Where to Get The Best Food in Lisbon: Time Out Market and Others Not to Miss

Savoring Lisbon: Context's Guide to the Best Places to Eat — Join our Lisbon Food Tours to learn even more about the rich history of Portuguese cuisine

Updated June 2024.

From traditional Portuguese recipes to vibrant international fusions, there are so many cuisine options for foodies to explore in Lisbon. But with so many selections to sample, it can be hard to know where to begin.

Learn about several of the best neighborhoods in Lisbon for foodies, highlighting the top restaurants, markets, and street food options in each area. Whether you're a local looking for new food hotspots or a traveler planning a culinary adventure, this guide will help you discover the best flavors of Lisbon's food scene.

Lisbon's Best Neighborhoods For Foodies

Bairro Alto:

Known for its small traditional restaurants and bars, this neighborhood is a great place to try traditional Portuguese dishes such as bacalhau (salted cod) and cozido, a delicious meat and vegetable stew. Its bustling streets are filled with traditional taverns and bars, offering a diverse and authentic Portuguese dining experience.

Alfama:

This historic neighborhood is known for its seafood restaurants, where you can try fresh fish and other seafood dishes. Its winding streets and picturesque views make for an enchanting dining experience, with many restaurants offering outdoor seating to take in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood.

Chiado:

This trendy neighborhood is home to some of Lisbon's most trendy restaurants, including fine dining options and new, modern Portuguese cuisine. With a mix of classic and contemporary eateries, Chiado offers a diverse dining scene, from high-end restaurants to trendy bars and cafes.

Belém:

This neighborhood is famous for its pastéis de nata, a traditional Portuguese custard tart. When you’re nearby, you must be sure to try its most famous pastry shop, Pasteis de Belém, which has been serving the famous pastry since 1837. The neighborhood also has a number of historic and cultural attractions, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

The custard tarts are typically served warm and dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar. Belém is also home to a variety of bakeries and pastry shops where you can sample other traditional Portuguese sweets.

Barrio de la Ribera:

This neighborhood is known for its traditional food market, Mercado da Ribeira, where you can find a wide variety of fresh seafood, meats, and produce. The market is a popular spot for locals to buy fresh ingredients and also offers a range of dining options, from street food to sit-down restaurants.

Visitors can find traditional Portuguese dishes such as caldo verde (kale soup) and bacalhau. The market also offers a variety of international options and the chance to mingle with locals.

Principe Real:

This is a chic neighborhood with many restaurants and bars that offer a mix of local and international cuisine. The diverse dining scene in Principe Real ranges from casual street food to upscale fine dining, with options for all tastes and budgets. The neighborhood is known for its fusion cuisine, where traditional Portuguese ingredients are combined with international flavors. Visitors can also find a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

Lapa:

This neighborhood is known for its upscale restaurants and wine bars, and it offers a great mix of traditional and modern cuisine. Here, visitors can enjoy traditional dishes such as bacalhau, cozido, and seafood. The wine bars also offer a variety of Portuguese wines to pair with the meals.

Graça:

This neighborhood is known for its traditional taverns, where you can enjoy hearty Portuguese meals and a lively atmosphere. The neighborhood is known for its traditional dishes such as caldeirada (fish stew) and feijoada (bean stew) and cozy taverns where you can enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere while savoring the delicious food.

The Best Markets in Lisbon

Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market)

Originally opened in 1892, it was closed for several years for renovation and reopened in 2014 as Time Out Market. This market has become one of the most popular options for both local residents of Lisbon and curious travelers who are seeking fresh ingredients for hearty meals. With an eclectic mix of shops, bars, and grocers to choose from, you’ll be able to sample a variety of traditional Portuguese dishes, creative modern fusions, and international cuisine.

Mercado de Campo de Ourique

This historic market has been a staple of the local community for more than 100 years – one of the oldest marketplaces in Lisbon. It’s none for its delightful selection of fresh produce, seafood, and traditional Portuguese cuisine. Mercado de Campo de Ourique has a warm, friendly atmosphere and is favored by locals more than tourists.

Mercado de Santa Clara

Located in the heart of the Coimbra neighborhood, here you will find a delightful mix of fresh pastries, fish, and produce. Mercado de Santa Clara was built in 1878 by the famous architect Francisco de Paula del Villar.

Just a few blocks away from Lisbon’s cruise terminal, this market is frequented by both local and international travelers. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat on the way back from your shore excursions in Lisbon. It also doesn’t hurt that the market’s position so close to the coastline gives its seafood vendors an advantage over other markets.

