PALÃCIO CHIADO
Rua do Alecrim, 70
Tel: 210 101 184
A palace built in the 1700s now has its beautiful rooms divided into several dining options. Downstairs by the entrance is the bar and a room serving lighter meals, while upstairs is the finer dining, with sushi, meats and seafood. Open throughout the day, it’s already one of the city’s hottest spots.
MOMENTO HB
Rua da Rosa, 151
Tel: 213 420 765
An experienced young chef who has worked with some of the city’s top chefs has now ventured on his own with this new restaurant in Bairro Alto. Here he serves traditional Portuguese cuisine with his own personal modern twist. Prices are reasonable, but it’s worth splurging on the most expensive option on the menu, the delicious jumbo shrimp. There’s also an excellent chocolate mousse for dessert.
MONTE MAR LISBOA
Rua da Cintura, Armazém 65
Tel: 213 220 160
One of the most famous seafood restaurants by the beach in Cascais has now opened in the center of Lisbon, right on the waterfront. The terrace is also open for drinks throughout the afternoon, and at dinner time it serves fresh fish and seafood. If you prefer to eat inside, there’s plenty of space in the former warehouse, also with views over the river.
ISCO DA BICA
Rua do Almada, 29
Tel: 213 461 376
Decorated like a fisherman’s hut, this very relaxed restaurant is found by the popular Santa Catarina viewpoint. It serves both traditional and creative fish dishes, but which fish you’ll get depends on what was caught in the Atlantic waters north and south of Lisbon on that day.
FÃBRICA DA NATA
Praça dos Restauradores, 62-68
Tel: 217 933 766
Lisbon’s famous custard tarts are found in every café and pastry shop in the city, but there are only a few places that specialize in it. This new spot in one of the city’s biggest central squares serves them warm, straight from the oven, inside or at the terrace facing the square.
BREAD 4 U
Rua dos Sapateiros, 41
Tel: 211 394 632
It’s a bakery and cafe, hidden on a quiet street downtown, offering a variety of bread and pastries. Decorated with antique pieces, it’s a nice spot for a break between sightseeing, either for just a drink, a light meal or a sugar rush.
BACALHAU COM TODOS
Rua São Nicolau, 47-49
Tel: 213 420 745
Even if you don’t really like fish, you can’t leave Lisbon without trying one of its traditional salted cod dishes. At this new restaurant downtown you can choose from several options, and there almost isn’t anything else on the menu. To be enjoyed inside or at the sidewalk terrace.
PIZZARIA DO BAIRRO
Rua Nova da Trindade, 10
Tel: 213 951 843
The first Pizzaria do Bairro was a small spot by the Cais do Sodré ferry station serving pizza by the slice, and now it has expanded to this second spot in Chiado, as a full-blown restaurant. Decorated like a traditional Lisbon patio with orchard, its pizzas mix Portuguese and Italian flavors.
THE WINE CELLAR
Rua de São Paulo, 49
Tel: 213 470 098
It’s right in the heart of the new nightlive quarter, Cais do Sodré, but it’s also open during the day. In addition to serving wine by the glass (there are nearly 200 labels to choose from), it also offers Portuguese petiscos (tapas) for a meal or as a snack to accompany the wine.
UAU
Doca de Santo Amaro РArmaz̩m 13
Tel: 211 384 812
The latest spot at the docks is a cafe and ice cream shop that also serves brunch on weekends and cocktails, always with a beautiful view of the marina and bridge. Before refreshing yourself with a popsicle made with fresh fruit, you may also enjoy a light meal of meat, fish or vegetarian kabobs, accompanied by freshly-squeezed juices or smoothies.