Wandering through the pretty cobbled streets, all this city asks you to do is discover Lisbon’s best neighborhoods with delicious food in mind. Your vacation itinerary couldn’t be any simpler.
In this Travel Noire list, we run through some of the best places in Lisbon to eat good. Thankfully, Lisbon has a vast, impressive, though under-celebrated foodie scene. Traditional Portuguese food is easy to find as is the more modern, fusion foodie scene. With an abundance of markets and local, tucked-away restaurants, there is much to choose from.
Lisbon is a city that takes pride in it’s reputation as one of Europe’s coolest cities, the food scene attests to that. If you’re looking to explore the city better, take notes from this list of Lisbon’s best neighborhoods for foodies.
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1. Cais do Sodre/Conde-Barão
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This has to be the place to start. We have put the two areas together as they slightly spill into each other and, most foodies will agree, make for an interesting culinary pairing. The Time Out Market Lisbon (Mercado da Ribeira) is situated right opposite the Cais do Sodre market. Here you can experience food from all over the world and enjoy the eclectic International foodie market.
Afterward, walking 5 minutes along to the Conde-Barão area will provide you with a mix of chilled cafe spots and restaurants. This is the place to enjoy an immaculately made cup of coffee while you take a breather from walking along the hilly city. While you will see many working away on their laptops, the area equally guards its relaxed afternoon dining atmosphere and has several “no laptop zones” to help you enjoy the slow European city vibe.
2. Belém
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Belém has long since established itself as the place to indulge in mouthwateringly good food. To be exact, it has maintained this reputation since 1837 when Antiga Confeitaria de Belém began making the famous pasteis de nata. Travelers looking to taste beyond this famous pastry will be happy to discover a range of traditional restaurants with unbelievable sites. If you’re lucky, it may not be too crowded, but Belém is popular for good reason.
3. Alfama/ Graca
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This is a fun foodie destination that most travelers swear by when arriving in Lisbon. The area itself is considered a melting pot of many cultures and, as expected, the food scene reflects that. It is often described as village in the heart of a city, and the presence of Castelo de Sao Jorge (St. George’s Castle) really adds to the atmosphere.
Most travelers spend the day exploring the castle and then seek out a restaurant (which is always close) to soak up the rest of the vibes. Once exploring the famous iconic landmark, find a restaurant where you can enjoy both the unbeatable gastronomy and sunset.
4. Bairro Alto
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Bairro Alto is a favorite neighbourhood for many travelers visiting the city. It is always buzzing with things to do, experience, and eat for the first time. Expect a selection of popular tapas bars and graffiti pieces from Portuguese and international artists alike. It has a youthful feel about it and the views are truly endless. Foodies will appreciate this neighborhood for dinners that end up as parties. Eat and drink in some of the most lively though random spots in the city.
5. Chiado
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Those looking for a more upmarket option will appreciate Chiado. This is the place to be if you’re looking for Michelin starred restaurants and a hint of fine dining. Foodies eager to feast in bohemian style eateries will feel right at home as this is a growing theme in the neighborhood. The district is also known for its shopping district and its elegant buildings which makes it a great all-rounder for the foodie who wants to grace the outdoor/rooftop eateries with regular lunchtime visits.
