Lisbon is on top of my favorite European capitals. It has such a unique vibe that it is simply impossible to compare it with any other place. And when it comes to food, well, the scenery is more than interesting. They have the famous Iberic jamon, lots of canned fish, exotic ceviche dishes, and, in my opinion, the best possible desserts.

Now, it would be stupid to claim that I can tell you where to find the best food in Lisbon or to pretend that I can point to the top restaurants Lisbon has to offer. With such a variety of styles, it's an impossible task.

Why Travel Insurance is a Smart Choice for Lisbon

I know that you want to get to the delicious part of the article but I want to tell you a few things before that. As I said, Lisbon is amazing. It truly is a safe and welcoming city. But as with any trip, unexpected situations can happen. Whether it’s a delayed flight, lost luggage, or a medical emergency, it’s better to be prepared than to regret not having coverage.

While Portugal has excellent healthcare, medical costs for non-EU visitors can quickly add up. A basic emergency visit can be costly if you don’t have proper travel insurance.

That’s why we always recommend getting travel insurance before any trip. A good policy covers medical emergencies, flight disruptions, and unexpected costs, ensuring peace of mind while exploring Lisbon’s amazing food scene.

For affordable and flexible coverage, we personally recommend SafetyWing, which offers plans for both short trips and long-term travelers.

Why Bairro Alto?

However, I will tell you exactly what we found to be the best venues to eat in Bairro Alto, the famous Lisbon neighborhood. Why just this part of town? Well, because Lisbon is huge and covering it all would take years. And until we retire and decide to move to sunnier places, we can only visit the Portuguese capital and enjoy what it has to offer. On the other hand, we chose Bairro Alto because we were completely blown away by how much it has changed in the last 10 years since we first visited it. 

On our first trip to Bairro Alto, we were shocked by the crazy party scene there. We were in our early 20s, and it still surprised us. However, in the past decade, the neighborhood has undergone a major transformation, evolving from a wild party zone to a posh and trendy foodie destination. 

However, if you're still looking to party, Pink Street is still alive and kicking, providing a wild and entertaining atmosphere after dark.

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But I am here to talk about food. Therefore, here are, in my humble opinion, some of the best restaurants Bairro Alto has to offer. Plus, a little bonus from the surroundings. 

Best Restaurants in Bairro Alto

The first place I want to talk about is Páteo - Bairro do Avillez. Even though it is not one of the Michelin stars restaurants Lisbon has to offer, it is in the Michelin guide. And indeed, it's a restaurant showcasing the best Portuguese cuisine.

The venue is surprisingly elegant, considering how crowded and noisy it can get. Furthermore, the service is perfect, with two waiters at each table. Which again left us speechless since the place is huge.

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As for the food, I have only good things to say. The dishes were cooked to perfection. We loved everything we tried.

Yet, two dishes really left a lasting impression. I am talking about the octopus tartare and the passion fruit mousse with homemade coconut ice cream. As a matter of fact, this dessert was the best I had in years.

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If you're in the mood for something a little different, head to Carnal, a Mexican gastro bar with a fun and energetic vibe.

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The food here is delicious. They have a great taco variety to choose from. And the best part is that you can order a little bit of everything and share. We even tried worms for the first time in our lives. Oh, and we drank the best tequila here.

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The prices are also very reasonable. Thus it's an excellent option for those who are on a budget.

Lisbon, and especially the Bairro Alto neighborhood, has a very young vibe. So don't expect it to be quiet at night. This is why, I recommend to choose an accommodation that is soundproofed and has a/c.

We stayed in the Largo do Carmo region and we were truly happy with our choice. There are many quieter restaurants around such as Maria do Carmo.

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The food was not spectacular, but it was good. However the prices were more than decent. I think we paid less than 60 euros for two portions and wine. Plus we were able to enjoy an unexpected fado concert.

What I absolutely loved about staying in this part of Bairro Alto was the cute and always crowded bar in the heart of the Largo do Carmo square. It was the perfect place to have a nightcap before going to bed. It had such a great vibe with different street artists every night, great music and delicious drinks.

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So if you stay in the area, make sure you give Quiosque do Carmo a try.

I mentioned earlier that we had the pleasure of attending a fado concert. And I have to say that for a truly authentic Portuguese experience, this is a must. There are many venues in Lisbon that provide such an experience. However, there's no better place that combines food and fado than O Faia. This restaurant offers spectacular fado concerts that will leave you spellbound. Furthermore, it is paired with a menu of sublime food that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

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Our only disappointment was with the service, which could have been better. Still, it was a minor hiccup in an otherwise fantastic evening. Be careful, though, that the portions are huge, and if you go with the seasonal menu, you might end up with more food than you can handle.

Now, when in Lisbon, Indian food should also be on your list. If you're looking for something truly unique, head to Swaagat, the taste of India. Here, you'll find some of the best Indian food in Lisbon, with dishes that are sure to impress even the most discerning foodie.

