
Lisbon
The 22 Best Casual Restaurants in Lisbon
If you're in the mood for great food in a casual setting, you're in the right place!
Lisbon offers a good mix of restaurants that provide both a cozy setting as well as great culinary experience. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, the casual restaurants Lisbon offers are sure to leave an impression. Featuring spots such as Cervejaria Ramiro, Gambrinus, and Taberna da Rua das Flores, this list is the number-one source for the best casual food in Lisbon. All picks are based on recommendations from top chefs, food writers, and sommeliers such as João Rodrigues, Alexandra Coelho, and Iñaki Bolumburu. Keep going to discover the best casual restaurants and hidden gems that Lisbon has to offer.
Cervejaria Ramiro is a Lisbon classic that draws both locals and visitors for its exceptionally fresh seafood and relaxed setting. The no-fuss atmosphere and focus on quality create a welcoming spot to enjoy a meal. It often gets busy, but many find the lively energy worth the wait.
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Amazing carvejaria!I have visited Ramiro twice and it is one of my favourite restaurants in Lisbon. The ingredients are excellent. Must visit when in Lisbon!
Gambrinus has been a Lisbon fixture since 1936, offering a timeless atmosphere rooted in local tradition. The bar counter gives a relaxed feel, while the dining room preserves an old-world charm that reflects the city’s past. Its staff carries on a legacy of dedicated service that has made it a classic spot for generations.
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Old school is the best!Great restaurant. Old school Portuguese restaurant serving traditional fish and meat. Would recommend sitting at the bar, if space. Table side service is professional and seems like the waiters have worked here for 100 years.
Taberna da Rua das Flores is a cozy spot in Lisbon that focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a rotating menu. The small dining room gives it a relaxed neighborhood feel, making it a nice place to stop for lunch or dinner. They don’t take reservations, so arriving early or putting your name down and exploring the area is the way to go.
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A nice and simple taberna, by Chef André Magalhães, super casual, with really incredible food.One of my favourite places in Lisbon. Taberna da Rua das Flores is a nice and simple taberna, owned by Chef André Magalhães. It’s super casual, with really incredible food and offers a nice, typical Lisboan experience. They do lunch too but I would go at night. No bookings - you just sign up at the door and go for a walk or a drink while waiting. The area is cool as well so worth walking down the street and see some other places and bars.
A Taberna Do Mar is a small sushi restaurant in Lisbon that blends Japanese and Portuguese influences. People appreciate its thoughtful presentation and the interesting flavors that come from this combination. It has a friendly vibe that makes many guests eager to return.
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The most delicious sushi with a Portuguese twist. Very interesting flavours.The presentation is incredible, in this tiny restaurant where everything is so good you will want to come back.
Tapisco Lisboa is a casual spot run by Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa in the lively Bairro Alto area. They serve Portuguese and Spanish tapas in a relaxed setting that’s perfect for sharing with friends. Expect a welcoming atmosphere, friendly service, and a variety of small plates to try.
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Mix of Spanish and Portuguese tapas restaurant at the heart of Bairro Alto. All the tapas were amazing, incredible service and good wine!For dessert I recommend the chocolate mousse with olive oil caviar.
Fogo by Alexandre Silva is an asador-style restaurant in Lisbon led by a Michelin-starred chef who focuses on open-fire cooking. From the coffee to the cocktails, everything is prepared over fire. It’s a relaxed spot that highlights the simple appeal of cooking with wood, charcoal, and flame.
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An “asador” style restaurant in Lisbon. All food served is cooked on the fire, including the coffee and the cocktails.If you love fire, wood and charcoal this is your place!
Restaurante O Frade in Lisbon is a small, cozy place known for its Alentejo-inspired comfort food with a modern twist. Opened by two cousins just before the pandemic, it quickly earned a Bib Gourmand for its simple and hearty meals. The U-shaped counter creates a relaxed atmosphere that works well for both group outings and solo visits.
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O Frade is a tiny, intimate restaurant with a U-shaped counter bar serving traditional comfort food from the Alentejo region with a modern twist. The restaurant opened just before the pandemic broke out by two cousins, and they achieved Bib Gourmand status shortly thereafter. The food is simple and hearty, and the passion shines through in each plate. A perfect spot for a meal with friends, or a solo dinner.
ISCO – Pão e Vinho is a cozy bakery and bistro in Lisbon’s Alvalade neighborhood, where fresh bread meets a relaxed, local vibe. By day, the scent of baked goods fills the air, and by night, it transforms into a warm spot for an intimate meal, always staying true to its simple, down-to-earth style.
