Lisbon is so much more than a city full of tourists and tuk tuks. Lisbon has a unique light, a special charm, and we are not saying this just because it is our city. Even less so because it is such a popular draw for foreigners. We love to explore the nooks and crannies of the traditional neighbourhoods, the alluring streets, the hidden alleys, Bairro Alto, Alfama, Mouraria, the smell of grilled sardines in the summer, the colourful sheets hanging from windows, the neighbours chatting across balconies, the riverside terraces, well… Lisbon has so many more amazing places just waiting to be discovered. And we never get tired of exploring all the cool and trendy places that pop up every day in the Portuguese capital.

Here are our 50 favourite places in Lisbon for you to visit and enjoy in the way a true Lisboeta would. 

This is undoubtedly one of our favourite restaurants in Lisbon. In addition to its airy and friendly décor, it offers impeccable service and pays fine homage to the fresh ingredients Portugal has to offer at different times of the year. Everything here is seasonal and cooked with creativity and exceptional talent.

Be sure to try the sardine toast, beef tartare, Azorean squid and tuna belly. And to drink with your food? All the wines are all organic, biodynamic and natural… and, strangely enough, very good.

This is undoubtedly one of our favourite restaurants in Lisbon. In addition to its airy and friendly décor, it offers impeccable service and pays fine homage to the fresh ingredients Portugal has to offer at different times of the year. Everything here is seasonal and cooked with creativity and exceptional talent.

Be sure to try the sardine toast, beef tartare, Azorean squid and tuna belly. And to drink with your food? All the wines are all organic, biodynamic and natural… and, strangely enough, very good.

This is undoubtedly one of our favourite restaurants in Lisbon. In addition to its airy and friendly décor, it offers impeccable service and pays fine homage to the fresh ingredients Portugal has to offer at different times of the year. Everything here is seasonal and cooked with creativity and exceptional talent.

Be sure to try the sardine toast, beef tartare, Azorean squid and tuna belly. And to drink with your food? All the wines are all organic, biodynamic and natural… and, strangely enough, very good.

Taberna do Calhau is a traditional Alentejo tavern in the heart of Mouraria that has no nouvelle cuisine pretensions but does have the creativity of a Michelin Guide eatery. The dining room says it all, with black and white photos on the walls, kitchen utensils and old bags on the shelves, stone tables and wooden benches that won’t allow you to get too comfortable. The menu is deliciously creative and draws on the classics of the Alentejo kitchen: purslane soup, gazpacho, pig’s head terrine, lamb on bread and even an unbelievable shrimp bisque with lupin bean pâté. In addition to enjoying your meal, you can buy the wines and olive oils served in the restaurant to take home.

Taberna do Calhau is a traditional Alentejo tavern in the heart of Mouraria that has no nouvelle cuisine pretensions but does have the creativity of a Michelin Guide eatery. The dining room says it all, with black and white photos on the walls, kitchen utensils and old bags on the shelves, stone tables and wooden benches that won’t allow you to get too comfortable. The menu is deliciously creative and draws on the classics of the Alentejo kitchen: purslane soup, gazpacho, pig’s head terrine, lamb on bread and even an unbelievable shrimp bisque with lupin bean pâté. In addition to enjoying your meal, you can buy the wines and olive oils served in the restaurant to take home.

Taberna do Calhau is a traditional Alentejo tavern in the heart of Mouraria that has no nouvelle cuisine pretensions but does have the creativity of a Michelin Guide eatery. The dining room says it all, with black and white photos on the walls, kitchen utensils and old bags on the shelves, stone tables and wooden benches that won’t allow you to get too comfortable. The menu is deliciously creative and draws on the classics of the Alentejo kitchen: purslane soup, gazpacho, pig’s head terrine, lamb on bread and even an unbelievable shrimp bisque with lupin bean pâté. In addition to enjoying your meal, you can buy the wines and olive oils served in the restaurant to take home.

Located right next door to the mythical Elefante Branco (White Elephant), this restaurant was dreamt up by two childhood friends who, although they aren’t, call themselves comadres (mother and godmother). Decorated in an esoterically vintage style, this is a fun space, with good vibes and a great ambience. After passing through a patio dotted with tables and a room that looks more like a grocery store, with a display case and some old scales, you have to open a mirrored closet door to get into the large dining room with its rustic walls and second-hand furniture, including old director’s chairs and others in velvet, marble and wood tables, in a chaotic mishmash that somehow makes perfect sense. The menu is original but the best thing by far about Comadre is the ambience.