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The restaurant is a hidden gem, and we're lucky we stumbled upon it on our trip.

If you are interested in trying the famous Lisbon food market, go to Time Out Market Lisbon (Mercado da Ribeira). It's just a 10-minute walk from Bairro Alto, and it's a great place to taste the Lisbon street food scene. But a word of advice, expect to find it crowded.

And since we are in this part of town, you should know that here you can find this beautiful dock area full of restaurants. The view is great, especially at dinnertime. However, we could have chosen a better venue here. We picked Monte Mar.

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The food was good, but not wow. If I were to recommend anything, we liked the clams best. However, the service was more than average, and the prices were too high for what it offered.

But on a more happy note, this is the moment to mention Pastel de Nata.

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There is no such thing as visiting Lisbon and not having at least one of these dreamy egg tarts. You can literally order them in all coffee and pastry shops. And most probably, if you stay at a hotel, you will get them at the morning buffet. But to get the best experience this dessert can offer, you need to head to Belem. Here you'll find the famous Pasteis de Belem, where this amazing dessert was first cooked in 1837. Now, if you want to eat at a table, expect a queue.

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However, we opted for the takeaway option and ate our Pastel de Nata on a bench by the sea, which was more than perfect. 

As a tip, Belem is a beautiful place. And you should give it a few hours of your day to explore it. So if lunchtime catches you there, book a table at O Frade.

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Here, you'll be able to enjoy a delicious lunch. While the food was exquisite, the service was lacking, but it was still a pleasant afternoon overall.

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Loved the whole idea of the restaurant and we probably were just unlucky with the waiter we got. But the food was really great.

Moving on, I can tell you that the last time we visited Lisbon, we did it outside the sardine fishing season. However, make sure you try some fresh sardines if you have the chance. If I remember correctly, we had the most amazing sardines at Lisbon Tu e Eu a few years back. However, you will need to get outside Bairro Alto to get to this place. Also, many venues cook only using canned sardines. This is also a great experience that you should try at least once.

Another staple dish that you should give a chance while in Lisbon is Pastéis de Bacalhau. This is salted cod cake. I find it a little too heavy for my taste, but it's very authentic, so you should try it.

Now, I can talk for hours about Lisbon and its delicious aromas. But you don't want to read a book. You want to get some directions and discover the rest on your own. Right?

So, of course, I just scratched the surface with this article. There are so many other great restaurants in Bairro Alto that are waiting to be discovered. We simply wanted to give you a short presentation of its scenery, highlighting parts you should not miss. 

Tips & Tricks

Before we say our goodbyes, here are just a few more tips that might come in handy.

• The metro lines work great.
• Lisbon is a very uphill city. So take really comfy shoes if you want to walk its streets.
• We didn't try any taxis, but Uber works perfectly, and it didn't charge us too much.
• You may stumble upon people that look like drug dealers, but they are tourist traps and, therefore, harmless. Lisbon is as safe of a city as any European capital can be.
• Book a table in advance wherever you decide to eat. There is no such thing as finding a free table in Lisbon. Especially in places such as O Faia.
• Don't miss the chance to take the train to go to either the sunny beaches of Cascais or the beautiful green hills of Sintra.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Lisbon

Don;t worry if you still have some questions about Lisbon. I come bearing answers:

Q: When is the best time to visit Lisbon?

A: My favorite time to go to Lisbon is either spring or autumn. However, keep in mind that one week, each year, in autumn, Lisbon hosts one of the biggest conferences in the world, called Web Summit. During that time, the city is super crowded and more expensive than usual.

Q: Is Lisbon expensive?

A: It is my honest belief that Lisbon is more affordable than other major European capitals, but prices have risen in recent years.

Q: What’s the best way to get around Lisbon?

A: Let's take each at a time:

• Public transport (Metro, trams, and buses) – Cheap and efficient
• Uber works well and is cheaper than taxis
• Walking is great, but Lisbon is very hilly, so wear comfortable shoes

Q: What Portuguese dishes should I try in Lisbon?

A: Where should I start?

• Pastel de Nata – The famous custard tart
• Bacalhau (salted cod) – Try Pastéis de Bacalhau (cod cakes)
• Fresh sardines – If in season, grilled to perfection
• Carne de Porco à Alentejana – Pork and clams in a rich sauce
• Prego (steak sandwich) – A simple but delicious local favorite

Final Thoughts: Why Bairro Alto Should Be on Your Lisbon Itinerary

Bairro Alto is one of Lisbon’s most exciting neighborhoods, offering a mix of history, nightlife, and incredible food. Whether you’re exploring Michelin-guide restaurants, casual eateries, or traditional fado houses, this district has something for every traveler.

Have you been to Lisbon? Share your favorite restaurants and experiences. And if you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we’d love to help.

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**This article was written in February 2023. Please note that circumstances can change over time. If you discover that any venues mentioned have since closed, kindly inform us. Thank you!