Affordable Places to Eat in Lisbon

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Lisbon is a city that fills both the soul and stomach—sometimes in unexpected ways.

When looking for the best places to eat in Lisbon, you might wander through quiet, narrow streets, climb steep hills, and even get lost in the winding streets of Alfama as you search for Alfama Cellar.

It’s a traditional Portuguese restaurant that’s definitely worth visiting. That’s the great thing about eating in Lisbon—sometimes the best meals come after a little adventure.

But, after visiting the city three times (and eating our way through it each time), Alex (my partner) and I have found some incredible spots that deserve a place on your Lisbon foodie bucket list.

I’ve compiled a list of reliable, tried-and-true recommendations for anything from cosy breakfast spots to must-try local restaurants and more.

This is a list of places we’ve personally had genuine great experiences at and some not-so-great but still acceptable—so you don’t have to waste time scrolling through endless reviews.

So, whether you’re a solo traveller on the hunt for a quiet brunch spot or a couple looking for the perfect date-night dinner, I’ve got you covered.

Anyway, let’s dive in!

An outdoor café has wooden tables and chairs set on a cobblestone floor that is painted pink. Colourful umbrellas in red, blue, yellow, and green are hanging above, making a bright cover. In the background, you can see a restaurant called "Restaurante Rio Grande" with a green awning and people sitting at tables.

Places to Eat in Lisbon for Breakfast & Brunch

1. Dear Breakfast

If you want the best healthy breakfast or brunch, Dear Breakfast is the place to go. They provide a wide variety of breakfast selections available all day.

From delicious pancakes and eggs to a strong cup of coffee to start the day.

We visited their Chiado location, but remember that they have a few locations throughout the city.

The top floor of Dear Breakfast Chiado is bright and welcoming, with plenty of sunlight coming in through large windows.

The soft colours friendly sounds of conversation and clinking plates create a nice atmosphere for a calm morning.

Price: €10 to €15 per person

Location: Calçada de São Francisco 35, 1200-201 Lisboa ( on Google Map)

Website: dearbreakfast.com

Reservation: offers reservations, but we simply walked in without making one. That might have been because we went in the morning and it was winter. I’m not sure what summer is like, but I suggest making a reservation to avoid long waits.

A black plate has a golden omelette with pieces of gammon and mushrooms, topped with fresh greens and a little spice. A fresh green salad with pea shoots and radish slices, two pieces of rustic sourdough bread, and sliced avocado with spice are served on the side. A pepper grinder and a jar of brown sugar are seen in the background of the stainless steel table where the meal is placed. — *An Omelette I had from Dear Breakfast*

2. Manifest Tardes Abstratas

A lovely kind of hidden gem with a chill vibe, great for a relaxed breakfast or brunch with fresh pastries and top-notch coffee.

Price: €15 to €20 per person

Best For: This is the ideal location if you’re looking for somewhere to eat breakfast, lunch, and drinks in the afternoon. They even have some seats outside.

Location: Rua da Sociedade Farmacêutica 31, 1150-103 Lisboa (on Google Maps)

Website: None, but they have an Instagram page that you can check below.

Reservation: I think you can phone to make one, but it’s not available online. Just a little note: in Portugal, it’s common for most restaurants that are somewhat well-known to not accept online reservations. Sometimes, they just operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

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3. CO-OP Layday

If you’re looking for a relaxed breakfast spot with great food, CO-OP Layday is a solid pick. Tucked away in a convenient, quiet location, it’s the kind of place where you can just walk in—no endless queues or stressful reservations needed.

I loved the wall art decor! The vibe is lively but not overwhelming, making it a great spot to ease into your morning.

We visited here on our day of departure, we were looking for a place to have a solid breakfast before hopping on a 3-hour train to Porto later that afternoon.

I had the scrambled eggs with Parmesan and truffle, and let me tell you—it was the perfect mix of creamy, savoury, and just indulgent enough.

Plus, if you’re after something on the healthier side, there are plenty of options to choose from. A definite win for a laid-back and delicious start to the day!

Price: €10 to €15 per person

Location: R. do Crucifixo 33, 1100-184 Lisboa (on Google Map)

Website: None—I could remember seeing at the time of writing, but they’ve got an Instagram page.

Reservation: Not needed

A plate of scrambled eggs topped with herbs and seasoning served with a slice of rustic sourdough bread. A cup of black coffee sits nearby, along with small bowls of browned sausage pieces. The meal is presented on a marble table, creating a cosy brunch setting — *My meal from Co-op Layday, Lisbon*

Where to Eat in Lisbon for Lunch & Casual Eats

4. Pastelaria Casulo

A simple and affordable but solid choice for a quick snack and satisfying Portuguese meal. Located right across the left exit of the Restauradores metro station from Rossio Square—great for a quick bite while exploring.

5. Gelo Cervejaria e Marisqueira

A laid-back restaurant serving both local snacks and comfort meals from around the world. They’re part of a restaurant chain called “The JFamily Restaurants.”