Located right next door to the mythical Elefante Branco (White Elephant), this restaurant was dreamt up by two childhood friends who, although they aren’t, call themselves comadres (mother and godmother). Decorated in an esoterically vintage style, this is a fun space, with good vibes and a great ambience. After passing through a patio dotted with tables and a room that looks more like a grocery store, with a display case and some old scales, you have to open a mirrored closet door to get into the large dining room with its rustic walls and second-hand furniture, including old director’s chairs and others in velvet, marble and wood tables, in a chaotic mishmash that somehow makes perfect sense. The menu is original but the best thing by far about Comadre is the ambience.

Located right next door to the mythical Elefante Branco (White Elephant), this restaurant was dreamt up by two childhood friends who, although they aren’t, call themselves comadres (mother and godmother). Decorated in an esoterically vintage style, this is a fun space, with good vibes and a great ambience. After passing through a patio dotted with tables and a room that looks more like a grocery store, with a display case and some old scales, you have to open a mirrored closet door to get into the large dining room with its rustic walls and second-hand furniture, including old director’s chairs and others in velvet, marble and wood tables, in a chaotic mishmash that somehow makes perfect sense. The menu is original but the best thing by far about Comadre is the ambience.

This is a small and is unpretentiously decorated eatery: wooden chairs, stone-top tables and a traditional counter. Everything is simple, cozy and cheap. There are no modern decorative details that imitate the old, no vintage pieces designed to give it a hipster look. No, sir. The restaurant is not named Taberna for marketing purposes alone – the name also reflects a philosophy of life.The food is presented on a slate board and honestly named. Simple, no frills or adjectives. What’s more, the menu changes every day. Today there may be clams, tomorrow there may be oysters. If the food is not fresh, it doesn’t make it past the door. You never know how many dishes there will be to choose from and you never know what you are going to get to eat. You can only be sure of one thing: it is all fresh, tasty and made with care. Oh, there is one other thing: you will have to wait at the door, because the Taberna da Rua das Flores does not take reservations, so go early if you want to get a table.

This restaurant is something of an institution in Lisbon. Where can you eat the best seafood in the Portuguese capital? The reply is unanimous. At Ramiro, of course! The Ramiro beerhall opened its doors in April 1956, when the current Ramiro’s father opened a small “eatery”. Over time, he introduced the seafood. Today it is a beerhall/seafood restaurant par excellence. It serves as a benchmark for the whole country. Everything here is good and fast. That includes the service and the way the food disappears from your plate. When you are still thinking about asking for another beer, the employee is already bringing it. The pace is hectic. You really should try the Pata Negra ham, the goose barnacles, the garlic prawns, the murex snails, the clams, the salted prawns, the cardinal prawns with garlic rice and, “to top it all off”, the magnificent loin steak.

The atmosphere is great but the food is from another planet. The originality of Hugo Candeias's cuisine is not just expressed in the presentation but also, and most especially, in the fusion of flavours. The dishes are all typical of a traditional Portuguese tavern, but are prepared as never before. At Ofício, there are no foams, reductions or suspensions. There are just the most surprising combinations that turn a traditionally banal dish into an ode to culinary creativity. From the original crispy crackling to the bull tartare with bone marrow, the unbelievable skate ray and irresistible oven rice, choosing is not easy. But please don’t try to leave Ofício without tasting the heavenly cheese tart. And do not make the mistake of eating only one slice, take the whole cake home. Afterwards, don’t say I didn't tell you.

This is undoubtedly our favourite Chef José Avillez restaurant. We love everything here: the creativity of the dishes, the original melding of flavours, the idea of sharing in various acts and the great ambience. After moving from Rua Antonio Maria Cardoso to Bairro do Avillez, to the space once occupied by Beco Cabaret Gourmet, the Mini Bar changed its face but did not lose its charm. On the contrary, it is all about a menu “on which not everything is as it seems to be”, such as the extraordinary tuna or calf tartare cornets, the surprising giant foie gras pearl and the unmissable El Bulli olives, XL-LX version. It is a restaurant that everyone should go to at least once in their lives, to enjoy a menu worthy of a Michelin star, but without the prices.

GoJuu isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a full-blown sushi club and probably one of Lisbon’s best Japanese restaurants. The fish is incredibly fresh and the sushi rice is impressively light. Created as a tribute to Master Takashi Yoshitake, who founded Aya restaurants and was one of the first Japanese chefs in Portugal, it is a paean to traditional Japanese cuisine. Here, there are none of those fusion pieces loaded with cream cheese and foie gras. The idea is to respect the memory of the Aya, by having his disciples prepare his best known dishes. The truth is that the master – who died in 2009 at the age of 56 – would be proud of his legacy.

This is one of the best and most genuine Italian restaurants in Lisbon. Located in Alcântara, its friendly and welcoming outdoor dining area, family kitchen and service make you feel like you were sitting on the terrace of an Italian Nonna’s house. Try the shrimp tartare with mango served on top of a tagliatelle leaf with cuttlefish ink, inside an oyster shell, or any of the home-made pasta, stretched out and cut on the countertop, right in front of the diners. The risottos are also great and the tiramisu is a truly devilish threat to any diet.

