Lisbon Restaurant Tips by arasnosliw Top 5 Page for this destination

Café a Brasileira: an always happenin' hotspot Café a Brasileira Review

No matter what time of day you pass by A Brasileira, the infamous coffee shop is always packed. As one of Lisbon's oldest cafes, it gained recognition as a favorite hang out for the famous yet crazy poet Fernando Pessoa. Known as a man who drank copious amounts of absinthe, he spent countless hours drinking the hallucinogenic alcohol here to produce creative flows from his mind. Thus, in his dedication there is a bronze statue of him sitting outside the cafe.

The outdoor seating is almost always full, merely because it is the perfect place to people watch. Centrally located in Chiado, right at the top of the Metro stop Baixa-Chiado, this tends to be a popular meeting point for friends going out at night to Bairro Alto. Drop inside, stand at the bar, have a bica (short, black coffee, almost espresso-like) and a pastry. Or, sip on some sherry while chatting to the waiters in pretentious-looking attire.

Although this is a great meeting place and attains an ever-bustling atmosphere (seeing as it is open 8 AM to 2 AM), prices here are a bit steep. I shouldn't say a bit, I should say very! Head to the coffee shop next door for cheaper deals. Somehow I don't care to pay 4 times as much for a bica than I would pay elsewhere. Plus, when it is crowded, service is rather poor.

Address: 120-122 Rua Garrett

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Chiado
from Baixa-Chiado metro station, follow exit towards Rua Garrett. Go up many escalators and the cafe will be directly behind you as you enter the square. Look for the distinctive Fernando Pessoa statue as a landmark.

Phone: 00 351 213 46 95 41

Rating: 3

Theme: Coffeehouse

Novo Bonsai: japanese

Delicious japanese/sushi in Bairro Alto. This small restaurant serves to a particularly fashionable clientele. All the sushi is wonderful. It's run by a lovely Japanese family.

Favorite Dish: sushi

Address: Rua da Rosa, 248

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Bairro Alto

Phone: 34 62 515

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Japanese/Sushi

Martinho da Arcada: lisboa's oldest restaurant

This cafe/restaurant (the oldest in Lisbon) in Praça do Comércio was the stomping grounds of the famous and crazed Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa. He spent many a days here seeking inspiration here.

Martinho da Arcada is always busy because of its ties to the famed poet, but it is a nice place to relax and grab a bite to eat despite the constant tourists that run in to snap photos. (Hey I can't complain, I did such the thing).

Food is typical Portuguese cuisine.

Address: Praça do Comércio 3

Comparison: about average

Phone: 218879259

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Café Pastéis de Belém: satisfy your sweet tooth Café Pastéis de Belém Review

I think everyone who has made tips on Belém does not fail to mention the incredible pastries at Café Pastéis de Belém. So yes, you've read about how great they are about 100 times by now! Just take everyone's word on it - eat the pasteis de belém - small, creamy pastries with cinnamon on top.

If you want a hearty meal, head next door - there is this cheap Middle Eastern restaurant that tends to attract more locals than tourists.

Address: Rua de Belém 84-8

Comparison: about average

Directions: to get to Belém take Tram 15 from Praça do Comércio in Lisboa

Phone: +351 213 637 423

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Bakery

Restô do Chapitô: great views Restô do Chapitô Review

O Restô do Chapitô é um Restaurante / Bar / Eplanada explorado pelo belga Bruno Decorte e a alemã Tina. Gozando de uma panorâmica única sobre a cidade de Lisboa, este espaço oferece refeições internacionais e muito criativas e um ambiente muito acolhedor

Chapito is actually a training school for the arts. Dancing, clowning, you name it. They have very strong ties with the community and youth as well.

They do have an eatery as well...

This place is a restaurant, bar, outdoor terrace close to the Castelo Sao Jorge. There are panoramic views of the city. It's a lovely place to go at night.

beware though: some nights the full menu is not served, so you might only be able to eat appetizers rather than a full meal. if such is the case...eat some flaming wieners! it's very entertaining, although I must say we didn't do a very good job of cooking the sausage thoroughly.

Not sure about the food quality, since we were there a night that main dishes were not served. Appetizers were fine. I enjoyed the place more for its ambiance and view.

Tu - Fr 7:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Sa -So 10 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Favorite Dish: flaming sausages.
meat fondue.

They're entertaining, plus I didn't eat anything else.

Address: Costa do Castelo, no. 1/7

Comparison: about average

Directions: right by the Castelo Sao Jorge

Other Contact: restotina@netscape.net

Phone: 21 886 73 34

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Eclectic/International

Website: http://www.chapito.org