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Bakery by day, restaurant by night. Isco combines sourdough bread, pain au chocolat and bistro in a neighborhood vibe.A marble counter made with cement blocks shaped from massive flour bags, the smell of fresh bread and homemade pastries, that warm feeling of stepping inside a neighborhood place where all products are simple but exquisite. Isco Pão e Vinho is a regular bakery during the day hours when baker Joana Galo Costa can either be putting gorgeous sourdough loaves in the oven, but also preparing gougère, kanelbullar, bite-sized croissants with homemade raspberry jam. The coffee also gets a round of applause, with beans coming from a small coffee roastery in Madragoa, called Flor da Selva.During lunch hours Natalie Castro, chef and one of the owners, does meat sandwiches with homemade roast beef or gravlax, butter and ham, also made in-house. On weekends, after the ovens switch off, the Martinho Pita organic drop-shaped lamps get more intimate and Natalie does her bistro-style menu that changes every month. A small pearl in the Alvalade area, not yet discovered by foreigners or tourists.
Ofício is an “atypical tásco” in Lisbon’s Chiado that brings together the lively feel of a local tavern and a modern approach to cooking. Led by chef Hugo Candeias, it holds a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide for its relaxed atmosphere and consistent quality. It’s a friendly spot that invites you to enjoy creative Portuguese fare without any pretense.
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A beautiful trendy restaurant with fresh and unique Portuguese wine but mainly - with incredible dishes!While on a food trip it happens that we stumble upon great new discoveries, so this is what happened on our latest WBPtrip in Lisbon! Inês Matos Andrade is one of the most friendly food experts in Lisbon and she kept on insisting we visit this new place called ‘Oficio’, and wow! She was totally right!Oficio is a beautiful restaurant in the very heart of Lisbon! After several adventures in Europe’s leading restaurants, it was time for chef Hugo Candeias to head back to Lisbon to install his own style into its culinary landscape! Oficio would be his home base…A beautiful trendy restaurant with fresh and unique Portuguese wine but mainly with incredible dishes!Dehydrated pork skin and sea vegetable taco took the term ´starters’ to another level followed by some intense and unique creations!A ´veal and marrow tartare ´ rocked our senses, ´pork pillows in sea lettuce ´ had a very good symbiosis, ´pees with black pudding ´ is always a good combination and ´leek with roasted tomato and pumpkin seeds’ was served with perfection!The best dish was ‘cuttlefish in cuttlefish with cuttlefish ink’ a creation that brought me back to the shores of Lake Garda at Lido84! Perfection!Freshly ´fire-cooked skate with herbs’ and ‘old-fashioned oven rice with meats’ rounded off the mains! A terrific cheesecake with salt (why do we never add salt???) concluded this epic lunch!This chef has tons of talent!! A must do visit!
Bom De Veras is a local favorite in Lisbon, known for its straightforward Portuguese cooking and relaxed atmosphere. Tucked away from the busy center, it provides a welcoming spot where locals enjoy a casual meal and friendly service.
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Tradicional Portuguese food with good quality products. A little hidden gem, not central and with locals only. Caras de bacalhau ( head of cod) poached in olive oil are a must here.Iscas ( porc liver)Rabo de boi ( ox tail) And some other classics are very good, super friendly and cozy hospitality, this a restaurant that is not in the touristic guides, only for locals. Not a central location so it’s kind of a destinationSometimes we can also find some African dishes ( Angola). Full flavours and true Portuguese cooking
Taberna Sal Grosso Alfama is a cheerful tavern tucked away in one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods. It was among the first spots in the city to serve affordable, contemporary twists on traditional recipes. With a warm, relaxed atmosphere and a changing menu, it’s a great place to gather for a genuine taste of local life.
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A friendly, very simple place where you’re always welcomed with a smile, music and a frosty beer.Tucked away behind a small door in one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, Alfama, lives Taberna do Sal Grosso. It was probably one of the first spots in the city to present affordable, more contemporary takes on Portuguese traditional recipes and ingredients. It’s a joyful spot, great for gatherings, with an always changing menu that can feature some dishes like crispy and smoky pork belly with watercress, oranges and almonds; a delicious tuna“pica-Pau”, which is basically a mix of seared cubes of fresh tuna with garlic, pickled onions and an umami bomb of a sauce. It’s a great window into what contemporary Lisbon is: a friendly, very simple place where you’re always welcomed with a smile, music and a frosty beer.