If you like traditional Portuguese food, then this is the place for you. Here they serve what is probably the best partridge pie we have ever eaten, whether as an individual starter dish or as the family-sized pie that you can order.

The baby broad beans in coriander sauce are just to die for, but the real speciality is the game, particularly the celestial partridge rice and the amazing partridge panada. Don’t leave without first tasting the “encharcada“, the “sericaia” from the Alentejo or “trouxa de ovos”, all of which are traditional egg-based conventual desserts. All this served by Belmiro himself.

This is where we go for our favourite prawns. They are fresh, caught in the Algarve, and cooked to perfection. They are fleshy, juicy and still wet under the shell and the head is full of ocean-redolent sauce. Topped with salt flakes, this is a snack you really shouldn’t miss out on. But it is also worth tasting the gigantic Berlengas goose barnacles or the divine Cascais slipper lobsters (the favourite seafood of the former King of Spain), and all the other seafood served at Mar do Inferno. All this, sitting right above the sea, on a covered terrace next to Boca do Inferno, another sight worth a visit.

If you want a good seafood alternative to the Mar do Inferno, then try the very reasonably priced Marisco na Praça. There are two of these restaurants in Cascais: the original one, which overlooks the fish stalls inside the Vila Market, and a second that is in the somewhat quieter marina area, on a terrace overlooking the sea.

In either case, you will feel like you are in a market: choose directly from the seafood stand at the entrance and they will then bring the food and drinks to your table. The seafood is fresh and varied. Be sure to try the delicious Madeira limpets or the Azorean barnacle, two culinary rarities that you often find here.

Furnas do Guincho is one of the best located eateries in Cascais and one of our favourite places to eat fish by the sea. Of course, it is not cheap, but prices are much more reasonable than most restaurants along the Guincho road. We love the salted fish, grilled fish, hake fillets, paella and octopus cataplana with sweet potato. The service is efficient and amiable. When you go, ask to sit on one of the terraces, right over the Atlantic. And save some space for dessert, because the hazelnut mousse (a classic in Cascais) will have you begging for more.

Here everything is wonderful: the freshness of the ingredients, the quality of the pizzas and, above all, the friendliness of the Brazilian owner Humberto, who went all the way to Naples to learn to be a pizzaiolo. When we take our place at our table in this central Cascais restaurant, we are welcomed as friends and immediately feel at home. Humberto’s passion for the ingredients he imports from Italy, the fresh produce he buys in the square and his love for Italian cuisine is completely contagious. We gave ourselves up to the La Pulcinella pizza: made with white truffle, it boasts a mix of irresistible cheeses – Taleggio and Pecorino Romano –, porcini mushrooms and dried tomatoes. When you finish, make sure you order the tiramisu, made by Humberto’s wife. It is divinely light and delicious.

Here everything is wonderful: the freshness of the ingredients, the quality of the pizzas and, above all, the friendliness of the Brazilian owner Humberto, who went all the way to Naples to learn to be a pizzaiolo. When we take our place at our table in this central Cascais restaurant, we are welcomed as friends and immediately feel at home. Humberto’s passion for the ingredients he imports from Italy, the fresh produce he buys in the square and his love for Italian cuisine is completely contagious. We gave ourselves up to the La Pulcinella pizza: made with white truffle, it boasts a mix of irresistible cheeses – Taleggio and Pecorino Romano –, porcini mushrooms and dried tomatoes. When you finish, make sure you order the tiramisu, made by Humberto’s wife. It is divinely light and delicious.

Here everything is wonderful: the freshness of the ingredients, the quality of the pizzas and, above all, the friendliness of the Brazilian owner Humberto, who went all the way to Naples to learn to be a pizzaiolo. When we take our place at our table in this central Cascais restaurant, we are welcomed as friends and immediately feel at home. Humberto’s passion for the ingredients he imports from Italy, the fresh produce he buys in the square and his love for Italian cuisine is completely contagious. We gave ourselves up to the La Pulcinella pizza: made with white truffle, it boasts a mix of irresistible cheeses – Taleggio and Pecorino Romano –, porcini mushrooms and dried tomatoes. When you finish, make sure you order the tiramisu, made by Humberto’s wife. It is divinely light and delicious.

This eatery offers a single 17-seat counter, neon lights dotted around the room and a bathroom with graffiti-covered walls. The Izakaya is not a restaurant, it is another bar with loud music, employees dancing, guests sitting on the windowsill and it is a place to eat great Japanese food accompanied by a good cocktail. You will also find a number of sushi dishes from Kappo, the chef's other restaurant. But what is really worth trying out are the dishes traditionally served in Izakayas, the famous Japanese taverns. These include Kakuni (pork belly cooked for eight hours) and Yaki ika (a divine squid grilled robatayaki-style over the best charcoal in the world and served with a butter and miso sauce).

