A Tastemakers Guide to Culinary Treasures | Lisbon
The best dining spots in Lisbon
By João Oliveira | Michelin Star Chef | Vista Restaurante | Portimão | Portugal
& Jorane Cuppen | Gastronomist | Guts to Glory
& Gonçalo Narciso dos Santos | Hotelier | Bela Vista Hotel & Spa
& Ferry Loeve | Senior Hair Colourist
A Cevicheria, Lisbon | Tip by Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
Be guided to the finest culinary treasures of Lisbon by Gastronomist Jorane Cuppen, Sr. Hair Colourist Ferry Loeve, Hotelier Gonçalo Narciso dos Santos and Michelin star chef João Oliveira of Vista restaurante at Hotel & Spa Bela Vista in Portimão, Portugal.
Discover where they go when they visit Lisbon. From fine dining at Michelin-starred classics to hidden gems and local legends, these tastemakers are sure to take you to the best restaurants Lisbon has to offer.
Where to eat
BELCANTO
Simply one of the best restaurants in the world. Chef José Avillez’s stunning creations have netted him two Michelin stars. His cooking is a study of Portuguese culinary history, and is as romantic as the cosy environment it is served.
Make no mistake though: there are a lot of surprises here, with seasonal ingredients and playful textures that are as innovative as they are exciting.They are also the proud owners of a prestigious wine selection that boasts everything from exclusive Portuguese vintages to exciting new offerings from around the globe, so a wine pairing menu is a must.
instagram | maps | favourite of João Oliveira, Michelin Star Chef
EPUR
Like Belcanto, this restaurant is situated in the beautiful old center of Lisbon. It boasts impressive views over the city and the sea, and its interior feels as minimalist and pure as the dishes served there.
Chef Vincent Farges has received one Michelin star for this restaurant, with cooking that is elegantly designed and highly focused.
Each plate is beautifully dressed and aims to present a maximum of three flavours distinctively and honestly. While technically impressive, it is ultimately the emotional impact of food that matters at Epur.instagram | maps | favourite of João Oliveira, Michelin Star Chef
CERVEJARIA RAMIRO
Finding a beer hall in a culinary guide might seem strange, but make no mistake: this is so much more than a simple ‘cervejaria’.
An institution since 1956, Ramiro serves the freshest seafood in all shapes and sizes. From a small serving of perfectly seasoned oysters to lobster and crab by the kilo, this is the best seafood restaurant in Lisbon.
Don’t feel like seafood but still want to experience the atmosphere? Their steak sandwich is also legendary.
Do prepare to stand in line though: ever since being promoted by the late great Anthony Bourdain, the already popular restaurant has been packed.
instagram | maps | favourite of João Oliveira, Michelin Star Chef
JNCQUOI AVENIDA
Portuguese food in an interior that is anything but traditional. From the giant dinosaur that takes the central stage to the grand layout and fashionable crowd, this place is worth a visit just for the environment. Gonçalo likes to go here just for an aperitif.
instagram | maps | favourite of Gonçalo Narciso dos Santos, Hotelier
PINOQUIO
This seafood restaurant has been a Lisbon classic since the 1980s. Their clams and crustaceans are fresh, pure and cooked to perfection.
A CEVICHERIA
A restaurant as humble as the name suggests. But what it lacks in frills, it makes up for in flavour, freshness an d quality of ingredients. Sit down at the intimate round table and taste the fantastic Peruvian-Asian-Portuguese fusion from the hands of legendary Brazilian-Portuguese chef Francisco Martins (better known as Chef Kiko).
TASCA DA ESQUINA
Tapas as reinvented by chef and local legend Vítor Sobral. Stellar presentation and surprising flavours mixed with an informal, café-like setting.
SÁLA
Coming here feels as if chef João Sá welcomed you into his living room. This intimate restaurant with a young team creates stunning dishes that nevertheless have a home-cooked feel.
Fresh, organic produce from local farms is turned into seasonal dishes that are surprisingly vegetable oriented, making this a great restaurant not just for carnivores but for vegetarians looking for a fine dining experience as well.
instagram | maps | favourite of João Oliveira, Michelin Star Chef
ESSENCIAL
This incredibly creative restaurant serves a variety of contemporary dishes focused on meat and fish, but most surprising is their work combining these with pastries.
