The “Classic” Restaurants in Lisbon

Restaurante Faz Figura

If there are people who arrive in Lisbon and have never heard about Gambrinus or Faz Figura, little have they heard about Lisbon. Those restaurants that have been on the top restaurant lists for over ten years and are what we call the “Classics”. But more than based on longevity, this term applies to those restaurants that have stood out for their special and traditional service that has become familiar to locals. Those restaurants that maintain their cooking loyal to the typical Portuguese flavours and a decoration that makes them stand out for a particular reason.

These are the restaurants that have become iconic in Lisbon. They are an obligatory stop for those who are visiting Lisbon for a short (or long) period of time and would like to taste the real flavours of the city.

Every city has restaurants that represent a period of time, a style of cooking or impressive décor. These classic restaurants usually maintain loyal clientele for the service, the quality of their dishes and for the location. This is the case of “The Ivy” or “Rules” in London, the “21 Club” or “Four Seasons” in New York, or “Chez Dumonet-Josephine” in Paris. In Lisbon, the cafés are famous for the people who would gather there and have discussions, such as in Café Nicola or Café A Brasileira. But there are also a few restaurants that are part of the history of Lisbon and still today sustain their position as great gastronomical experiences. Try Lisbon. Try the “Classics”.

Restaurants are nominated alphabetically.

Adega Tia Matilde

T
his restaurant opened its doors as a tasca (a local small traditional restaurant) in the 1920s. Since then it has continued satisfying the demanding palate of the Portuguese. And it has managed to satisfy it indeed! From the sought-after cod (bacalhau) dishes and the fish stew, to the tasty chicken rice, Adega Tia Matilde has guaranteed the best traditional flavours for several decades.

Come and try...  
          

Address:
Rua da Beneficiência,77
Telephone:
+351 217 972 172
Website:
Adega Tia Matilde


Alc ântara Café Alcantara Cafe

T
ransforming an old and abandoned warehouse into a restaurant must not be an easy task. To transform this restaurant into one of the best in the city, with an avant-garde cuisine, from the time it is inaugurated, must be even harder. Maintaining the quality of this restaurant for nearly twenty years explains why Alcântara Café is a landmark in the city of Lisbon. Featuring large windows and a huge surface area, this space has been converted into a grand, modern eatery. After nearly two decades, the Alcântara Café has established itself as a “Classic” restaurant in Lisbon, where families, friends and visitors come to dine. Apart from the comfortable environment, the Alcântara Café offers a menu of sophisticated and carefully prepared cuisine, particularly the Bife à Alcântara Café and some fish dishes.

Come and try...

Address:
Rua Maria Luisa Holstein, 6
Telephone:
+351 213 621 226


Bica do Sapato  Bica do Sapato

T
his restaurant has become a “Classic” restaurant in Lisbon. Since the moment it opened, Bica do Sapato has been one of the most hip places in the city of Lisbon, run by a group of partners that include John Malcovich and Catherine Deneuve, Situated in one of the riverfront warehouses near Santa Apolónia station, “Bica” is a spacious restaurant with an impressive view of the Tagus. Bica do Sapato is divided into three spaces: the cafeteria, the restaurant (both offering Mediterranean food), and the top floor where Japanese cuisine is served. The design is modern and the kitchen creates traditional dishes in an experimental way. The fish soup is delicious, as well as the braised grouper in a bed of spinach. The restaurant and cafeteria are open for lunch and dinner, but to sample the exquisite flavours from the sushi bar, you’ll need to wait for dinner time.

Come and try...

