If you’re looking for a truly Portuguese experience, you need to visit a few of the best cafes, restaurants and Fado bars in Lisbon. Get a taste of the delicious Portuguese pastries, culinary delights and traditional music.
Some are mor touristic, others are more authentically local. Here’s a list of the best cafes, restaurants and Fado bars in Lisbon.
See also: Exploring Lisbon in 2 Days
Here is an overview:
Top Fado bars in Lisbon
The word fado comes from Latin and means “destiny”. Having something as heavy and serious as fate as its origin has shaped their character. That is why Fado singers love to sing about strong feelings, love affairs and the end of love, betrayal, jealousy, revenge and misfortune.
But contrary to what is claimed, fado is not always sad. It is often cheeky and bohemian. Fado singers understand like no one else how to sing of the spirit of its people – the fishmongers, sailors, good-for-nothings, rogues, and ultimately nightlife of Lisbon.
Mesa de Frades
If you’re looking for something unique without the hustle and bustle of tourists, then this Fado restaurant is ideal!
The Mesa de Frades has been a beloved institution among Portuguese locals since its establishment in an 18th-century chapel. You can appreciate original features such as ceramic tiles adorning ancient walls while enjoying music from famous performers like Ricardo Ribeiro, Ana Sofia Varela or Pedro Moutinho live.
For only around €50 to 60 you will receive a three-course meal plus access to their 3-hour-long performance with short intermissions between songs.
So come on down at 8 pm sharp if your heart desires some great food combined with soulful melodies – it’s definitely worth every penny!
Good to know:
At this exclusive eatery, you have to chime the bell for admittance!
But don’t worry if it’s after 11 pm – come on in and enjoy a show with some beverages. With limited seating available at such an intimate locale, why not get the combo dinner and performance package? It’s certain to be quite memorable!
Price: €65 for 3-course dinner & concert
Opening hours: 7 pm – 2 am (Monday 8:30 pm – 2 am)
Address: R. dos Remédios 139, Lisbon
Lisboa em Fado
In the heart of Lisbon, in Baixa Chiado, every evening you will find the concert hall “Lisboa em Fado”, born from the desire to transmit the magic of Fado to all those who do not yet know this song. Here you will experience the unique voices of fantastic Fado singers in a show made especially for you, and you can fall in love with this song just like the Portuguese do.
Immerse yourself in the true spirit of Portugal and enjoy the show with a complimentary glass of port wine. Every day at 6:00 p.m., enjoy a one-hour show filled with the sounds of guitars and the voices of fado singers.
Special highlights include the intimate evening show for a small audience, the live fado concert without microphones, and the authentic experience for both locals and tourists. The artistic cast of Lisboa em Fado consists of outstanding fado singers and guitarists who will enchant you with their art.
In addition to the show, you can enjoy an audiovisual experience where you will learn about the history and evolution of Fado until today. Experience the magic of Fado and be inspired by its beauty.
Price: €19 adults; €16 teens; €12 children
Starting time: 6 pm and 7:15 pm
Address: Lisboa em Fado, Rua do Crucifixo 84, 1100-184 Baixa Chiado, Lisbon
Clube de Fado
If you’re looking for an authentic Fado experience, Clube de Fado is one of the best places to go in Lisbon.
It’s located in a historic building right next to Sé de Lisboa, and it attracts some of Portugal’s most celebrated fadistas, like Cuca Roseta, Rodrigo Costa Félix, and Maria Ana Bobon.
When you dine at Clube de Fado, you’ll be surrounded by stone columns, portraits of the performers, and photographs of VIP guests shaking hands with the owner.
You can imagine that it’s pricier than your average Portuguese restaurant in Lisbon, but the service, performances, and food are definitely worth it.
And don’t leave without trying the famous bacalhau!
Good to know:
If you want to attend a Fado show, you can book on the website. Time slots are from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm.
Opening hours: 7:30 pm – 1 am
Address: R. de São João da Praça 94, Lisbon
Tasca do Chico
This Fado house is a great option if you’re looking for something cheap and traditional.
They offer traditional “petiscos” (small bites, like the Spanish tapas), and there are many must-try dishes here, including the chouriço assado: flame-grilled pork sausage served on a clay dish with rustic bread.
But the food is not the main attraction in Tasca do Chico!
This tiny bar/restaurant has incredible Fado shows from well-known singers like Jorge Fernando, Ana Moura, Pedro Moutinho, and Angelo Freire.
Good to know:
I highly recommend paying a visit to Tasca do Chico on Mondays and Wednesdays for Fado Vadio nights; you’ll be treated to an incredible performance from the Portuguese locals and amateurs!
There are two locations of Tasca do Chico, one in the bustling Bairro Alto and the other in the traditional Alfama district. Both locals and tourists love it!
