21 Non-Touristy things to do in Lisbon, Portugal
Go off the beaten path in the capital of Portugal like a local!
Each year tons of people and tech companies flock to Lisbon for the Web Summit. Having been dubbed “the world’s best tech conference” as well as “Davos for geeks”, the Portuguese capital truly becomes home to the largest tech innovation marketplace in the world. It’s seriously a fun time - especially since Lisbon is such a hub already for creativity as well as an emerging tech scene. Web Summit adds to that with key players from companies like Microsoft, Google, Booking.com, etc mingling during the conferences and events.
But aside from discussing the hot topics during Web Summit - let's be real - we are in Lisbon surrounded by gorgeous architecture and Portuguese cuisine has a reputation that precedes itself. No matter how many times you’re in town, or if this is your first time, Lisbon is filled with gastronomic delights and the absolute tastiest bites. That’s why we asked our Lisbon locals who live in the city year-round, where one should eat. These are the recommendations that they shared, with some notes on the places. So whether it’s traditional Portuguese food you want to try or freshly caught seafood, the best way to keep you fueled during the Web Summit while experiencing this cinematic city, is to take a bite out of it. Literally. Curious? Follow me on Instagram and YouTube for more adventures!
But before you go, here's top picks in Lisbon to pair with your food adventures:
Where to eat traditional Portuguese food in Lisbon
Frangasqueira Nacional
Every Lisboeta knows of this Mozambican-Portuguese peri peri chicken joint. It’s a tiny space that’s perfect to grab their speciality on the go. One thing to keep in mind is that the google times of when the restaurant is open is not necessarily accurate, so I recommend calling the day you want to go if you plan on going to make sure they’re actually open that night.
Address: Tv. Monte do Carmo 19, 1200-276 Lisboa, Portugal
Prado
Prado takes the concept of traditiona Portuguesel dishes and experimenting them for a contemporary spin. In recent years it has become one of the city’s hottest dining spots. If going for dinner, you’ll definitely need to make reservations in advance.
Address: Tv. Pedras Negras 2, 1100-404 Lisboa, Portugal
As Bifanas do Afonso
Meaty, succulent bifana are the speciality here, as well as a unique sandwich originating from Portugal.
Address: Portugal, R. da Madalena 146, 1100-340 Lisboa, Portugal
A Casa do Bacalhau
The name translates directly to “codfish house”, serving up the fish speciality that Lisbon locals adore. This is where you can have an authentic bite into Portugal.
Address: Rua do Grilo 54, 1900-706 Lisboa, Portugal
Pastéis de Belém
A must eat when in Lisbon for pastel de nata - no questions ask. Pair it with a stroll around the super cool waterside neighbourhood of Belém.
Address: R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal
Casa da India
Don’t let the name fool you, this super affordable spot doesn’t actually serve Indian cuisine but traditional Portuguese food that uses the spices that comes from the Portuguese Empire's territories that started in the Age of Discovery.
Address: Rua do Loreto 49 51, 1200-471 Lisboa, Portugal
Tapa Bucho
If you’re just feeling peckish and want to try an array of different dishes rather than one large platter, go with this joint that specializes in Portuguese food served tapas style.
Address: R. do Diário de Notícias 124, 1200-141 Lisboa, Portugal
Restaurante Fidalgo
This little spot is a family run tapas bar that has a proud wine collection that pairs perfectly with whichever dish you choose. Great hospitality, friendly service all around. Makes for a great start to the evening from the Web Summit.
Address: R. da Barroca 27, 1200-047 Lisboa, Portugal
Leve Leve Tapas Bar
What’s the difference between Portuguese sardines and the ones you know? Find out here, along with other great sizeable tapa bites that has a great selection of shrimp and meat dishes.
Address: Tv. da Boa Hora 39, 1200-011 Lisboa, Portugal
Palácio Chiado
A historical 18th century palace that was recovered from ruins, now living on as a restaurant and bar. A Must see and try because of the decoration and taste.
Address: R. do Alecrim 70, 1200-018 Lisboa, Portugal
Where to eat Seafood in Lisbon
Shrimp, crab, lobster, cod, you name it - Lisbon being right by the water as well as being the capital of a country that has an abundance of a coastline, is truly indulgent when it comes to seafood. Surf’s up!
Pinóquio
Get the Portuguese clams dish “Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato”, or anything here since the catch is so fresh. Their other signature dish is the seafood rice that totally lives up to its hype. Thisis also a favourite food spot for attendees of the Web Summit.
Address: Praça dos Restauradores 79 80, 1250-188 Lisboa, Portugal
A cevicheria
It’s been said that this is one of the best restaurants in Lisbon, especially if you love ceviche. Tasting menu will give you a full experience too.
