)
- It’s an authentic trip to Little Italy (the well-known New York neighborhood), revealing an explosion of flavors from quality charcuterie, where the combination of mortadella, salami, and prosciutto takes on a new dimension with a touch of provolone cheese. The secret lies in the balance between the sweetness of roasted red peppers and the acidity of pickled red onions and homemade mayonnaise. It is a robust sandwich, but with the freshness of arugula and the aroma of oregano.
The Italian. | @vleandro
- Honey Mustard (€12.50)
- This sandwich offers the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, making it ideal if you’re looking for something lighter but full of character. Smoked turkey and Swiss cheese provide the base for the interplay between the sweetness of the mustard and honey and the controlled spiciness of the jalapeños (homemade preserves). Fresh thyme elevates this sandwich to another level of flavor.
Honey Mustard. | @vleandro
- February’s “Hero”: Meatball & Parm
- “Hero” is what this store calls its sandwiches, and there is always a special of the month; we got the February special, which was a hug in the form of bread, with juicy meatballs dipped in sauce and covered with Parmesan cheese, which transported us directly to the best delis in New York. It’s dense, comforting, and disappeared in a flash.
Meatball & Parm. | @vleandro
Deciding which one we liked best is still a work in progress for our taste buds, but if the owners Berrak and Niko accept our suggestion: keep the meatball sandwich (young and old alike will thank you).
At the end, they even offered us a small cookie and a mug of filter coffee, as served in traditional American delis.
Address: Rua Domingos Sequeira 5A (Estrela)
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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