Best restaurants in Lisbon? Start in Cais do Sodré

The  formerly rundown waterfront district of Cais do Sodré has been cleaned up in recent years and is now home to some of the city’s hippest bars and restaurants. A wander down Rua Cor de Rosa or “pink street” will lead you to some of the best, from hip taco joints to traditional tascas.

For a bit of everything

Mercado da Ribeira, AKA the Time Out market. The spacious 1930s building and long-standing produce market has been given a new lease of life since it became a giant food hall. Many of Lisbon’s leading restaurants showcase their cuisine at a series of stalls here. Sit at one of the communal benches in the central area, and sample everything from smoked ham to sheep’s cheeses, organic salads and seafood.

Lisbon's famous Pink Street © By Kavalenkava/Shutterstock

Best for bargains: Baixa

The Baixa is Lisbon’s compact grid of streets in the historic centre. One of the first examples of town planning, the district was designed as the city's commercial hub when it was rebuilt after a major earthquake in 1755. Though it has become something of a tourist epicentre, it still has plenty of restaurants which cater to local office workers. And that means local prices.

For fast food Lisbon-style

Beira Gare. Right opposite the impressive frontage of Rossio station, Beira Gare (which means beside the station) caters to commuters on the line out to Baixa and Lisbon’s northern suburbs. If you want something quick, tasty and inexpensive, Beira Gare ticks all three boxes with aplomb. Grab a squished-in table or perch at the bar and tuck into the likes of grilled octopus, pork steaks or hake fillets with rice, all for under €10.