Best Hidden Restaurants, Cafés, and Bars in Lisbon – A Food Lover’s Personal Guide
- annaluisaballauf
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Lisbon is more than beautiful architecture, pastel colors, and tram rides — it's a place where life is celebrated around the table.For me, Lisbon will always be about eating, drinking, dancing, laughing, and then eating again.
My best friend lived here for years, and every visit turned into a beautiful whirlwind: sunrise coffees, endless brunches, tapas at sunset, cocktails under the stars, and, somehow, always room for dessert.This isn’t your typical tourist guide — it’s a personal list of Lisbon’s hidden gems: the places where locals gather, the cafés where time slows down, and the bars where unforgettable nights begin.
If you’re ready to taste the real Lisbon, this is where to start.
Washed Up Café & Bar
Laid-back, full of life, and just the right amount of chaos — Washed Up is where evenings stretch into nights over affordable drinks and easy conversations.
Riclé Bar
A cozy neighborhood bar with seriously good cocktails and a no-pressure vibe. Riclé Bar quickly became one of our go-to meeting points before heading out into Lisbon’s electric nightlife.
Bar Três As
For an authentic Lisbon night out, Bar Três As delivers.Great wines, friendly strangers, and that unmistakable Lisbon magic — where strangers become friends by the second round.
The Folks Santos
A dreamy blend of flower shop and brunch café.The Folks Santos offers top-notch coffee, beautiful food, and an interior so charming, you’ll want to move in.
VDB Bistronomie
If you want a mind-blowing meal, VDB Bistronomie is it.Every dish is crafted with stunning attention to detail — this place deserves a standing ovation after every course.
Marquise da Mobler
The best pain au chocolat in Lisbon — full stop.Marquise da Mobler is a must for every pastry lover (and the best excuse to have dessert for breakfast).
Taberna da Esperança
Simple, honest, unforgettable.Taberna da Esperança is where rustic Portuguese cuisine meets soul-warming hospitality. According to my best friend: "The best food in Lisbon, no debate."
Magnolia Bistrot & Winebar
A hidden oasis for wine and small plates.Magnolia is the kind of place where you linger longer than planned — glasses clinking, candles flickering, and laughter filling the room.
Imprensa Cocktail and Oyster Bar
Alice’s favorite bar — and with good reason: Imprensa serves killer cocktails, oysters, great music, and (her words) “a very hot bartender.” What more could you ask for?
Café da Garagem
A café with one of the best views over Lisbon.Grab a coffee (or a glass of wine) at Café da Garagem and watch the sunset spill golden light across the city.
COMOBA
Part café, part co-working space, part creative haven.COMOBA is ideal if you need strong coffee, healthy dishes, and a beautiful space to recharge or work for a few hours.
Pastéis de Belém
No Lisbon list would be complete without mentioning the iconic Pastéis de Belém.The original Pastéis de Nata here are famous for a reason — trust me, the line is worth it.
More Hidden Gems to Explore in Lisbon
Place | Vibe |
A Cevicheria | Inventive Peruvian flavors |
Navigadoors Bar | Local tip for cool late-night drinks |
Mama Shelter Rooftop | Fun rooftop parties |
Oyster & Margarita | Fresh oysters, perfect margaritas |
Javá Rooftop | Relaxed drinks near the river |
Pensão Amor | Legendary cocktail bar and old bordello charm |
Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market) | Foodie paradise |
LX Factory | Artsy complex full of shops and eateries |
EmbaiXada | Boutique shopping inside a 19th-century palace |
Honest Greens | Healthy eats, great for remote work |
Tasca Zebras | Great fish dishes, beautiful setting |
Sora Lella | Cozy, homey Italian spot |
Salted Books | Lisbon’s dreamiest bookstore |
Perfect Day Trips and Beach Escapes 🌊
Some magical spots just outside Lisbon, if you have time to explore:
Place | Vibe |
Praia de Alpertucho | Secret beach paradise |
Berlenga Grande Island | Breathtaking boat trip destination |
Xakra Beach Bar | Tapas by the sea |
Sunset Spot (38.415470, -9.2188774) | Hidden sunset-viewing location |
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