While you’ll always be able to eat well (even without a reservation) in Lisbon, if you’re chasing a seat at one of its buzziest tables, or want to revisit the beloved classics that locals still swear by – you’ll need to plan ahead.
I’ve lived in Lisbon since 2018 and spent years as a food critic before then, so I’m cautious when it comes to hyped-up spots. I’ll often wait a few months to see if the buzz sticks. There are plenty of modern party-vibe, natty-wine, share-plate spots I could list here – but unless there’s substance behind the style, I’m not spending my future house deposit dining there.
Here are the coolest restaurants to book in Lisbon right now – before everyone else does.
New Lisbon restaurants that you should book ahead
Bar Alimentar
This cool Lisbon restaurant is one of the most fun places to eat in the capital right now. The chef behind Tricky’s, João Magalhães Correia, joined forces with bartenders from Imprensa, one of the best cocktail and oyster bars in the city. The result is Bar Alimentar, a dining destination with the fun vibe of a bar and top-class creative, modern share plates that lean into Italian and Portuguese flavours.
🍴Must-try: Bacalhau (salted codfish) cannoli; octopus fregola.
✨ Vibe: Moody, romantic date night or buzzy night out with friends.
📍 Address: Rua Nova da Piedade 62, 1200-299 Lisboa (Príncipe Real)
🗓️ Reservations: Essential, book online.
Polémico
Young chef António Lobo Xavier opened Polémico in January and I suspect it’ll soon be one of the hottest tables in the city. Every plate we tried smashed it out of the park, and the wine list was fairly broad and reasonably priced for a neo-tasca or modern bistro in Lisbon. The vibe is nice and I’m looking for an excuse to go back with friends to sit in the semi-private dining room.
🍴Must-try: Beef tartare bite, baked seafood rice.
✨ Vibe: clean, modern bistro vibe set across a couple of rooms and a covered courtyard.
📍 Address: Rua do Sol ao Rato 61, 1250-089 Lisboa (Campo de Ourique)
🗓️ Reservations: Recommended, book online.
Parra Wine Bistro
If you love wine, you’ll drink well here. The by-the-glass menu changes every two weeks, featuring Portuguese and international wines curated by co-owner Artur Emashev, a sommelier from Russia. But for me the main reason to visit Parra is the food, with share plates that change seasonally.
🍴Must-try: Tartare on brioche with cured egg and a fat Cantabrian anchovy… oh how I dream of thee.
✨ Vibe: Moody wine bar clad in pink marble with red accents.
📍 Address: Rua da Esperança 72, 1200-658 Lisboa (Santos)
🗓️ Reservations: Essential, book online.
Rosetta’s
I didn’t expect to fall for Rosetta’s, a tiny, produce-driven restaurant in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto – but one bite in, I was sold. In 2024, Lisbon was inundated by a wave of overpriced contemporary share-plate spots, making me extra wary – but Rosetta’s is the real deal. The Instagram-famous crumbed Milanesa with pea salad was actually our low point but every other dish — from the grilled peaches with burrata to the zucchini fritters with dill — exceeded expectations. The wine list is excellent, if a little spendy, with lots of natural or low-intervention bottles.
🍴Must-try: The menu changes season-to-season, but everything was excellent.
✨ Vibe: Cosy cornershop with a handful of tables and moody lighting.
📍 Address: R. da Rosa 39, 1200-190 Lisboa (Bairro Alto)
🗓️ Reservations: Recommended, book online.
Read next… Lisbon’s best restaurants: 41 great places to eat
Modern Lisbon spots (that you’ll need to book ahead)
O Velho Eurico
Young chef Zé Paulo Rocha turned this old tasca into one of Lisbon’s hottest tables years ago. International press blew the place into the stratosphere, but still O Velho Eurico maintains its quality and authentic vibe. It reopened in May after four months of renovations, and it remains as popular as ever. They take reservations for the first sitting, so show up early and wait if desperate.
