If you read my recent fine dining guide to Porto, then you will know I am a big fan of all Portuguese cuisine. And, of course, the capital city of Lisbon did not disappoint with some of the best restaurants I’ve experienced in Europe. From fantastically fresh fish and seafood to creative cocktails, tantalizing desserts and more, the dining options in Lisbon are endless. Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite fine dining options you can enjoy on your next visit to Lisbon.
#1 JNcQUOI Avenida
By far, this was the most exciting restaurant I went to while in Lisbon. JNcQUOI Avenida embraces the old and the new, set in a stunning historic building with high ceilings, contemporary decoration, and a central dinosaur skeleton because why not?! There’s also a beautiful bar and a fascinating bathroom downstairs with a DJ. In the best way possible, never know what you’ll find around every corner. Beyond the impressive interiors, both the service and food were spectacular. You can choose from a selection of Portuguese dishes and fresh fish & seafood, all with an international twist. I particularly enjoyed the sea bass fillet, but every thing we tried was five-stars. And you can rely on the attentive sommelier to point you in the right direction with wine pairings.
#2 Erva Restaurant & Bar
On this trip, I had the pleasure of staying at the Corinthia Lisbon again, one of my favorite properties in Europe (you can read all about my experience here). One of the hotel’s fantastic places to eat is Erva Restaurant & Bar. Even if you only have time to go for a drink, like many locals do, I’d recommend stopping by at their cocktail bar outside for one of their delicious and creative creations. But inside and out, you’ll discover a lush, contemporary space filled with vertical gardens lining the walls and masterpieces from local artists. Executive Chef Miguel Teixeira offers authentic and local flavors for lunch and dinner. I’d recommend sharing a selection of their delicious starters, then asking about their catch of the day for your main. Their dessert menu shouldn’t be ignored either, with several dishes to choose from including their caramelized millefeuille which was one of my favorites!
#3 Fifty Seconds by Martín Berasategui
Before we even talk about the beautiful Fifty Seconds restaurant, we need to mention Martín Berasategui first. He is the only chef with 8 Michelin stars in Portugal, such an impressive accomplishment. Therefore, you know you’re in good hands at Fifty Seconds which has its own Michelin Star. If you want stunning views and delicious food in Lisbon, this is the place to come since you’re dining 120 meters above the city. The team here is comprised of almost exclusively Portuguese chefs and include a pastry chef and sommeliers to ensure that everything you taste is perfect, whether it’s the first course, last course, or the wine. And speaking of courses, I highly recommend the tasting menu which will take you through several global dishes that are as beautiful as they are tasty. I especially liked the sautéed sea scallop with caviar and cauliflower cream and chives, as well as the basil and Iberian ham soup with crayfish and aubergine tortellini. All of this deliciousness combined with the stunning views makes Fifty Seconds a real fine dining treat in Lisbon.
#4 Allora Restaurante Italiano & Bar
While Allora isn’t a Portuguese restaurant, do not let that deter you! Like most major cities, you can discover an incredible array of international cuisines in Lisbon. The interiors are bright and elegant with magnificent chandeliers, marble counters, painted murals and even a natural tree in the center as a symbol of the mediterranean lifestyle. I love their open kitchen where you can see everyone hard at work. It’s difficult to choose between all of their homemade pastas on the menu as well as their delectable selection of meats and fish cooked on a charcoal grill. But please, whatever you order, make sure to save room for dessert as they have a traditional gelato bar that is to die for.
#5 Bono Lisboa
While Bono is certainly considered fine dining in terms of high quality and interiors, they like to keep things rather simple. Here it’s all about seasonal ingredients and local products, using classic techniques such as cooking over coals in their open kitchen. I highly recommend starting with their wonderful selection of Portuguese cheeses as well as their mushroom soup. For your main dish, I’d recommend either the grilled octopus, tiger shrimp with veggies or their classic tomato rice with seafood. Either way, you cannot go wrong when it comes to ordering at Bono. Lastly, they offer an impressive selection of cocktails, even mocktails, and Portuguese wines.
#6 Palácio Chiado
Last but certainly not least, you have the opportunity to dine in an 18th century palace when in Lisbon! Built in 1781, Palácio Chiado is both extravagant and elegant, and probably one of the more unique places you can dine in Europe. There’s something special about dining in such an historic setting. Speaking of dining, Chef Manuel Bóia will serve you original and diverse cuisine that combines both global flavors as well as from all four corners of Portugal. Some unique starters include goat cheese grips with pear textures as well as lobster taquitos and a foie gras scallop with sweet potato puree. It’s almost impossible to choose a main dish but I’d personally recommend their grilled tiger prawns with asparagus and lime risotto, or their braised duck with orange mango chutney. There are so many colorful flavors to enjoy at Palácio Chiado.
A Fine Dining Guide to Lisbon, Portugal Luxury Travel Blogger - Carmen Edelson