Mercado de Arroios

Explore this popular market with a focus on organic and sustainable food. A hydroponic greenhouse sits on top of the building, designed by the start up Lisbon Farmers, with a goal to bring agriculture to the city through the selling of foods and herbs grown in the greenhouse.

Its vendors and shops offer an enormous variety of fresh produce, meat, fish, and baked goods. The market is also known for its ethnic food stalls that offer a taste of different cuisines and cultures, and you can find a great selection of flowers, gardening items, jewelry and more as well.

Mercado de São Jorge

Mercado de São Jorge is a historic market located in Lisbon, Portugal. The market was first opened in the 19th century and has been serving the community for over a century. It has always been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide range of fresh produce, meat, fish, and baked goods. Over the years, the market has undergone several renovations to modernize its facilities and improve the shopping experience for visitors. Despite these changes, it has managed to maintain its traditional charm and is still a popular spot for those looking to sample traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Mercado de Estrela

At Mercado de Estrela, you'll find fresh produce, meat, fish and baked goods. Over the years, the market has evolved to include a variety of local and international cuisine, with options ranging from traditional Portuguese dishes to more modern fusion creations. The market also includes a number of bars and shops, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It's well known for its historic architecture and its lively atmosphere.

Mercado de Benfica

Mercado de Benfica is a historic market located in Lisbon, Portugal. The market was first opened in the early 20th century and has been serving the community for over a century. It has always been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide range of fresh produce, meat, fish, and baked goods. Over the years, the market has evolved to include a variety of local and international cuisine, with options ranging from traditional Portuguese dishes to more modern fusion creations. The market also includes a number of bars and shops, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Frequently Asked Questions from Context Travelers:

Where to eat like the locals in Lisbon?

There are many great restaurants in Lisbon that are popular among locals. A few of our favorite dining options in Lisbon include

A Cevicheria: This restaurant is known for its ceviche and other seafood dishes, and is a favorite among locals.
Cervejaria Ramiro: This is a popular seafood restaurant that is known for its bacalhau (salt cod) dishes and giant prawns.
O Faz Figura: This restaurant is known for its traditional Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist. They have a great variety of dishes, including some of the best seafood you can find in Lisbon.
Cantinho do Avillez: This restaurant is run by a famous Portuguese chef and offers high-end traditional Portuguese cuisine with a contemporary touch.
Belcanto: This is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers high-end Portuguese cuisine.
Feitoria: Another Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional Portuguese dishes.

It is worth noting that these restaurants can be quite busy and might require a reservation in advance.

Where should I eat in Lisbon?

When it comes to where to eat in Lisbon, the options are endless. From traditional Portuguese restaurants to international cuisine, you’ll have options available for every taste and budget.

Some popular options include A Cevicheria and Cervejaria Ramiro for traditional Portuguese seafood, and Cantinho do Avillez, Belcanto, and Feitoria for more upscale dining.

What is the most famous food in Lisbon?

Lisbon is famous for its seafood dishes, especially bacalhau (salt cod). Other traditional Portuguese dishes that are popular in Lisbon include caldo verde (a potato and green cabbage soup), cozido (a stew of various meats and vegetables), and pastel de nata (custard tart).

Where to buy fresh produce in Lisbon?

There are several places in Lisbon where you can buy fresh produce. Some popular options include the Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market), which is a large indoor market that sells a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meats. Additionally, there are several farmers' markets around the city, such as the Mercado de Campo de Ourique and Mercado de Arroios.

Is Lisbon a foodie city?

Lisbon is considered a great destination for food aficionados, with a wide variety of options to choose from – from traditional Portuguese recipes passed down through families to fusion dishes that combine the best elements of international cuisine. Many new and innovative restaurants have opened up over the last ten years has Lisbon has evolved into a more popular destination for travelers and cruise ships.

The city's location on the Atlantic coastline provides quick access to fresh seafood, and the surrounding countryside provides so many excellent sources of fresh produce – not to mention vineyards for Port wine!

What is the Time Out Market in Lisbon?

The Time Out Market is a food hall located in the Mercado da Ribeira in Lisbon. It features a variety of vendors selling traditional Portuguese food, such as seafood, meats, and pastries. Additionally, there are also vendors selling international cuisines, such as sushi, pizzas, and burgers. The market also has a bar area where you can enjoy a drink while you eat. It's a great place to try different foods from different vendors and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the market.

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