🍴Must-try: Chambão beef sandwich, any fried pastry, the squid with orange.
✨ Vibe: Like dining in the hull of a ship commandeered by a bunch of young and friendly apron-wearing pirates.
📍 Address: Largo São Cristóvão 3, 1100-179 Lisboa (Baixa)
🗓️ Reservations: Only for the first sitting – so you can show up for walk-ins.
If you can’t get in, try the neighbour: Tasca Baldracca.
Canalha
If you’re searching for one of the best restaurants in Lisbon this summer, Canalha should be on your list. This produce-driven Portuguese bistro comes from renowned chef João Rodrigues. It’s a relaxed neighbourhood spot with a flexible dining experience – you can walk in with €20 at lunch, or go all out with seafood and steak by weight. The menu features elevated versions of traditional Portuguese dishes, all rooted in seasonal ingredients and local flavor.
🍴Must-try: Daily specials, carabineiro (scarlet prawn) pasta, anything in season.
✨ Vibe: Classic European bistro with marble countertops and dark wood panelling.
📍 Address: R. da Junqueira 207, 1300-338 Lisboa (Belém)
🗓️ Reservations: Book ahead online or by phone.
Taberna Sal Grosso
Gather friends, book the big table, and order everything on the menu – that’s the way I like to enjoy Sal Grosso. A large blackboard lists the day’s dishes, with Portuguese-inspired small and medium plates like tuna pica pau, fried quail, and sticky-sweet pork ribs. While it has Portuguese roots as one of the first modern tascas in Lisbon, the menu leans global with bold, creative combos. The original Alfama location is tiny and charming but it should be easier to find a table at the new São Bento addition.
🍴Must-try: Fried baby squid, bacalhau (salted cod), lamb sandwich.
✨ Vibe: Casual, fun and no frills.
📍 Address: Calçada do Forte 22, 1100-256 Lisboa (Alfama) & R. Correia Garção 15, 1200-640 Lisboa (São Bento)
🗓️ Reservations: Book ahead online, especially for the Alfama location – it’s tiny.
Vida de Tasca
In a city where ramen joints and burger bars are rapidly replacing old-school favorites, chef Leonor Godinho has done the opposite – opening a true Portuguese tasca in an old tasca when the owners retired. The vibe is refreshingly authentic, with minimal changes to the interiors – the major uplift is the food, as Godinho elevates tradition with touches such as made-to-order croquettes, and a short yet strong menu of daily specials.
🍴Must-try: Lisbon’s favourite dish, the bitoque – a thin steak topped with a fried egg.
✨ Vibe: Typical neighbourhood tasca, but with a fresh backbone.
📍 Address: R. Moniz Barreto 7, 1700-306 Lisboa (Roma)
🗓️ Reservations: Book ahead online or by phone a day or three ahead.
Read next… My favourite tascas in Lisbon: Where to eat traditional Portuguese food
Omakase Ri
Lisbon is omakase mad at the moment, and one of the most popular is Omakase Ri – an energetic and vibey space that serves traditional edomae sushi. With just 10 seats, you’ll want to book ahead for this surprise Japanese tasting menu. Behind the counter is Brazilian sushi chef William Vargas and sake sommelier Gabriela Hatano.
🍴Must-try: Dive into the omakase menu with whatever fresh delights they serve up.
✨ Vibe: Funky, fun, a bit punk and very cosy.
📍 Address: Calçada do Forte 22, 1100-256 Lisboa (Alfama) & R. Correia Garção 15, 1200-640 Lisboa (São Bento)
🗓️ Reservations: Only 10 seats, two sittings per night – book ahead, weeks ahead.
O Frade
O Frade’s progressive take on Alentejo cuisine has earned it a Michelin Bib Gourmand every year since 2020. The best seats are around the U-shaped marble bar, where you can watch the chefs plate each dish and try talha wines aged in the ancient terracotta amphoras.