The only negative aspect of eating here is that it’s in a crowded tourist location, but the food is decent and the prices are reasonable.

Here’s an important tip for visiting Portugal: Unlike many major cities in Europe, such as London, most famous restaurants in Portugal don’t have very high prices. To be honest, the seafood bean soup was the best I’ve ever had, and I’d recommend it!

Price: €€

Location: Praça Dom Pedro IV 64, 1100-200 Lisboa (on Google Map)

Website: jfamilyrestaurantes.com

Reservation: Not needed

A black cast iron pot holds a thick fish and bean stew that is reddish-orange. It is resting on a cork stand. White beans, chunks of fish or shellfish and plump prawns are all included in the dish, which is topped with freshly chopped herbs. The rich, tasty broth shines in the light, suggesting a warm and cosy meal. — *Seafood Bean Soup from Gelo Cervejaria e Marisqueira*

6. Mercado da Ribeira Time Out Lisbon

Not just for food but also for a fun experience with different food stalls offering a bit of everything.

A quick tip: Don’t forget to get a pastel de nata for a delicious dessert after your market lunch! I can recommend my favourite, Manteigaria, which is located at the time-out market.

Three photos are collaged to highlight the food and ambiance of Lisbon's Time Out Market. The left picture shows a plate of bright orange carrots that are marinated and some steamed broccoli. A huge black "Time Out Market Lisboa" sign that hangs from the ceiling in the centre shot shows the busy market. The right picture shows a seafood platter that includes grilled prawns, squid and fish, decorated with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge.

7. Manteigaria

The best pastéis de nata in Lisbon. You might as well grab a few because one is never enough! Golden, flaky, and filled with creamy custard, the pastel de nata is a little bit of Lisbon’s sunshine, crisp on the outside and wonderfully soft inside.

A person's hand holding a package of Manteigara with a wooden background. On the front package, two white illustrations of hands shaking and the text "Mantegigaria" in bold letters and a slogan beneath the text "Fabrica de pastéis de nata" can be seen.

Local Must-Try Places to Eat in Lisbon

8. Casa do Alentejo

A stunning restaurant in a classic Moorish-style building that serves traditional Portuguese food. Just the location is worth a visit! The restaurant is on the upper floor, but it looks like all the places are closed at first.

The restaurant has two eating areas, one was full of customers. We were seated in a less crowded section. Our experience wasn’t the best. We had to wait a while for our meals, but the food was delicious, which helped make up for the long wait.

Price: €€

Location: R. das Portas de Santo Antão 58, 1150-268 Lisboa (on Google Map)

Website: casadoalentejo.pt

Reservation: Available—but we didn’t make any on our visit.

A perfectly grilled fish with steamed carrots and broccoli served on a white plate. Some small clear glass saucers can be seen on a white surface and a white saucer with empty table butter packets. — *My meal at Casa Do Alentejo*

9. Seher Palace

If you find yourself wandering through Alfama, soaking up the views near the miradouros, and suddenly realise you’re starving—Seher Palace is a solid bet for a no-fuss, local dining experience.

Tucked away from the usual tourist-packed spots, this place has a laid-back, old-school charm where locals linger over their meals. No long queues, no need for reservations—just good, honest Portuguese food.

I went for the classic octopus with potatoes, and it was exactly what you’d hope for—tender, well-seasoned, and perfectly cooked. Nothing fancy, just simple, hearty flavours that hit the spot after a day of exploring.

Price: €€

Location: R. São Tomé 70, 1100-563 Lisboa (on Google Maps)

Website: Don’t have one, but you can find a table via the Fork app.

Reservation: Not needed

A plate of Portuguese grilled octopus with potatoes, sprinkled with onions, lettuce, a slice of cucumber, and tomato. The dish is served on a white plate, placed on a table with a blue and white checkered tablecloth. A glimpse of another plate is visible in the background.

A plate of Portuguese grilled octopus with potatoes, sprinkled with onions, lettuce, a slice of cucumber, and tomato. The dish is served on a white plate, placed on a table with a blue and white checkered tablecloth. A glimpse of another plate is visible in the background.

A plate of Portuguese grilled octopus with potatoes, sprinkled with onions, lettuce, a slice of cucumber, and tomato. The dish is served on a white plate, placed on a table with a blue and white checkered tablecloth. A glimpse of another plate is visible in the background.

10. Alfama Cellar

Tucked away in the winding streets of Alfama, Alfama Cellar is the kind of no-frills, local spot that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem.

The place is small and cosy, with a laid-back vibe—just a handful of tables where locals linger over hearty meals.

I went for the lamb stew, and it was exactly what you’d hope for: rich, comforting, and packed with flavour, perfect for soaking up with a side of crusty bread.

If you’re after an authentic, unpretentious dining experience in Lisbon, this is a great place to pull up a chair and eat like a local.