It may have moved lock, stock and barrel from Pego beach to Carvalhal Beach but it is the same restaurant it ever was. Its old home was bought by the JNcQUOI group, so the new Sal has now settled down in what used to be Dinis, next to the Sublime Beach Club. With a new décor, a view of the sea and of a stunning sunset, the menu has undergone slight changes, but the classic dishes are still there: XXL tiger prawns with coriander rice, grilled fresh fish, fried John Dory fillet with cockle rice, cardinal prawn spaghetti with lobster for 2 people, and fantastic cardinal prawns with coriander rice. It’s not exactly cheap, by the way, and it never has been, but the truth is that “Comporta” and “Cheap” are two ideas that just don’t go together.

Dona Bia, in Torre, has no sea view but it does have a full-on cook. This roadside restaurant is a Comporta classic, in which everything is good, tasty and prepared to perfection. The cuisine is traditional Alentejo and includes house specials that will have you jumping for joy: besides the charcoal-grilled meats and fish and the obvious seafood, you’ll find it hard to resist the stone bass broth with spinach and clams, the dogfish soup, the John Dory fillets with roe, the Dona Bia prawns, the coquina clam rice, the shrimp pasta, well... just about everything.

Located right on Carvalhal beach, this restaurant sports stunning sea views, impeccable décor and a spectacular balcony. Its sophisticated ambience and impeccable service are enhanced by a varied menu offering regional classics: fresh fish and good seafood, as well as tartares, burrata, ceviches, tempura, paellas and good meat dishes. It is the beach restaurant of the excellent Sublime Comporta hotel, one of our favourites in the region, and it doesn’t disappoint: it has the same charm, the same good taste, good food and a great ambience.

Búzio has been a landmark in Praia das Maças since 1959. Here too, seafood headlines the menu, but whatever you do, be sure to ask for this restaurant’s flagship dish: the goose barnacles, which are usually huge. You can choose between magnificent coastal barnacles or for that rarity of Portuguese cuisine, the Berlengas goose barnacle. You just need to choose well, because here size matters. However, if you have prawns at Búzio, you will certainly be in no danger of getting rickets. Huge and flavoursome, they come fried with giant hunks of garlic and little bits of chopped peppers. They are served with a delicious and loose-grained garlic and parsley rice. It goes without saying that what you could do is to add this magnificent sauce to the rice, right? Oh, and be sure to try the divine almond and cheesecakes. Sprinkled with fine almond chips, they really are to die for.

Occupying a prime spot on Adraga beach, this simple and unassuming restaurant was founded in 1905 and has been run by the same family for three generations. Thanks to their friendliness and professionalism, the whole family has made us fans. The fish is always fresh and well cooked, the goose barnacles are harvested from the beach and are usually a wonder, in fact, the seafood is always good, and the service is fast, efficient and friendly. Don't expect to find a restaurant with a sophisticated décor because that's just not the case. But the idea here is to eat well while enjoying the view of Adraga beach, one of the most beautiful in the region.

Occupying a prime spot on Adraga beach, this simple and unassuming restaurant was founded in 1905 and has been run by the same family for three generations. Thanks to their friendliness and professionalism, the whole family has made us fans. The fish is always fresh and well cooked, the goose barnacles are harvested from the beach and are usually a wonder, in fact, the seafood is always good, and the service is fast, efficient and friendly. Don't expect to find a restaurant with a sophisticated décor because that's just not the case. But the idea here is to eat well while enjoying the view of Adraga beach, one of the most beautiful in the region.

Occupying a prime spot on Adraga beach, this simple and unassuming restaurant was founded in 1905 and has been run by the same family for three generations. Thanks to their friendliness and professionalism, the whole family has made us fans. The fish is always fresh and well cooked, the goose barnacles are harvested from the beach and are usually a wonder, in fact, the seafood is always good, and the service is fast, efficient and friendly. Don't expect to find a restaurant with a sophisticated décor because that's just not the case. But the idea here is to eat well while enjoying the view of Adraga beach, one of the most beautiful in the region.

This eatery first opened in Santos and is now in Chiado, Anjos and Estoril. Not only is the ambience extraordinary and the décor original, but the menu is healthy and varied. It has a great brunch menu with natural juices, pancakes, granola and smoothie bowls, amongst other wonders, and also several sandwiches served in bagels, salads and delicious dishes like the amazing salmon nests, one of our favourites. Nowadays, it also has an evening menu that includes some sparkling cocktails.

