A few recommendations of my favorite food spots, drinks and things to do while you’re visiting Lisbon (and surrounding areas):
For more photos and details of my favorite restaurants, check out my food Instagram: @PortugalwithJess
Food:
Oven Lisboa -Indian and Nepalese, every dish is a knockout (there’s a good reason they’re in the Michelin Guide)
Las Gringas/Duro De Matar -Elevated Mexican taqueria with an artsy, music driven vibe, they have a stall in Time Out Market as well
Tim’s Lisboa- My favorite brunch in the city, hands down. They serve seasonally inspired homemade pastry too
Mezze -Syrian, obsessed with their falafel and baba ganoush
Luka -Asian Fusion, the duck croquettes and Korean style fried chicken and waffles are amazing
Rhodo Bagels -NY style bagel sandwiches, best bagels in Lisbon, don’t skip their cookies either
A20 -try the pastrami sandwich (reuben) and specialty coffee
Pomme Eatery -small sharing plates and a stylish atmosphere
Rumi Lisboa - Mediterranean, really enjoy their köfte
Izakaya- Elevated authentic Japanese tavern with locations in Lisbon and Cascais, also in the Michelin Guide
Heim Cafe -cute brunch spot, it’s a small place so get there early to avoid a wait
Lupita -naturally leavened pizza, grab one to-go and have a picnic in the park up the street
The Folks -classic brunch spot with a few locations around Lisbon
Hink’s Deli -amazing NY style sandwiches packing tons of flavor, walk-up window
Karater Georgian Bistro- Georgian food with a menu for sharing, intimate restaurant so make a reservation
Blitz Pizza -next level pizza in Caparica with vegan options as well, featuring unique ingredients that are all made in house, get it to-go for a picnic by the ocean just a short walk away
Dessert:
Bike Bakery -best cinnamon roll of my whole life, get one in the morning when they are warm
Myka -authentic Greek frozen yogurt with fancy toppings
Fabrica de Nata-pastéis de nata are best eaten hot, their Sintra location is the most fresh
Do Beco -slow fermentation bakery & restaurant
Landeau Chocolate -they specialize in one thing, rich chocolate cake, and it is out of this world!
Nannarella -icecream, ask them to top it with “nata”, their homemade fluffy whipped cream
Manteigaria -2nd favorite pastel de nata with a few locations around Lisbon, Cascais, and Porto
Isuno -basque cheesecake
Chocolataria Ecuador -despite the name the chocolate is made in Portugal
Gleba -for cookies and fresh sourdough bread
Juliana Penteado Bakery-elevated specialty pastry
Alcôa bakery -variety of elevated Portuguese desserts
Santini Ice-cream - they use only fresh fruit and naturally sourced ingredients. No artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or thickeners
Coffee:
Fabrica-modern coffee roaster with cute locations all over Lisbon
Marquise da Mobler -aesthetic cafe with lush back patio and good pastries
Nerv -very tiny, trendy cafe with just a couple of table
Empanar -coffee served in artisan ceramics plus organic mediterranean empanadas
Unity Coffee Roasters -great spot for a cup of coffee and cottage cheese crepes in Cascais/Oeiras
A Flor de Selva -local roaster to pick up whole and ground beans (does not make coffee there), extremely reasonable pricing, several good decaf options too, I always prepare their coffee with my breakfast at home
Things to see:
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara Classically Portuguese park with beautiful views of the city
Estufa Fria botanical garden
MACAM- The Museum of Contemporary Art, unique private collection
Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian art museum with permanent and rotating exhibits and peaceful gardens
Cabo do Roca -do the short hike to the right of the lighthouse for the best views
In Sintra:
Palácio Nacional da Pena- unique colorful architecture and scenic views all the way to the ocean, it’s always cooler there than in Lisbon and it’s often foggy which brings a whole different mood
Monserrate Palace -a bit more off the beaten path with a short hike to the palace, the gardens are pretty too
Quinta da Regaleira -Most known for the Initiation well that you can walk down into, also enjoy the gothic-style palace and chapel and etherial gardens
Beaches in driving distance:
Praia do Guincho- near Cascais
Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo- across the river near Sesimbra, a steep but beautiful hike down, and I’ve seen tons of dolphins here
Praia das Bicas- a long staircase down, but there’s room on the beach even in peak tourist season, located across the river near Sesimbra
Praia de Galapos- tiny beach in Portinho da Arrábida, a very large nature preserve full of breathtaking hikes
Praia da Mata in Caparica