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Top 10 Historical Restaurants to Explore: Lisbon’s Culinary Heritage

By Gonzalo

Posted on October 4, 2023

Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. From its stunning architecture to its delicious cuisine, there is no shortage of things to explore in this beautiful city. One of the best ways to experience the history of Lisbon is through its restaurants. These establishments have stood the test of time and have become an integral part of the city’s heritage. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 historical restaurants in Lisbon that you must visit on your next trip.

1. Restaurante Tavares – Established in 1784, Restaurante Tavares is the oldest restaurant in Lisbon and one of the oldest in Europe. Located in the heart of the city, this elegant restaurant has been serving traditional Portuguese cuisine for over two centuries. The interior of the restaurant is adorned with beautiful chandeliers, antique furniture, and paintings, giving it a regal ambiance. The menu features dishes like Bacalhau à Brás (codfish with scrambled eggs and potatoes) and Arroz de Pato (duck rice), which are prepared using traditional recipes. The average pricing for a meal at Restaurante Tavares is around €50 per person. Address: Rua da Misericórdia 37, 1200-270 Lisboa, Portugal. Website: https://www.tavaresrestaurante.com/

2. Café Martinho da Arcada – Located in the iconic Praça do Comércio, Café Martinho da Arcada is another historical restaurant that has been around since 1782. This charming café was a favorite spot of famous Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa, who used to sit at the same table every day. The café has retained its old-world charm with its wooden interiors and vintage décor. The menu offers a variety of traditional Portuguese dishes, including the famous Bifana (pork sandwich) and Pastéis de Bacalhau (codfish fritters). The average pricing for a meal at Café Martinho da Arcada is around €20 per person. Address: Praça do Comércio 3, 1100-148 Lisboa, Portugal. Website: https://www.martinhodaarcada.pt/

3. Solar dos Presuntos – This family-owned restaurant has been serving delicious Portuguese cuisine since 1974. Located in the lively Bairro Alto neighborhood, Solar dos Presuntos is known for its warm hospitality and traditional dishes. The restaurant’s interior is decorated with beautiful azulejos (Portuguese tiles) and vintage photographs, giving it a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including the famous Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice) and Cataplana de Marisco (seafood stew). The average pricing for a meal at Solar dos Presuntos is around €30 per person. Address: Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 150, 1150-269 Lisboa, Portugal. Website: https://www.solardospresuntos.com/

4. Gambrinus – Founded in 1936, Gambrinus is one of the most iconic restaurants in Lisbon. Located in the upscale Avenida da Liberdade, this restaurant has been a favorite spot of politicians, artists, and intellectuals for decades. The interior of the restaurant is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows, chandeliers, and marble columns, giving it a luxurious feel. The menu offers a variety of traditional Portuguese dishes, including the famous Cozido à Portuguesa (Portuguese stew) and Arroz de Pato à Gambrinus (duck rice). The average pricing for a meal at Gambrinus is around €40 per person. Address: Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 23, 1150-264 Lisboa, Portugal. Website: https://www.gambrinuslisboa.com/

5. A Travessa – Housed in a former convent, A Travessa is a charming restaurant that has been serving traditional Portuguese cuisine since 1984. The restaurant’s interior is decorated with beautiful tiles, antique furniture, and artwork, giving it a rustic yet elegant ambiance. The menu features a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including the famous Bacalhau com Broa (codfish with cornbread crust) and Arroz de Tamboril (monkfish rice). The average pricing for a meal at A Travessa is around €35 per person. Address: Travessa do Convento das Bernardas 12, 1200-638 Lisboa, Portugal. Website: https://www.atravessa.com/

6. Café Nicola – Located in the bustling Rossio Square, Café Nicola has been a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists since 1929. The café’s interior is adorned with beautiful mirrors, chandeliers, and marble tables, giving it a classic and elegant feel. The menu offers a variety of traditional Portuguese dishes, including the famous Bitoque (steak with fried egg) and Sopa de Peixe (fish soup). The average pricing for a meal at Café Nicola is around €25 per person. Address: Praça Dom Pedro IV 24, 1100-200 Lisboa, Portugal. Website: https://www.cafenicola.pt/

7. Restaurante Sacramento – This charming restaurant is located in the historic Alfama neighborhood and has been serving traditional Portuguese cuisine since 1958. The interior of the restaurant is decorated with beautiful tiles, vintage photographs, and wooden furniture, giving it a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a variety of dishes made with fresh seafood and meat, including the famous Arroz de Tamboril (monkfish rice) and Carne de Porco à Alentejana (pork with clams). The average pricing for a meal at Restaurante Sacramento is around €30 per person. Address: Rua do Sacramento à Lapa 34, 1200-792 Lisboa, Portugal. Website: https://www.restaurante-sacramento.com/

8. Café Buenos Aires – This cozy restaurant is located in the trendy Bairro Alto neighborhood and has been serving delicious Argentinean cuisine since 1989. The interior of the restaurant is decorated with colorful walls, vintage posters, and wooden furniture, giving it a lively and vibrant atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of dishes, including the famous Bife de Lomo (beef tenderloin) and Empanadas (stuffed pastries). The average pricing for a meal at Café Buenos Aires is around €25 per person. Address: Rua do Norte 91, 1200-284 Lisboa, Portugal. Website: https://www.cafebuenosaires.pt/

9. Restaurante O Ponto Final – Located on the banks of the Tagus River, Restaurante O Ponto Final offers stunning views of the city and the river. This family-owned restaurant has been serving traditional Portuguese cuisine since 1974. The interior of the restaurant is simple yet charming, with wooden tables and chairs and a cozy fireplace. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including the famous Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice) and Bacalhau à Brás (codfish with scrambled eggs and potatoes). The average pricing for a meal at Restaurante O Ponto Final is around €30 per person. Address: Cais do Ginjal 72, 2800-284 Almada, Portugal. Website: https://www.opontofinal.com/

10. Restaurante Bota Alta
Founded in 1927, Restaurante Bota Alta is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving traditional Portuguese cuisine for over 90 years. It is located in the historic Chiado neighborhood and is known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly service. Their menu features a variety of meat and seafood dishes, as well as a selection of Portuguese wines. The average pricing for a meal at Restaurante Bota Alta is around €30. Address: Rua da Barroca 32, 1200-047 Lisboa, Portugal. Website: https://www.botaalta.pt/

In conclusion, these top 10 historical restaurants in Lisbon offer not only delicious food but also a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture. From elegant fine dining establishments to cozy family-owned restaurants, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, make sure to add these restaurants to your itinerary on your next trip to Lisbon for an unforgettable dining experience.

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Gonzalo

Founder & Owner at The Lisbon Guide

20 Years Experience
Travel Advisor & Passionate for Portugal

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Passionate traveler, travel planner, private tour guide, and travel article writer in Portugal.
Owner of The Lisbon Guide with more than 250.000 pages visited every year (5 million views in 12 years)

I'm based in Lisbon/Portugal and experienced in travel planning, tour guiding, and entrepreneurship since 1996, and guiding customers for over 20 years across Portugal. Helping customers from all over the world, planning their stay in Portugal. I'm also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide, assisting thousands of travelers yearly to plan their perfect trip.

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