This eatery first opened in Santos and is now in Chiado, Anjos and Estoril. Not only is the ambience extraordinary and the décor original, but the menu is healthy and varied. It has a great brunch menu with natural juices, pancakes, granola and smoothie bowls, amongst other wonders, and also several sandwiches served in bagels, salads and delicious dishes like the amazing salmon nests, one of our favourites. Nowadays, it also has an evening menu that includes some sparkling cocktails.

This eatery first opened in Santos and is now in Chiado, Anjos and Estoril. Not only is the ambience extraordinary and the décor original, but the menu is healthy and varied. It has a great brunch menu with natural juices, pancakes, granola and smoothie bowls, amongst other wonders, and also several sandwiches served in bagels, salads and delicious dishes like the amazing salmon nests, one of our favourites. Nowadays, it also has an evening menu that includes some sparkling cocktails.

Nicolau’s girlfriend opened in 2018 in Campo de Ourique and quickly became one of the standout stars in the neighbourhood. The family has grown but the quality remains the same. In addition to Nicolau, who has also arrived in Porto and Cascais, Cousin Basil opened up in Rua dos Bacalhoeiros and Olívia in Avenidas Novas. All different, each with its own charm, its own décor and a menu with healthy fresh ingredients that are both varied and surprising: brunch is the main deal and includes orange juice, yoghurt with fruit and home-made granola or classic pancake, eggs done as you like, coffee, American coffee or tea, all for €16. But there are also bowls, pokes, salads, burgers, pancakes, tapiocas, smoothies, well, choosing isn’t easy.

First, the smell. Can you see that fabulous aroma of hot, crispy bread, just out of the oven? Well, memorise it. Now, can you see that phenomenally sweet aroma of hot freshly baked cakes? Then, store it next to the bread. Finally, do you see (yes, you have to be able to see) the aroma of melted butter over the hot bread? OK, now close your eyes and add all these smells in the air. Can you do it? Then you have just entered La Boulangerie, Lisbon’s most irresistible croissant factory. Everything is made right here, everything from the extraordinary French croissants (be sure to taste the unbelievably good almond croissants), through the cereal and carob bread or cinnamon palmiers, to the pizza dough. La Boulangerie serves breakfast, brunch, lunches, snacks and dinners. Here, everything is fresh and good.

First, the smell. Can you see that fabulous aroma of hot, crispy bread, just out of the oven? Well, memorise it. Now, can you see that phenomenally sweet aroma of hot freshly baked cakes? Then, store it next to the bread. Finally, do you see (yes, you have to be able to see) the aroma of melted butter over the hot bread? OK, now close your eyes and add all these smells in the air. Can you do it? Then you have just entered La Boulangerie, Lisbon’s most irresistible croissant factory. Everything is made right here, everything from the extraordinary French croissants (be sure to taste the unbelievably good almond croissants), through the cereal and carob bread or cinnamon palmiers, to the pizza dough. La Boulangerie serves breakfast, brunch, lunches, snacks and dinners. Here, everything is fresh and good.

First, the smell. Can you see that fabulous aroma of hot, crispy bread, just out of the oven? Well, memorise it. Now, can you see that phenomenally sweet aroma of hot freshly baked cakes? Then, store it next to the bread. Finally, do you see (yes, you have to be able to see) the aroma of melted butter over the hot bread? OK, now close your eyes and add all these smells in the air. Can you do it? Then you have just entered La Boulangerie, Lisbon’s most irresistible croissant factory. Everything is made right here, everything from the extraordinary French croissants (be sure to taste the unbelievably good almond croissants), through the cereal and carob bread or cinnamon palmiers, to the pizza dough. La Boulangerie serves breakfast, brunch, lunches, snacks and dinners. Here, everything is fresh and good.

It started off as a bakery, but now it serves lunches. But here the bread still gets top billing. The ovens are on all day long, churning out batches as and when they are needed. This is why the aroma of freshly baked bread hangs in the air in this Alvalade eatery. This is craft bread, made using miller’s flour and, in most cases, sourdough, no chemicals. It is, in our modest opinion, the best bread in Lisbon. But these ovens have so much more to give: stunning croissants in thin puff pastry, also made with sourdough and a delicious mix of handmade flours, caramelised, crunchy and highly addictive palmier biscuits, and the fine home-made snacks that Isco serves for lunch every day and for dinner from Thursday to Saturday.