Opening hours: 7 pm – 2 am
Locations:
– R. do Diário de Notícias 39, Bairro Alto
– 451, R. dos Remédios 83, Alfama (closed on Mondays & Tuesdays)
Adega Machado
Adega Machado is a hidden gem of a restaurant located in Bairro Alto, one of the best areas to stay in Lisbon.
It’s been open since 1937 and has kept its antique, high-end feeling throughout the years. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience that’s away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the place for you.
The restaurant offers an intimate and charming setting, complete with traditional Portuguese furniture and tile work, that will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
Today, Adega Machado is known for its incredible traditional cuisine (expect to spend around 50 euros per person for a dinner) and resident singers like Marco Rodrigues, Joana Veiga, and Isabel Noronha.
You’re guaranteed to see a great show here!
Good to know:
Concerts are usually from 5 pm – 6 pm, which is the perfect time for families who want to experience this passionate historic music.
Price: €50 for 6 course dinner & concert
Opening hours: 7:30 pm – 2 am
Location: R. do Norte 91, 1200-284 Lisboa
Museo do Fado
On weekends, the Fado Museum offers a short fado show. The price is included in the ticket fee.
The Museu do Fado in Lisbon is a great place to learn about and experience the unique atmosphere of Fado music. The museum houses a documentation center, auditorium, and classrooms, where you can take courses in Portuguese guitar, for example. The collection includes instruments, sheet music, posters, clothes, records, and newspapers.
In the interactive exhibition, you can travel through history and listen to Fado from different decades. An audio guide leads you through the exhibition. The operator regularly hosts musical performances by renowned artists in the auditorium.
In addition to the museum, the listed building in the old town houses a restaurant and souvenir store.
The Fado Museum is located in the old town of Alfama, directly on the banks of the Tagus River.
Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm, Mondays closed
Address: Museu do Fado, Largo Chafariz de Dentro 1, 1100-139 Lissabon
O Povo
The vibrant green facade of the slightly aged building houses Povo – a popular spot not only for Fado, but also as an eatery.
This chic eatery often has fado shows with young vocalists and musicians. There’s no cover for the show, and you can get a full meal of petiscos for around €20, wine included.
Outdoor terraces are usually always full.
The restaurant itself offers 40-50 seats, mainly with table seating and it has a bar counter near the entrance. Tables meant to accommodate two people often end up hosting four due to its narrow pitch – making it quite crowded at times. Portuguese cuisine takes center stage in their menu lineup; yet amazingly, appetizers & soups start from just €2 while salads begin cost €5. Beverages come in abundance too – primarily alcohol such as bottled wine that you can choose from seven varieties per glass. Prices remain modest here, with beers starting off at equally low rates of €2 each for live restaurants like this one.
Dinner time starts 20:00 onwards, followed by fado commencing 22:00 onward every day.
This area has plenty of restaurants and is crowded with young people even late at night.
Opening hours: 12:30 pm – 4 am (Monday & Tuesday 6 pm – 2 am)
Address: R. Nova do Carvalho 32, 1200-161 Lisbon
Top cafes and restaurants in Lisbon
While hopping around Lisbon, you need to eat. Here are the best cafes and restaurants to refuel.
See also: How to Get Around Lisbon
Café da Garagem
If you’re looking for a hipster place for a coffee break or wine break, then look no further. The service at Café da Garagem is great, the food is delicious and affordable, and there’s a retro atmosphere to boot.
But the reason why this place is a hidden gem is because of the panoramic views of Lisbon that you get to enjoy. The breathtaking views of the city appear as you descend the stairs, and large armchairs are oriented towards the windows that reach the ceiling.
In the late afternoon, the café is buzzing with energy. Groups of friends catching up with drinks, solo visitors settled comfortably into their armchairs flipping through pages in their books. Or you go onto the sunny patio to soak up some vitamin D.
Surprisingly, not very well-known, this spot also has a theater on the top floor with small art exhibitions.
Located a few streets from the center of all the tourist action, Café da Garagem is situated within Teatro da Garagem, a theater company. The café is hidden two floors down from the unimpressive entrance of the theater company.
If you find yourself in the tourist district, be prepared to pay a little extra for your meal. However, Café da Garagem is situated in a less crowded part of town, so you can expect prices to be lower. This hidden gem is definitely worth seeking out if you’re looking for an authentic dining experience without all the crowds and inflated prices.
Opening hours: 2 – 11 pm (Mondays & Tuesdays closed)
Address: Costa do Castelo 75, 1100-178 Lisboa
Manteigaria
There’s no denying that Portuguese custard tarts (pastéis de nata) are delicious, no matter where you try them. But if you really want to experience the best of the best, you need to head to Lisbon.
Forget about the original Pastéis de Belém- nowadays, any good pastry shop in Lisbon has homemade pastéis de nata. But this is the one place, that stands out from the rest.
Even though there’s no place to sit, this place is still worth it for the fresh-out-of-the-oven tarts and the two best viewpoints of the city nearby. Plus, the service is super friendly and the natas are deliciously fresh with a slight orange twist.
