Only the locals know where to eat a good roast chicken in Lisbon, tender, with a lightly toasted skin and the usual question: house sauce or spicy?
There are plenty of places in the city that specialize in barbecue chicken, but we took on the (difficult) challenge of choosing five. Here are our picks. These barbecues are always on point.
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Bonjardim
The Bonjardim restaurant , located in the Baixa area, is one of the most traditional and popular in the city if you like spit-roasted chicken with piri-piri sauce.
It was founded in 1959, and occupies a prominent place in the history of Lisbon’s gastronomy, maintaining a loyal clientele of locals and tourists, offering an informal and welcoming atmosphere, divided into several rooms (terrace, ground floor and second floor), always with fast and efficient service, making it ideal for family meals as well as for groups or solo visitors.
The highlight, of course, is the grilled chicken on the spit : crispy skin, tender meat and spicy sauce served with a brush, as well as typical side dishes such as homemade French fries and salad.
Address: Travessa de Santo Antão 11 (Baixa)
Rio de Mel
If you’re from Alvalade, I‘m sure you already know about this roast chicken place in Lisbon.
If you’re not, you really must try the most famous roast chicken in the neighborhood, served every day (except Mondays) at 25D Avenidas da Igreja.
Rio de Mel also has other dishes, but the roast chicken is by far the main attraction of the churrasqueira, which only serves outside.
For those who like strong flavors, we recommend the hot sauce.
Address: Avenida da Igreja 25D (Alvalade)
A Valenciana
We don’t want to be biased, but we’ve been going to this place in Campolide for years and years and the chicken is always five stars.
And judging by the queues out the door, we’re probably not the only ones who like that tender meat with the lightly toasted skin and an incredible (house) sauce.
As well as several rooms, the restaurant also has a pleasant terrace in Praça de Campolide (next to the vertical garden) and a very popular take-away service. The price isn’t the cheapest, but quality comes at a price, right?
Address: Rua Marquês de Fronteira 157 (Campolide)
Chickinho
Funnily enough, it’s on the same street as A Valenciana (at 117F) and, although it’s much newer than its “neighbor”, it also serves first-rate chicken.
The classic sauce is our favorite and, in addition to the traditional roast chicken, they also have other options, especially the chicken wings with barbecue sauce.
You can eat in the store (there are a few benches) or order takeaway, but most orders are for the home delivery service, whose slogan is “When the best chicken comes to your door”.
Address: Rua Marquês de Fronteira 117F (Campolide) | Also has stores in Telheiras, Amadora and Linda a Velha
Frangasqueira Nacional
Travessa do Monte, parallel to Rua Escola Politécnica, has been hiding a poorly kept secret in the heart of Príncipe Real since 2013, especially for those who like roast chicken. Chicken lovers already know that this place offers good value for money.
The space isn’t big and the queues are sometimes enormous, not least because tourists have already discovered it.
If you want to try other specialties, the mixed grill is always a good option.
Address: Travessa Monte do Carmo 19 (Príncipe Real)
Ovo de Colombo
Located in the Telheiras area, this family-run churrasqueira serves Lisbon’s best roast chicken and other delicacies, grilled over charcoal.
The meat “on point” and the lemon sauce are the strong points of the house specialty. You can eat there or take it home.
Address: Rua Professor Francisco Gentil 24C (Telheiras)
Map with roast chicken in Lisbon, and the list for your cell phone!
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