🍴Must-try: Rabbit escabeche, any rice dish.
✨ Vibe: Cool yet friendly, and a little touristy at lunch (it is Belém after all).
📍 Address: Calçada da Ajuda 14, 1300-598 Lisboa (Belém)
🗓️ Reservations: Book ahead if you can, try a walk-in if not. Dinner will be easier than lunch.
If you can’t get in, O Frade has a second location at the Time Out Market.
Âmago
This intimate mod-European dining room, run by a husband-and-wife duo, seats just 10 guests at one long table. Everyone sits at Âmago at the same time for a unique communal experience, where the chefs prepare a 10-moment tasting menu.
🍴Must-try: Modern European seasonal tasting menu.
✨ Vibe: Intimate and informal.
📍 Address: R. da Alegria 41C, 1250-182 Lisboaa (Príncipe Real)
🗓️ Reservations: Book ahead.
Taberna do Mar
Portuguese and Japanese flavors collide at Taberna do Mar. Chef Filipe Rodrigues invented the unforgettable grilled sardine nigiri here – a smoky, umami-packed bite that’s become something of a cult dish. You’ll find it on the well-priced tasting menu, which offers about 10 seafood-focused bites for just €35. The hack my friends do is order a double serve of the sardine nigiri, because one is just never enough.
🍴Must-try: Order the tasting menu with extra nigiri.
✨ Vibe: Small, casual bar with a few tables and counter space.
📍 Address: Calçada da Graça 20 B, 1100-266 Lisboa (Graça)
🗓️ Reservations: Recommended, at least a few days ahead.
Lisbon diners with queues (go early, or prepare to wait)
Lupita
In the heart of Cais do Sodré, Lupita turns out naturally leavened pizzas, Basque cheesecake cake and natural wines. Sadly this deadly combo means it attracts huge queues. It’s usually at least a 45-minute wait for a pizza, and all the tourists know about it so it attracts queues well before the local dining time of 8pm-ish (sigh!).
Early 2025, Lupita opened a second location in the very Portuguese suburb of Alvalade, so hopefully there’s some respite (though I doubt it, and yes the wait is worthy).
🍴Must-try: pepperoni with spicy honey, and mushroom with lemon zest are two classics.
✨ Vibe: Fast-paced, clean chaos
📍 Address: Rua de S. Paulo 79, 1200-427 Lisboa (Cais do Sodré) & Av. da Igreja 15D, 1700-237 Lisboa (Alvalade)
🗓️ Reservations: Arrive early and add your name to the door
If you can’t get in, you could try the Alvalade location – or Tozza, Rico’s Pizza, or Lero Lero are very good.
Panda Cantina
Another local favourite is Panda Cantina, a place that basically serves one dish: Chinese ramen. You’ll have a choice of pork, beef or tofu topping, and can pick your spice level from one to five. With five locations across the city, you’d think the buzz would die off but I think this is a student favourite as you can walk away for less than €10.
🍴Must-try: Beef is my favourite at a spice level three.
✨ Vibe: Clean, modern aesthetic with videos of panda playing.
📍 Address: Too many to list – find one in Baixa, Chiado, Príncipe Real, Marquês and Campo Pequeno.
🗓️ Reservations: Arrive early to avoid queues.
Kau – BBQ pop-up
Kau’s Texas-style smoked barbecue is Portugal’s most consistently sold-out food pop-up. There’s a permanent spot on the way but for now the massive American-style truck and even bigger meat smoker pop up semi-regularly at craft breweries on Lisbon’s fringes. You can’t book but you can expect queues and items on the menu sell out, so go early.
🍴Must-try: The brisket is unreal.
✨ Vibe: Very casual, very busy, very efficient Texas-style barbecue.
📍 Address: Check the Instagram.
🗓️ Reservations: Not possible.