As the name implies, the main meal here is breakfast and, of course, brunch. Whichever meal you have chosen, eggs take pride of place on your plate. There are a thousand and one eggs options, all perfectly prepared: Benedict, royale, scrambled, fried, omelettes, rotos, rancheros, Turkish, in a sandwich or croissant, plus the famous croque madame. Accompany your eggs with delectable juices and smoothies, teas and coffees. But if you're not a fan of eggs, you can try the bowls, pancakes and salads. Dear Breakfast has spread to four new locations, all with the same neatly minimalist décor, in Bica, Chiado, Santos and Alfama. They are open every day between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

A great rival to the internationally famous Pastéis de Belém custard tarts, but we must confess that we prefer those of Manteigaria. Theyare simply a must and astonishingly delicious. First, because they are served still warm and just out of the oven. Then, because the dough is light and crispy and splits into flaky morsels with each and every bite (lighter than that of the Pastéis de Belém). Finally, because the filling is creamy, not too sweet and even slightly more liquid than usual, which makes the whole experience smoother and more delicate. Manteigaria first opened in Chiado, but is already in 5 more locations in Lisbon and 2 in Porto. In Chiado, a huge glass panel in the hallway allows customers to watch the pastries being prepared right there in the kitchen. At the door, there is a bell that rings outside, to let people know a new batch of custard tarts has just come out of the oven.

A great rival to the internationally famous Pastéis de Belém custard tarts, but we must confess that we prefer those of Manteigaria. Theyare simply a must and astonishingly delicious. First, because they are served still warm and just out of the oven. Then, because the dough is light and crispy and splits into flaky morsels with each and every bite (lighter than that of the Pastéis de Belém). Finally, because the filling is creamy, not too sweet and even slightly more liquid than usual, which makes the whole experience smoother and more delicate. Manteigaria first opened in Chiado, but is already in 5 more locations in Lisbon and 2 in Porto. In Chiado, a huge glass panel in the hallway allows customers to watch the pastries being prepared right there in the kitchen. At the door, there is a bell that rings outside, to let people know a new batch of custard tarts has just come out of the oven.

A great rival to the internationally famous Pastéis de Belém custard tarts, but we must confess that we prefer those of Manteigaria. Theyare simply a must and astonishingly delicious. First, because they are served still warm and just out of the oven. Then, because the dough is light and crispy and splits into flaky morsels with each and every bite (lighter than that of the Pastéis de Belém). Finally, because the filling is creamy, not too sweet and even slightly more liquid than usual, which makes the whole experience smoother and more delicate. Manteigaria first opened in Chiado, but is already in 5 more locations in Lisbon and 2 in Porto. In Chiado, a huge glass panel in the hallway allows customers to watch the pastries being prepared right there in the kitchen. At the door, there is a bell that rings outside, to let people know a new batch of custard tarts has just come out of the oven.

This is a classic draw for Lisboetas and, of course, hotel guests. The Varanda at the Ritz weekend brunch is something you really shouldn’t miss out on, because it offers an authentic gourmet trip around the globe. Every weekend, it offers a different destination and different dishes. You can go to Latin America, with its Mexican tacos, guacamole, ceviches and barbecued picanha, or the Middle East, where you can delve into the herb-marinated lamb and oriental rice, humus and baklavas. You can even head off to the Far East, to enjoy the braised lily tataki, teriyaki, vegetarian nasi goreng, gyosas and dim sum. This myriad of destinations obviously also includes the flavours of the Mediterranean and a sumptuously fresh burrata salad, among other delights. And, of course, the brunch classics are there every weekend: pancakes, French toast, waffles, the Ritz's famous eggs Benedict, and the live sushi counter. And then, we shouldn’t forget the dessert tables (oh, the millefeuille, the mini éclairs and the macaroons!), the chocolates or the ice creams. And what would brunch be without the champagne? The Ritz Varanda is open for brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 12.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adults pay €80, children aged 6 to 12 years pay half, and children under 6 do not pay.

This is a classic draw for Lisboetas and, of course, hotel guests. The Varanda at the Ritz weekend brunch is something you really shouldn’t miss out on, because it offers an authentic gourmet trip around the globe. Every weekend, it offers a different destination and different dishes. You can go to Latin America, with its Mexican tacos, guacamole, ceviches and barbecued picanha, or the Middle East, where you can delve into the herb-marinated lamb and oriental rice, humus and baklavas. You can even head off to the Far East, to enjoy the braised lily tataki, teriyaki, vegetarian nasi goreng, gyosas and dim sum. This myriad of destinations obviously also includes the flavours of the Mediterranean and a sumptuously fresh burrata salad, among other delights. And, of course, the brunch classics are there every weekend: pancakes, French toast, waffles, the Ritz's famous eggs Benedict, and the live sushi counter. And then, we shouldn’t forget the dessert tables (oh, the millefeuille, the mini éclairs and the macaroons!), the chocolates or the ice creams. And what would brunch be without the champagne? The Ritz Varanda is open for brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 12.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adults pay €80, children aged 6 to 12 years pay half, and children under 6 do not pay.