O Velho Eurico is a traditional Lisbon tasca that now has a younger team, giving it a fresh yet authentic vibe. It’s known for its lively atmosphere, with loud Portuguese music and a welcoming feel. Because it’s popular, it’s best to book ahead or arrive early.
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Traditional tasca with a young kitchen team. Book early or queue. I love the little tabernas and tascas in Lisbon. O Velho Eurico is a very cool place with this typical Lisbon feel. When Zé Paulo Rocha and his young team took over this old tasca it got a youthful feel. The food is still relating to the past and and they play loud Portuguese music. I've been there a couple of times and I’ve taken friends there too.
Cacué is a modern tavern in Lisbon, opened by a young cook, that refreshes Portuguese recipes while keeping a relaxed, everyday feel. It’s tucked away in a busy local neighborhood and features bright red tables, touches of 70s lighting, and a glimpse of history on its walls. People from all walks of life drop by, whether they’re on a quick lunch break or meeting up for a leisurely dinner.
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A modern tavern that highlights Portuguese traditional recipes with good taste and exquisite décor.In the past few years, Lisbon saw several new modern taverns revolutionising how customers look at traditional Portuguese food. Most places keep a rustic vibe, using subtle techniques to enhance flavours on typical dishes, young staff, the music is fun, and smart communication.Cacué is one of those children of the revolution, opened by José Saudade e Silva, a young cook. Saudade's last name is a non-intentional statement, with "saudade" being the Portuguese word for missing something or someone that does not translate in any language in the world. Cacué is located in a local and busy area, away from evident and touristic neighbourhoods. Here you will find executive people having a quick lunch, friends meeting, and offspring taking their parents for dinner. Cacué kept the typical Lisbon basalt sidewalks, and painted the tables in bright vynil red, adding some 70's lightning. On the walls, an old black and white picture shows Ricardo Chibanga, the first black bullfighter from Mozambique – a former Portuguese colony –, that took the world by storm. José Saudade does not print any twists on typical recipes, just some good presentation. Local favourites are Bacalhau à Brás (a comforting codfish dish, with scrambled eggs, onions and fries, Cabidela (chicken blood rice with vinegar), Filetes de Peixe Galo com Açorda (John Dory deep fried fillets with bread porridge). Make sure not to miss a few savoury pastries, such as the Cockles Rissole or Pastel de Massa Tenra (yummy meat deep-fried pastry).
O Churrasco is an almost hidden gem in Lisbon’s busy tourist area. It features a simple setting with white tablecloths, classic artwork reproductions, and friendly staff. Locals and visitors alike appreciate its relaxed atmosphere, making it a dependable place to enjoy a comforting meal in the heart of the city.
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Grilled piri-piri chicken & fries. A secret comfort food destination with classic artworks & old aprons.There’s something about grilled piri-piri chicken and fries, with “esparregado” (a dense purée of turnip greens) on the side, that allures many of us. This simple place, despite its white tablecloths, reproductions of classic artworks hanging from its wooden walls and waiters in old aprons and ties, is one of my secret comfort food destinations. The piri piri is optional, but I don’t dismiss it. And there’s more than chicken but chicken is the thing.
Comida Independente is a cozy place in Lisbon that highlights artisanal food and wine from small producers. It’s part deli, part wine bar, and part grocery store, attracting a laid-back crowd of food and wine enthusiasts. The friendly atmosphere invites you to browse unique products or simply relax with a good drink.
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A hot spot for natural wine lovers, chefs and foodies alike.Rita Santos, opened this grocery/wine bar/ shop/ under the motto “Small producers, great products” a few years back and it quickly became a hot spot in Lisbon gastronomic scene, for natural wine lovers, chefs and foodies alike. You can pass by and have a drink, flip through the pages of a book (my own “We, Chefs”, included) or a magazine, buy a wine bottle or a cheese, or try their pastrami sandwich. There’s always nice and friendly people to welcome you and a good vibe.
BAHR & Terrace sits on the top floor of the Bairro Alto Hotel, offering wide views of Lisbon’s rooftops. The setting is both bohemian and relaxed, with a focus on Portuguese ingredients prepared in a modern yet straightforward way. It’s a comfortable spot to take in the city atmosphere while enjoying thoughtful local flavors.