Read next… Where to find the best Portuguese street food and snacks in Lisbon
Lisbon classics to book ahead
Ramiro
Lisbon’s seafood temple isn’t a quiet date-night spot. Tiny, ice-cold beers land on the table almost automatically, slurping clams direct from the shell is encouraged, and there’s a loud soundtrack of seafood-incited excitement and tiny plastic hammers cracking open crab shells. Open since the 1950s, Ramiro is Lisbon’s most famous mariscos restaurant, loved for its quality of product and buzzing energy. A worthy, fun splurge.
🍴Must-try: Carabineiro (scarlet prawns) if you can afford one.
✨ Vibe: Loud, buzzy seafood institution with engaging, fast-paced staff.
📍 Address: Av. Alm. Reis 1 H, 1150-007 Lisboa (Intendente)
🗓️ Reservations: Book ahead online or by phone, or show up and wait.
If you can’t get in, Lisbon has lots of “marisqueiras” or “cervejarias” that specialise in seafood. While none quite match the energy of Ramiro you could try – Pinoquio, Nunes Real, Palacio, A Caravana, or A Marisqueira do Lis.
Ponto Final
Honestly, if you want to eat at Ponto Final this summer in Lisbon, it’s probably too late to book a table. Pinterest-worthy pictures of the canary-yellow tables stacked along a pier, jutting out into the river, have caused buzz for years. Thankfully beyond the unforgettable views the traditional Portuguese food is actually decent. If you really, really want to go – you can show up and queue for some time.
🍴Must-try: Fish rice, grilled fish.
✨ Vibe: Stick it on the ‘gram.
📍 Address: R. do Ginjal 72, 2800-285 Almada (Cacilhas)
🗓️ Reservations: Book months in advance!
If you can’t get in, try Atira-te ao Rio next door, which has a terrace with the same view and more refined Portuguese cuisine.
Último Porto
There’s no place like Último Porto. The smell of the grill hits you first before you spot groups of suits knocking back carafes of white wine, seated in cheap plastic garden chairs as shipping containers whiz around on the other side of a wire fence. This unusual waterfront restaurant is tucked next to the docks. But for the best grilled fish in Lisbon, Último Porto is the spot. It’s only open for lunch, and it pays to call ahead.
🍴Must-try: Grilled fish, amêijoas à bulhão pato (clams with garlic and coriander).
✨ Vibe: The worst view and best fish imaginable at a waterfront restaurant.
📍 Address: R. Gen. Gomes Araújo 1, 1350-352 Lisboa (Santos)
🗓️ Reservations: By phone, recommended – same day can be tricky
Tasquinha do Lagarto
Tasquinha do Lagarto opened in 1973 and is now one of the best traditional tascas in Lisbon. Inside you’ll be greeted by walls covered in Sporting football memorabilia and families gathering for lunch or dinner. It’s an affordable spot for classic Portuguese comfort food, where every dish is consistently excellent.
🍴Must-try: Atum cebolada (tuna and onions), polvo á lagaeiro (baked octopus with potatoes).
✨ Vibe: Local families out for a cheap, cheerful lunch or dinner with sports jerseys on every wall
📍 Address: R. de Campolide 258, Lisboa (Campolide)
🗓️ Reservations: By phone, recommended – or be prepared to wait a long time(with a beer in hand, of course)
That’s my list of the coolest restaurants and hottest tascas, taverns and tables in Lisbon right now. Anywhere you think I should add to the list? Leave a comment…
Keep reading….
- Lisbon’s best restaurants: 41 great places to eat
- My favourite tascas in Lisbon: Where to eat traditional Portuguese food
- Where to find the best Portuguese street food and snacks in Lisbon
- The best pastel de nata cooking classes in Lisbon and Porto
- The Best Food Tours & Experiences in Lisbon
- Lisbon restaurants open Sunday and Monday
- Local’s guide to the LX Factory, Lisbon’s creative micro neighbourhood
- Best places to eat octopus in Lisbon
- Best boat tours in Lisbon