There are many good brunches in Portugal. But there are very few brunches in such spectacular, dreamy settings. The Sheraton Cascais, however, is one of them. Here (where you pay €59 per adult), the room, which is entirely in glass, overlooks a pine-dotted lawn. But this is just the least it has to offer. When the weather is good, the windows are opened wide and what was a glazed-in room transforms into an open-air eatery. There is also a comfortable wooden-decked terrace, and then what is really the very best place to eat your brunch: tables spread across the lawn, under the shade of the pine trees. It’s almost like you’re having a luxury picnic in the middle of a pine wood, only with an endless buffet: from brunch classics to the thousand and one salads, street food, hot dishes and a dessert table with chocolate fountain. It is a pity it is only served on Sundays because it should be every day.

We do not want to offend anyone, but this is undoubtedly the best chocolate cake, not just in the world, but in the whole universe. And why is that? Because the Landeau comes out of the oven with a perfect balance of salt and sugar, cocoa and milk, heat and humidity. The cake is thin, soft and not too sweet. It is divided into three layers: cake underneath, then mousse in the middle and, finally, powdered chocolate on top. This is a melange of soft textures that perfectly complement each other: the cake is light and soft; the mousse is creamy but consistent and the powdered chocolate is velvety and loose. But the great secret, the incomparable perfection, is to be found in the taste. OK, some other chocolate cakes do have the right textures, but there are very few chocolate cakes that you can devour again and again and again, 352 days a year. Or almost none. Invariably, they start to taste sickly sweet. And that’s where the Landeau cake is so different. In fact, it tastes like it has almost no sugar and surprises you with its combination of chocolate and a subtle saltiness.

Unfortunately, the recipe is secret and all we know is that three different types of chocolate go into the cake. The result is unreproducible. Landeau has shops in Chiado, LX Factory, El Corte Inglès and Campo de Ourique, where you can take your slice(s) of cake with coffee, tea, juices, hot chocolate or even a glass of Port wine.

From here, you get what is undoubtedly one of the best views of Lisbon. This kiosk-terrace is open year round and usually organises such events as DJ performances and concerts, amongst other happenings. The idea here is not to eat, but to down a glass while enjoying the spectacular view of the capital’s hills, especially the Castle of St. George, the Lisbon Cathedral, Martim Moniz, Baixa, Alfama, Mouraria and the backdrop of the Tagus. It is worth walking from Chiado to Principe Real and stop here to rest, take some pictures and drink an ice-cold beer. And be sure to go at sunset when the lights come on and Lisbon is transformed.

From here, you get what is undoubtedly one of the best views of Lisbon. This kiosk-terrace is open year round and usually organises such events as DJ performances and concerts, amongst other happenings. The idea here is not to eat, but to down a glass while enjoying the spectacular view of the capital’s hills, especially the Castle of St. George, the Lisbon Cathedral, Martim Moniz, Baixa, Alfama, Mouraria and the backdrop of the Tagus. It is worth walking from Chiado to Principe Real and stop here to rest, take some pictures and drink an ice-cold beer. And be sure to go at sunset when the lights come on and Lisbon is transformed.

From here, you get what is undoubtedly one of the best views of Lisbon. This kiosk-terrace is open year round and usually organises such events as DJ performances and concerts, amongst other happenings. The idea here is not to eat, but to down a glass while enjoying the spectacular view of the capital’s hills, especially the Castle of St. George, the Lisbon Cathedral, Martim Moniz, Baixa, Alfama, Mouraria and the backdrop of the Tagus. It is worth walking from Chiado to Principe Real and stop here to rest, take some pictures and drink an ice-cold beer. And be sure to go at sunset when the lights come on and Lisbon is transformed.

Here everything is good: the view, the original snacks, the cocktails and the ambience. There are fewer tourists here than at the São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint, so it is the ideal place for a drink with friends in the afternoon or even for dinner. The varied menu includes burgers, dishes to share, like nachos with guacamole, edamame, spring rolls, humus, samosas and tacos, among other house specials. But the main attraction, besides the spectacular view of Graça, the Castle and Mouraria, are the innovatively original signature cocktails.

This bar, which is at number 66 Praça da Alegria, in Lisbon, became the very first Portuguese bar to get onto the prestigious “The World’s 50 Best Bars” list, where it occupies 40^th place. Founded in 2015, at Rua do Salitre, in Lisbon, by Emanuel Minez and Paulo Gomes, Red Frog was inspired by the speakeasies that sprung up in the United States during the prohibition years of the 1920s. After having moved to Praça da Alegria and winning its awards, it’s now more exclusive than ever.

Located on the top floor of a car park, on Calçado de Combro, near Bairro Alto, this bar is not all that easy to find. But it is worth the effort: It has a great view and a trendily urban ambience. The décor is a mix of plants and chairs, benches and wooden tables. It makes you feel like you are in a garden. Make sure you sample the delicious cocktails as well as the sangrias, beers and wine. And of course, you can also eat something, for example, a hamburger, but the best time to get to the Park is in the late afternoon, so you can enjoy the sunset. You can also go after dinner, as they usually have live sets featuring a variety of DJs. One word of warning: Park does not accept reservations, so try to go early to get the best table for your sunset viewing.

