CAFÉ BUENOS AIRES
- Calçada (Escadinhas) do Duque n. 31 B Bairro Alto, Phone: 21 342 07 39
$$ Close to, but not exactly in Bairro Alto, this cozy little restaurant may seem a little off the beaten restaurant path, but it has gained something of a cult following by a young and informal crowd. From the name you can tell it is an Argentinean restaurant and yes, steak is served, but the salads are also favorites. The dimly lit dining area with wooden furniture is cozy and romantic but small, so book ahead. More tables are placed outside in the summer.

CHAPITÔ
- Rua Costa do Castelo, 7, Alfama, Phone: 21 886 7334
$$ Sharing the premises of a circus school, this restaurant has some of the most captivating views over Lisbon from its terrace and candlelit tables. The menu is limited but the food is good and the service is friendly. The views and atmosphere are ideal for a dinner for two.
After dinner you may want to join an audience of artists and bohemian students for live music, a theater show, or a drink at the bar downstairs.

CONVENTUAL
- Praça das Flores, 45, Principe Real, Phone: 21 390 9196
$$$ One of the city's gastronomic highlights, this restaurant is housed in a former convent. It is tastefully decorated, the cuisine creative, and the desserts heavenly. A good choice for a special night.

CRAVO E CANELA
- Rua da Barroca, 70, Bairro Alto, Phone: 21 343 1858
$$ Reasonably-priced international dishes and stylish décor are not the only attraction of this restaurant. It also has a laid-back bar area that plays mellow jazz, chill-out sounds, and fado, popular with young media types after midnight.
On the menu you'll find a fusion of flavors in meat, fish, and risotto dishes, as well as an extensive list of Portuguese and international wines.
Original desserts complete the dining experience. (Read an extended review here).

A GoLisbon FAVORITE... A Michelin-stared experience:

ELEVEN - (www.restauranteleven.com) - Rua Marquês de Fronteira, Jardim Amalia Rodrigues, Uptown, Phone: 21 386 2211 $$$ This is one of the newest and most acclaimed restaurants in the city. Located atop Edward II Park, its cuisine is contemporary Mediterranean prepared by a chef whose restaurant in Spain holds 2 Michelin stars and was rated the best restaurant in the country by the Gourmetour guide. Eleven has also earned a coveted Michelin star, a well-deserved recognition.

FOUND YOU
- Travessa dos Inglesinhos 34-40, Bairro Alto
$$ Different variations of fondues surrounded by a decoration that mixes the very modern with some retro touches creating an elegant and inviting atmosphere.

KAIS
- Avenida 5 de Outubro, 56-1, close to Lapa, Phone: 21 393 2930
$$ A giant K stands outside this dockside restaurant, indicating it is owned by the team behind the clubs Kremlin and Kapital (see our nightlife - clubs section). It is a popular choice for yuppies and the well heeled, divided into two distinct spaces: Upstairs is fine international dining; downstairs is a selection of Portuguese dishes in a more relaxed atmosphere.

LA MONEDA
- Rua da Moeda, 1, Baixa
$$ The name is in Spanish (and it means "the coin" referring to the Portuguese name of the street where it's located), but the menu is a fusion of some international flavors.

NOOD
- (www.nood.pt) Largo Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro 20, Chiado
$ Nood is short for "noodles" and the slogan is "food for your soul" but it's the sushi that is the favorite here. There is also a separate area that serves as a lounge.

OLIVIERS
- (www.restaurante-olivier.com) - Rua do Teixeira, 35, Bairro Alto, Phone: 21 342 1024
$$ This restaurant has earned a reputation for gastronomic excellence, serving eclectic Mediterranean dishes. The desserts are worth leaving room for, especially the specialty moist chocolate cake wrapped in cherry sauce.

PRAGMA
- (www.pragmalx.com) Alameda dos Oceanos, Parque Das Nações,
$$$ Located on the second floor of the Lisbon Casino, this is a top-end (and expensive) gourmet restaurant. Both the décor and the food (prepared by renowned chef Fausto Airoldi) are contemporary and original.

ROSA DA RUA
- Rua da Rosa, 265 Bairro Alto,
$$ The renovated walls of an old building blend beautifully with the contemporary furnishings. The dishes are an odd but interesting mix of Portuguese, Indian, and Cape Verdean flavors.

STASHA
- Rua das Gáveas, 29-33, Bairro Alto, Phone: 21 343 1131
$ Imaginative Mediterranean and Brazilian dishes are part of an international menu in this pleasant restaurant that is one of the best values in the city. It is decorated with modern art and has a traditional Portuguese mosaic floor.

VARANDA
- Four Seasons Hotel Ritz, Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 88, Uptown, Phone: 21 381 1400
$$$ Part of the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz with a strict black tie policy, this is not the typical hotel restaurant. It offers sophisticated gastronomy in a carefully crafted menu.

A GoLisbon FAVORITE... The world on a plate:

VIAGEM DE SABORES - Rua São João da Praça, 103, Alfama, Phone: 21 887 0189 $$ Close to the cathedral, this charming restaurant is true to its name as a "journey of flavors." The eclectic menu fuses cuisine from all continents (it can mix Thai with French or Portuguese, and there are also some good vegetarian options), and the wine list is of a high standard. It is also tastefully decorated and the kitchen can be seen from the dining room.

YASMIN
(www.yasmin-lx.com) - Rua da Moeda, 1, Baixa
$$$ This hip yet cozy and relaxed restaurant (next to the longer-established La Moneda), serves fusion cuisine. The tasteful decor (mostly in black and white) is very stylish and contemporary.