Hottest New Restaurants in Lisbon That Are Worth the Hype
Lisbon is in the middle of a culinary shift. The city’s chefs are trading tradition for experimentation, reviving closed icons, and introducing global influences that feel right at home on Portuguese soil. The newest restaurants capture Lisbon’s restless creativity and appetite for reinvention.
Karater – Taste of Georgia
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Karater, situated in a restored Portuguese tavern, brings Georgian flavors to Lisbon, utilizing local ingredients. The menu features dishes such as khachapuri and khinkali. The lively, welcoming atmosphere is excellent for sharing meals and enjoying conversation in a relaxed setting.
Bica do Sapato
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A Lisbon landmark, Bica do Sapato, has returned after a thoughtful renovation. The restaurant is situated by the water and features a modern design, along with a relaxed dining atmosphere. Its menu, rich in fresh seafood and classic Portuguese flavors, continues to draw diners seeking high-quality ingredients and a warm, comfortable atmosphere.
Broto
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In a quieter part of Lisbon, Broto takes traditional Portuguese comfort food and gives it a modern touch. Chef Pedro Pena Bastos, renowned for his expertise in local cuisine, reinterprets classic dishes such as mussel coscorões and cod livers with black garlic. The intimate atmosphere encourages guests to savor the thoughtful balance of flavors.
Familjen
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Familjen, run by a Swedish couple in Madragoa, offers a unique blend of Nordic flavors, focusing on natural ingredients. Dishes like yellowtail tartare and oysters with sea buckthorn highlight their commitment to fresh, pure flavors.
Fismuler Lisboa
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As a branch of the beloved Madrid family-run restaurant, Fismuler brings its signature laid-back elegance to Lisbon. Under Chef Nino Redruello’s direction, the restaurant serves bold yet straightforward dishes made with high-quality ingredients. Dishes like truffle-infused escalope San Román and steak tartare showcase a refined approach to classic comfort food.
Gandaia Club/The Decadent Restaurant
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Within the Gandaia Club at the Independente Hotel, Decadent Restaurant combines a retro atmosphere with modern dining. The menu features shareable plates, such as Algarve prawn tartare and grilled Azorean squid. Its intimate, candlelit setting creates a great space for enjoying both inventive and familiar dishes in good company.
Kureiji Izakaya
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In the heart of Lisbon, Kureiji Izakaya offers an authentic but playful Japanese dining experience. Chef João Francisco Duarte, inspired by his time in Japan, makes dishes like toro sashimi, wagyu tartare, and yakitori skewers. The lively vibe, with weekend DJs, turns each visit into a full sensory experience.
Mimi
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Mimi is a new addition to Lisbon’s omakase scene; it offers an intimate sushi experience led by sushi master Alex Hatano. The 12-course menu, featuring fresh Portuguese seafood like angulata oysters and red snapper, integrates Japanese technique with local flavors.
Turvo
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Turvo reimagines traditional Portuguese cuisine with Chef Vasco Lello by drawing on his experience in Lisbon’s top kitchens. The highlights include dishes like braised mackerel with ajo blanco and Azorean squid with sweet potato. The rustic setting adds to the relaxed, yet refined dining experience.
Barbela C.P.M.
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At Barbela, chef Leandro Carreira has a background at Mugaritz and Nuno Mendes’s Viajante. He uses techniques like dry-aging to reimagine fresh fish. Dishes like tuna tartare on a fluffy waffle and spider crab with toasted rice reflect his inventive approach.
Sea Me Peixaria Moderna
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Sea Me offers a modern take on seafood dining with an Asian influence in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto. The experience allows customers to pick fresh fish from a display and choose how it’s prepared. The menu features Portuguese ingredients, including sushi and sashimi.
Alfama Cellar
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In the historic Alfama district, Alfama Cellar offers contemporary Portuguese cuisine with a focus on seafood. The seafood rice, loaded with prawns, fish, and clams, is a standout, complemented by beet gazpacho and tender oxtail. The welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place to explore traditional flavors in a cozy, intimate setting.
Ramiro
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A visit to Ramiro is essential for any seafood lover in Lisbon. This long-standing favorite is known for its shellfish, with clams in garlic sauce, razor clams, and scarlet shrimp. The perfectly boiled lobster and the Prego steak sandwich make for a satisfying finish. The lively, casual atmosphere shows why the hype is deserved.
Prado Restaurante
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Prado celebrates the best of Portugal’s seasonal produce by focusing on inventive small plates. Dishes like butternut squash with whey and John Dory with lobster emulsion reflect the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. The minimalist design of the space ensures the food takes up all the attention.
Café de São Bento
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For a traditional steak experience, Café de São Bento has remained a staple in Lisbon’s food scene. It’s famous for its Bife à Café de São Bento, served with a rich cream sauce and sunny-side-up egg.