Address: R. Dom Pedro V 129, 1250-096 Lisboa, Portugal
Cervejaria Ramiro
When it comes to seafood, this spot has everything from giant ruby prawns, to delectable razor clams. Since Anthony Bourdain has featured this spot on No Reservations - definitely make a reservation before you go to avoid the queue cus this restaurant has skyrocketed to fame status from the episode.
Address: Av. Alm. Reis 1 H, 1150-007 Lisboa, Portugal
Solar 31 da Calçada
No frills, no hassle - just a honest Portuguese seafood kitchen. Octopus and snails come very highly recommended as their creamy signature Sapateira dish.
Address: Calçada Garcia 31, 1150-169 Lisboa, Portugal
Time Out Market’s Marisqueira Azul
You didn’t think this list would miss this iconic market would you? At Time Out, there’s so many places to grab a bite. But Marisqueira Azul has a great seafood platter and knows how to serve giant prawns.
Address: Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa, Portugal
Miss Can
In the heart of Lisbon’s old town, you can eat authentic Portuguese sardines, squid, and anchovies of different marinated flavours, all from little picturesque cans. It’s a fun quirky experience as it is full of flavour.
Address: Largo do Contador Mor 17, 1100-160 Lisboa, Portugal
Where to eat Brazilian food in Lisbon
Alright, alright, so why does Brazilian food get it own section? Simply put, with Portugal’s history of colonialism, and how there are more Portuguese speakers in Brazil than in Portugal itself (it’s also the national language of the biggest country in South American), Brazil now has its own influence on the capital of Portugal. And that influence, through music, dance and food, is a definite must-experience.
Fogo de Chão
Brazilian Steakhouse, there’s a few of them in the city and the prices are good. It’s a really fun experience to check out since the servers know how to put on a show with their carving of meats. There’s also all you can meat option.
Address 1: R. Martens Ferrão Nº28 A, 1050-160 Lisboa, Portugal
Address 2: Av. Elias Garcia 13, 1000-145 Lisboa, Portugal
Dona Beija
This Brazilian Restaurant serves up delicious feijoada (a traditional black bean and pork stew) on Saturdays. Also big bonus, some nights there’s live music with your dinner.
Address: Av. Duque de Loulé 22b, 1050-085 Lisboa, Portugal
Oakberry Açaí
A Brazilian chain of Açaí that doubles as a great breakfast joint before the events of the Web Summit begins. There are a lot of other good açaí places in Lisbon as well, but we find ourselves always popping by Oakberry.
Address: Largo do Corpo Santo 18, 1200-129 Lisboa, Portugal
Seen Lisboa
You’ll definitely need to make reservations a bit in advance and it is a bit pricy, but has a beautiful view of the city and bombastic Brazillian and Portugese food that has been reinterpretated as a beautiful marraige.
Address: Av. da Liberdade 185, 1250-147 Lisboa, Portugal
Where to eat at the LX Factory
The LX Factory (which is #8 on our non touristy things to do in Lisbon recommendation) is probably one of the coolest hubs in Lisbon to have emerge in the past few years. It’s a place that has sum up the revitalization of creativity in the city, adding to that linear projection of Lisbon as one of Europe’s hottest rising capital. What was once an industrial outpost is now a space that has been transformed as an artist enclave, for music, for small businesses and yes, for truly yummy eats.
Matchamama
Peruvian and Asian food. Come for the really nice deco, great cocktails and all around great vibes. This place can sums up the hipster vibe of LX Factory.
Address: R. Rodrigues de Faria n103, 1300-501 Lisboa, Portugal
A Praça
On LX Factory main cobblestone street, come for the happy hour and stay for a Portugese dinner with a twist.
Address: R. Rodrigues de Faria 105, 1300-501 Lisboa, Portugal
1300 Taberna
A funky industrial style restaurant that channels an eclectic mix of recycled art and really great octopus (as well as cocktails).
Address: Lx factory india Avenue, R. Rodrigues de Faria 103 arm. H, 1300-501 Lisboa, Portugal
Noobai
Nearby the LX Factory, is Noobai. very accessible prices for a Mediterranian restaurant with a rooftop that’s right next to one of the best view points in the city, Miradouro de Santa Catarina. This is one of the most laid-back spot after a day at the Web Summit.
Address: Miradouro de Santa Catarina (Adamastor, 1200-401 Lisboa, Portugal
Where to go after dinner...
Your evening out is just starting in Lisbon. After dinner, if you're up for exploring Lisbon's variety of rooftop bars (best sunset spots in town) or funky spots for creative cocktail, check out these locally recommended places for going out in Lisbon after Web Summit.