Address:
Avenida Infante Dom Henrique Armazém B, Cais da Pedra
Telephone:
+351 218 810 320
Website:
Bica do Sapato


Faz Figura

T
o enjoy the views in Lisbon you need to climb steep hills to get to the best vantage points. But as you arrive at the top of the hill, you quickly forget how much it took to get up there. The picture gets better if one of the most prestigious restaurants in town is on top of that hill. Better yet, if you can take a car up, valet paking will be waiting for you. This is the way Faz Figura receives its visitors and it makes a great first impression. The restaurant has had an attractive modern makeover, featuring an outdoor terrace and glass dining room. Diners enjoy superb views of the Tagus river and the towering Christo-Rei statue on the south side of the river. The house specialities feature both fish and meat dishes including partridge soup with mint and octopus with corn crust and red onion vinaigrette. Dining at Faz Figura will certainly be an experience to remember!

Come and try...

Address:
Rua do Paraíso, 15B
Telephone:
+351 218 868 981
Website:
Faz Figura



Gambrinus

G
ambrinus is an traditional tasca (a small restaurant) converted into one of the most renowned restaurants in Lisbon, where ordering fish or seafood is almost obligatory. Founded in 1936, the restaurant was remodelled in 1964, maintaining its classic wood-panelled décor to this day. A good excuse to have a mid-afternoon appetiser is the balcony at Gambrinus, where you can have some of the best croquetes in town. Finish off lunch or dinner with a crepe suzette, made with tangerine and bitter orange. Unfortunately pricing goes hand in hand with fame, but it is always worth a visit!

Come and try...

Address:
Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, 23
Telephone:
+351 213 421 466


Mercado de Santa Clara

O
ne of the oldest restaurants in Lisbon, the Mercado de Santa Clara is situated in the middle of the Santa Clara market, near the convent. It was closed for three years and has reopened with a new look, but still remains faithful to its history and the quality of its traditional gastronomy. The chef is also known for the creation of the “Best Chocolate Cake in the World” and has returned to his home, inside one of the most beautiful markets in the capital. However, the restaurant only opens at lunch-time. For dinners, you need to book in advance for a group of over 15 people. Apart from the daily and mouth-watering buffet, you may also choose one of the dishes of the day, which includes a perennial favourite, Cozido à Portuguesa, on Sundays.

Come and try...

Address:
Largo de Santa Clara, 7
Telephone:
+351 210 996 164


Pap’Açorda

S
ituated in the hip neighbourhood of Bairro Alto, Pap’Açorda offers a well-honed menu and has become a “Classic” in the Lisbon dining scene for its food and service. The quality of its dishes is phenomenal, from the mixed fry-ups and breaded sardine fillets, to the royal Açorda made with prawns and lobster, the breaded lamb chops, the marinated baby mackerels, and the chocolate mousse.... the options are endless and just reading the menu will make your mouth water!

Come and Try...

Address:
Rua da Atalaia, 57
Telephone:
+351 213 464 811


Tágide

T
ágide has been open for thirty years, but its building has stood since the reconstruction period after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Opened in 1975, it immediately earned a Michelin star. With the passing of the years, Tágide was remodelled to improve and modernise its installations, maintaining the quality of its cuisine and service that make this restaurant a Lisbon icon. Situated in the heart of the Chiado, the views from Tágide are impressive. The seasonal menu offers a selection of specials on the daily chef’s menu or à la carte dining – the dishes range from meat and seafood to vegetarian options and afternoon tea and scones. The Tágide Wine & Tapas Bar also offers a fine selection of appetisers and over 100 wines to match.

Come and try...

Address:
Largo Academia Nacional de Belas Artes, 18/20
Telephone:
+351 213 404 010

Restaurante Tavares
Tavares


F
ounded in 1784, the Tavares restaurant has many stories to tell. For centuries, it has been one of the most important in the city. Eisenhower, Calouste Gulbenkian, Francisco Sá Carneiro and Amália Rodrigues were some of the most notable people in the world of politics, arts or Portuguese history who have been clients of this restaurant. Nowadays the kitchen prides itself on the quality of its ingredients and presentation, making it highly unlikely that you leave the Tavares restaurant unsatisfied. The elaborate décor creates a sophisticated and glamorous old-world ambiance.

Come and try...

Address:
Rua da Misericórdia, 35
Telephone:
+351 213 421 112
Website:
Restaurante Tavares


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