Price: €€

Location: R. dos Remédios 127 131, 1100-451 Lisboa (on Google Maps)

Website: None, but you can find and book a table here. Well, just in case you were wondering, we didn’t make a reservation. But we simply walked early. I think it’s more difficult to get a seat if you go in later after they open and don’t make a reservation.

A rich, slow-cooked lamb stew served in a black cast iron dish, garnished with fresh parsley and orange slices. The dish is accompanied by sliced boiled potatoes and a flavourful tomato-based sauce. — *My dish at Alfama cellar*

11. Sol e Pesca

If you find yourself wandering Lisbon’s famous Pink Street and fancy a unique foodie experience, Sol e Pesca is a spot worth checking out. Although I wouldn’t say it’s a local place, this tiny, quirky eatery is all about canned fish—yes!

We popped in mid-morning during winter, and with just one other couple finishing up, we practically had the place to ourselves. The ambiance was quiet and laid-back, making it a relaxing stop.

Although the place was a little pricey for canned fish, it was well worth the expense because the patron was very helpful and showed us the various flavours of canned fish in olive oil.

Price: €10–15

Location: R. Nova do Carvalho 44, 1200-019 Lisboa (on Google Maps)

Website: None

Reservation: None

Two plates of preserved fish fillets, marinated in golden olive oil and sprinkled with fresh herbs. The dish is simple yet flavourful, showcasing high-quality canned seafood. — *A variety of canned fish at Sol e Pesca*

Where to Eat in Lisbon for Dinner & International Cuisine

12. Honda Ramen

Honda Ramen is a place worth visiting if, like me, you’re craving an Asian soup and want to take a break from trying out the local cuisine. We stumbled into this by chance on TripAdvisor, as it had great reviews, and sometimes you just need a warm bowl of ramen! Tasteful and authentic.

Price: €10–15

Location: R. Joaquim Bonifácio 24, 1150-196 Lisboa (on Google Map)

Website: None, but you can make a reservation here

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13. Restaurante Aagan

Located in Lisbon’s vibrant, bustling Biaxa district, you can take a seat outside, people-watch, or watch tram 28 go by while waiting for great Indian and Nepali cuisine.

Price: €10–15

Location: R. da Palma 39A, 1100-390 Lisboa (on Google Map)

Website: aagan.com.pt (just note that their website isn’t updated). They’ve got a temporary closure notice on some dates in October, which I presume was from the previous year (2024).

So, I’d advise giving them a call before you try making a reservation on their site. Based on experience in some restaurants in Lisbon, it’s always best to just walk in, possibly when they just open.

The image shows a glass of red sangria with a white plate and a phone on a wooden table. It appears to be in the outdoor seating area of a restaurant. A yellow tram, a street bin, and some buildings can be seen in the foreground.

14. Tinto & Brasa Parrilla Argentina

If you ever find yourself in Lisbon, specifically near Eduardo VII Park, and craving a proper meal, Tinto & Brasa Parrilla Argentina is a solid choice—especially if you’re after a quality steak.

We ended up here on Christmas Day, desperately searching for somewhere open, as most places were shut.

Walking from Rato metro station, the quiet streets made us question if we’d even find dinner, but the moment we stepped inside, it was like entering a different world.

The ambiance? Simple but posh vibes. The service? Spot-on. And the food? Worth every cent, even though it’s not the cheapest spot in town.

The restaurant has two levels—one resembling a basement setup—but we were seated upstairs near the main entrance.

I opted for one of their classic steaks, which was, of course, the most budget-friendly option. I must say, it was an absolute delight. If you’re after a refined yet welcoming dining experience in Lisbon, this place won’t disappoint.

Price: €€

Location: R. de João Penha 30, 1250-131 Lisboa (on Google Map)

Website: tintoybrasa.pt

Reservation: Highly recommended! We luckily made ours a day before

A perfectly grilled ribeye steak with a charred exterior, served on a wooden cutting board. It comes with a small pot of chimichurri sauce, a side of creamy potatoes garnished with herbs, and a sprinkle of coarse salt.

Wrap-Up: Places to Eat in Lisbon

Overall, Lisbon has so many of the best restaurants that you may not see on this list. But remember, this list is just my top recommendation of places to eat in Lisbon that we’ve tried and loved.

When we visit Lisbon again, I plan to try more. Let me know in the comments if you have any Lisbon restaurant recommendations or questions on my suggested list above; I’d be happy to help!

FAQs:

Is it Expensive to Eat out in Lisbon?

For a European capital, Lisbon is definitely not an expensive city to eat out in. But it also depends on where you’re comparing it to, for example, comparing eating out in Lisbon to London is like comparing apples with peaches.

However, if you’re comparing it to eating out in Cape Town or Lusaka, you might find it expensive. Overall, Lisbon is an affordable city to eat out in because there are plenty of places to eat for all budgets.

Affordable Places to Eat in Lisbon: 10 + Amazing Restaurants You’ll Love