From sea urchin tartar to foie gras cakes, chef André Lança Cordeiro bravely challenges traditions and turns classic dishes into something all his own.Now is the time to experience this legendary place before it’s popularity blows up even more.
instagram | maps | favourite of João Oliveira, Michelin Star Chef and Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
PRADO
A genuine farm-to-table concept from the mind of chef António Galapito. The fresh contemporary surroundings - a converted fish canning factory - perfectly mirror the food: relaxed, fresh and honest.
Paired with a selection of bio-dynamic and organic wines, this is the place to enjoy a healthy and delicious dinner among a hip crowd.
instagram | maps | favourite of João Oliveira, Michelin Star Chef
MINI BAR
A hidden spot by Michelin star chef José Avillez. Hidden in the back of his Bairro do Avillez restaurant complex, you have to go through the last door to get there. The food is fun, playful, and colorful, without neglecting taste. Find the edible part of the inedible presentation – there is molecular cuisine going on. The quirky and cosy interior suits the vibe and food, almost making it feel like a theatre. Combine your dinner with a visit to Toca da Raposa for after-dinner cocktails. Reservations required.
PASTÉIS DE BELEM
If you say Lisbon, you have to have Pastéis de nata for breakfast (or as a snack, for lunch or dinner, I don’t judge).
It’s a small custard cake covered with cinnamon and sugar, which is traditionally eaten next to your morning coffee. Just order it, and start walking through the city.
If you want the real, authentic Pastéis de nata, you have to go to Pastéis de Belem. It’s a bit out of the center, but it’s definitely worth it.
MANTEIGARIA
For moments you don’t want to go out of the city center, Manteigaria is a good second choice for pastéis de nata.
O FRADE
When you’ve visited Pastéis de Belem, you’re close to O Frade. It’s a gastro bar where you can sit outside, and at a common bar in the middle of the venue. Good, authentic but modern food served with knowledge and enthusiasm. A true ode to Portuguese food.
ZUNZUM GASTROBAR
Perfect place to have lunch is in the garden, which is situated next to the cruise ships. That sounds way worse than it is – the quiet terrace with a large lawn offers the perfect amount of sun and shade. Relish the amazing, light, and modern food served here. The flavourful combinations make you forget the time when enjoying them with a bunch of friends or even during a business lunch.
PONTO FINAL
I can’t say no to this all-time classic. Everyone who has been to Lisbon, has been to this quiet place located almost in the Taag, on the other side of the bridge. It’s known for it’s tables filled with seafood and unbeatable views.
ARKHE
An all-vegetarian restaurant that can surprise all meat lovers! Great and affordable wine list – definitely be advised by the knowledgeable staff. The level of service is high. The restaurant is decorated with all-natural materials and a lot of plants, which make you feel at ease in a second. Go for their changing menu to taste as much of present-day cooking as possible.
Also, the road to the restaurants from the city center is a stunning walk.
TIME OUT MARKET
The Time Out Market is a perfect place to go when everyone wants something different. It’s a food court where you can find something to eat and something to buy. There is also a flower market.
Where to go for a drink
MONKEY MASH
A great speak-easy cocktail bar hidden away in a basement. Honestly, it doesn’t feel like that at all. The young vibe gets reflected in the menu, where you can find something for everyone. The interior is colorful and vibrant. They also have a selection of tacos and other snacks.
TOCA DA RAPOSA
In terms of quality – the best cocktail bar in town. The almost chef-minded approach to making cocktails results in very technical, unusual combinations and cocktails. The place makes you feel like you’re back in the stone age, as it looks like a cave. Be surprised by the creativity.
PHARMACIA FELICIDADE
A good spot to have a cocktail and some tasty snacks. Sit on the chairs on the ‘lawn’, relax and get planning for the night while ordering some of their refreshing cocktails and juicy finger food. The views across the street are brilliant, as well as the outlook you have from the Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina hotel.
What to do
LX FACTORY
Nice place to see art, as there are ateliers with different artists exhibiting their work. Don’t be afraid to go all the way up inside the building! There are some shops where you can buy artistic and fun gadgets too. You can also have a bite to eat, throw hammers, crash a party or just walk in and out on your way to the Pastéis de Belem.
STEPS
Although the city has many height differences, an excellent way to explore is by step. Rent it, take it and put it next to the sideway again. Walk a little bit, and take another step.
Google maps is your best friend.
favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
STREET ART
There is a lot of street art going on in Lisbon. Almost everywhere you look, there are various pieces to be found – big and small. Tip: get some of the pottery or tiles that are still made authentically!
favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