This is one Lisbon experience you won’t want to miss.
Manteigaria is conveniently located in Largo de Camões, right on the edge of the Chiado, Bica and Bairro Alto neighborhoods.
Opening hours: 8 am – 12 am
Address: Rua do Loreto 2, 1200-108 Lisboa
O Velho Eurico
Are you looking for a truly authentic Portuguese experience? Then O Velho Eurico is the spot to be! Whether you’re dining with two adults and a toddler or just by yourself, this budget-friendly restaurant will not disappoint.
Not only does it hold all the traditional flavors that Portugal has to offer, but tourists are welcomed too – although locals still make up most visitors.
When in Alfama’s tourist heartland, why not take advantage of some sun on their small terrace come lunchtime? Here at O Eurico everyone can find something delicious no matter what your taste buds desire!
When you enter, there are a few tables that you can sit at. The place could be full, and a waitress will ask for your order loud and clear. There is another seating area around the corner from the kitchen.
If you’re coming to Eurico with kids in tow, no worries – the staff are used to it and there’s plenty of space for buggies.
The food is delicious and comes in huge portions, so if you’re not a big eater, make sure to share a dish. You won’t find an extensive menu here; the restaurant has signs that show the house specialties. But don’t expect anything too fancy or chic about this place – the charm lies mainly in the fact that you can easily come into contact with locals.
Opening hours: 12:30 – 3 pm & 8 – 10:30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Address: Rua São Cristóvão 3, Alfama
A Gina
It’s not the first place you think of when venturing out to dine in Lisbon, but A Gina is a massive hit with Portuguese families.
The inside has classic decor and an inviting atmosphere, while outside there are tables perfect for enjoying during warm summer months.
Kids get special attention here; smaller portions can be provided if needed!
Delicious dishes like roasted kid cabrito assado no forno and bacalhau à lagareiro (baked cod) will tantalise your taste buds – plus the wine list certainly makes interesting reading too!
Opening hours: 12 – 4 pm & 7 pm – 2 am
Address: Parque Mayer, 1200 Lisbon
Java
Welcoming you to brunch paradise!
At Java, experience Mediterranean flavors seared on the grill with a charming 360-degree view of Lisbon. On our menu is shakshuka, bowls, avocado feta bread and pancakes – lots of vegan options available too.
The ideal accompaniment for these dishes includes Bloody Marys or Mimosas as well as freshly squeezed juices. As night falls enjoy an al fresco sunset accompanied by wine and CBD cocktails at Java’s picturesque setting!
Opening hours: 12 pm – 12:30 am (Fri, Sat & Sun from 10 am)
Address: Praça Dom Luís I 30, 1200-225 Lissabon
Carvoaria Jacto
If you’re ever in the mood for a good steak, Carvoaria Jacto is the place to go! The place consistently offers good food at reasonable prices.
Start with fresh rissoles and croquettes or a creamy fresh cheese with pumpkin jam.
Then choose a good strong wine from the Alentejo region. Choose your main dish of meat: cow, pork or lamb. Also choose the meat-cut: round, loin, rib… And then choose the weight from 300g to 500g… and off you go!
Order some rice, French fries (homemade) and mashed spinach as side dishes and try to make your own salad at the free salad buffet. There are lots of vegetables to choose from. At the end you could also add sauce, like olive oil or barbecue.
Save some room and don’t forget to try the chocolate mousse!
Plus, the friendly staff and great prices make this spot hard to beat.
Opening hours: 12 – 3 pm & 7 – 10 pm (closed on Sundays)
Address: R. Maria Andrade 6A, 1170-216 Lisboa
Ground Burger
If you’re looking for a delicious burger in Lisbon, Ground Burger is the place to go.
They have juicy patties on fresh brioche bread, hand-cut fries, and a great selection of craft beer from all over the world. You can try an “Oldschool American Burger” in Chili Cheese, Turkey, Lobster, or Veggie varieties.
You can find Ground Burger at Time Out Market (read more about it in our post about markets in Lisbon) or near El Corte Inglés.
Opening hours: 12 pm – 12 am
Address: Av. António Augusto de Aguiar, 148A 1050-021 Lissbon
Casa da India
One of the best places to eat in Lisbon is Casa da India, where you can get delicious home-cooked traditional cuisine.
This restaurant is a favorite among locals, who come for the grilled chicken, salmon, sea bream and octopus. Casa da India also offers more traditional dishes like salad, rice and hand-cut fries or the famous “batatas assadas”, which are absolutely delicious!
If you’re not hungry enough for a full meal, try some of their delicious starters like Patéis de Bacalhau, samosas and a delicious traditional vegetable soup.
Opening hours: 12 pm – 1 am (closed on Sundays)
Address: Rua do Loreto 49 51, 1200-471 Lissbon