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A place to discover the best Portuguese ingredients cooked in a sophisticated, yet simple, way and full of flavour.The restaurant of the beautiful Bairro Alto Hotel has one of the best views over the rooftops of downtown Lisbon. The project started with Nuno Mendes who came from London to create all the food concepts in the hotel (check also the more recent 18.68 Cocktail Bar). Now that Nuno left, talented chef Bruno Rocha continues the work they started together. Try the amazing barnacles toast to start and, if in winter, don't miss the mushrooms with cured egg before discovering the delicate texture of the sea bass, at its very best also in winter, when the fat of the fish melts in your mouth. For dessert, the soft and not very sweet farófias are a must. Also, go for the wine pairing and you will learn a lot about less well known Portuguese wines from small, independent producers, many of them organic or biodynamic.
Pateo – Bairro do Avillez is a busy spot in Lisbon where Chef José Avillez focuses on traditional Portuguese cooking. Its lively courtyard atmosphere and varied menu offer a true taste of regional flavors in a relaxed setting. It’s a comfortable place to experience local specialties without any fuss.
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The Taberna is a very nice place to find local delicious food Traditional Portuguese cuisine with various proposals (fish, snacks, salads, grilled dishes) presented in the form of small dishes to share, all very tasty, delicious and satisfying.
Âmago is a small restaurant in Lisbon where a young couple cooks and serves guests at one communal table that seats up to ten. The open setting gives everyone a chance to chat with the chefs and each other, creating a personal and relaxed atmosphere.
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Best Couple/Team in town.Located in Lisbon, one of the best meals I've ever had, a project of a young couple who both serve and cook in front of you, with a communal table where you can meet new people in that evening. Amazing welcoming and amazing atmosphere, needless to say, how good the food was. In terms of the wine pairing, it was fun that they serve wines that they tried during past experiences, in their personal or professional lives.A must in Lisbon.Price quality to good to be true.
Penalva da Graça is a casual spot in Lisbon that offers a warm welcome and good value. Diners appreciate its friendly service, relaxed vibe, and budget-friendly meals, making it a popular choice for groups looking to enjoy a comfortable and tasty experience.
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The best seafood restaurant for the moneyOur friends who have eaten here told us to be sure and book a table here because they had the best seafood. Of course we tourists all want to go to Ramiro because it’s nicer and also recommended highly by the Somebody Feed Phil show in Netflix. They’re both great but this one, although is less fancy, but is half the cost and is just as delicious if not better. And the 8 of us could be as loud as we wanted and they were super friendly. That was the last meal for our trip before heading back home, so we took a bite on which one was our fave restaurant and this one won the most votes. Enough said!
Canalha is a relaxed neighborhood restaurant in Lisbon led by chef João Rodrigues. It focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and has a casual, open-kitchen setting. The menu changes daily, reflecting a blend of Portuguese roots and broader Iberian influences, all served in an inviting, down-to-earth atmosphere.
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The Bifanas of Afonso is a tiny, unassuming spot in Lisbon that’s known for a local specialty that draws crowds. With just enough space for a small counter and a few standing tables, it offers a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Even though slim on square footage, it’s a favorite among both locals and visitors seeking an authentic experience.
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This tiny hole-in-a-wall serves some of the most delicious “bifanas” in the city.There are many restaurants that have bigger walk-in refrigerators than As Bifanas do Afonso’s spot in downtown Lisbon. This tiny hole-in-a-wall serves some of the most delicious “bifanas” in the city. For those that might not be familiar with it, a “bifana” is a pork steak sandwich where the meat is thinly sliced and submerged in a special secret sauce (each house has their own mix) filled with garlic, paprika, white wine and bay leaves. This indulgent slab of meat is then wrapped in a light and crispy roll - and don’t forget to add some cheap mustard and chili oil. It’s the perfect hangover food and Afonso really knows how making them. If you want a more substantial meal, besides just the “bifana”, ask for a homemade soup (they change basically everyday) or samosa.
Pigmeu in Lisbon focuses on using every part of the pig in a thoughtful, nose-to-tail way. Its menu balances offal, vegetables, and responsibly sourced pork, encouraging a more mindful approach to dining.
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This place is entirely dedicated to the pig and all - and I mean all - of its pieces.This place is entirely dedicated to the pig and all - and I mean all - of its pieces. Ultra tasty pig steak sandwich (or “Bifanas”, as we call it) and other seasonal specials that can go from pork chops to offal very quickly. Great mostly natural wine list, too.
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