Last year, the Mama Shelter chain opened its first hotel in Lisbon and the rooftop has already become one of the capital’s trendiest. The highly original décor mixes pop culture, a bohemian style and allusions to Portugal’s history. At this lively spot, you can snack on finger food and drink a cocktail or two, to the sound of a DJ, and enjoy a great view over Lisbon and the Tagus. The cocktails pay tribute to Lisbon’s streets and neighbourhoods, and the menu ranges from pizzas and salads for lunch to more sophisticated dishes for dinner.

It's hippie chic, it's boho chic, it's stupidly expensive, but it's really stunning. Everything in Comporta is good and expensive. It has good restaurants, fantastic beaches and great hotels. It is worth donning your best swimwear and setting off to explore this old fishing village. After taking a dip at the beach (don't go to Comporta, if it's a weekend, opt for Carvalhal or Pego), let yourself be enchanted by the shops in the town centre. I love the concept store Lavanda and Rice, by interior designer Marta Mantero. And why not stop over for a night. We suggest three options: Sublime Comporta, in Muda, where luxury and the rustic combine perfectly in the rooms, suites, villas and cabins. If you can, ask to stay in one of the bio pool suites, they are beautiful. Casas na Areia are also a great option, especially if you are with a group of friends or have a large family. These houses, which are in Carrasqueira, near the amazing Cais Palafítico (a restored wooden pier which is well worth visiting), are beautiful. The architecture is contemporary and minimalist and the houses are ideal for those who like to go barefoot, since the shared spaces are covered in sand, in tribute to the fishermen who once lived there. And finally, if you have time, go down to Melides and spend a night at the brand-new Vermelho, the spectacular hotel designed by Christian Louboutin.

It's hippie chic, it's boho chic, it's stupidly expensive, but it's really stunning. Everything in Comporta is good and expensive. It has good restaurants, fantastic beaches and great hotels. It is worth donning your best swimwear and setting off to explore this old fishing village. After taking a dip at the beach (don't go to Comporta, if it's a weekend, opt for Carvalhal or Pego), let yourself be enchanted by the shops in the town centre. I love the concept store Lavanda and Rice, by interior designer Marta Mantero. And why not stop over for a night. We suggest three options: Sublime Comporta, in Muda, where luxury and the rustic combine perfectly in the rooms, suites, villas and cabins. If you can, ask to stay in one of the bio pool suites, they are beautiful. Casas na Areia are also a great option, especially if you are with a group of friends or have a large family. These houses, which are in Carrasqueira, near the amazing Cais Palafítico (a restored wooden pier which is well worth visiting), are beautiful. The architecture is contemporary and minimalist and the houses are ideal for those who like to go barefoot, since the shared spaces are covered in sand, in tribute to the fishermen who once lived there. And finally, if you have time, go down to Melides and spend a night at the brand-new Vermelho, the spectacular hotel designed by Christian Louboutin.

Start with an early morning walk along the seawall to Cascais Bay, but stop before you get there to buy a creamy Santini ice cream. Right next door is one of the most famous and traditional bookshops in Cascais, Galileu. In addition to being the President of the Republic’s favourite bookshop, it has an enviable collection of second-hand books. Head to Casa Pau Brasil, a multi-brand Brazilian store where you will find clothing by Osklen, Granado and Lenny Niemeyer, among others. Then climb up to Zoe, a concept store with adorable women’s clothing, and check out the new collection. Walk around the bay to the Citadel, to check out the art galleries and the two Cascais bookshops you really should visit and which just happen to belong to the same person. The first is Dejá Lu, which sells second-hand books or rather “books that have already been read” and are practically new. All the proceeds go to projects to help young people with Trisomy 21 get into work. The second is Indie – not a Bookshop, a bookshop that is so much more than a shop. It is a place where you can breathe in the passion for reading and not only that. In the afternoon, head over to Guincho beach. If you are lucky, it will be a windy day and you will see why it is quite simply the best beach in the world! With so much to do and so many restaurants to try, we would like to offer two suggestions for overnighting: Estoril Vintage Hotel, a charming hotel in a palace chock-a-block with history and sporting a fabulous view of the sea, and Dream Guincho, where you breathe the fresh air of the mountains and the sea and find art and literature in every corner. Each of the rooms is named after a classic, such as the Divine Comedy, Don Quixote or the Great Gatsby. You will also find literary references in the public rooms, along with books. A lot of books.  

This is a trip really worth making, because you will go down one of the country’s most beautiful roads: the N379-1, that fatal road where James Bond became a widower. Don’t forget to stop off to enjoy the beauty of Palácio da Comenda. Built on one of the slopes above the River Sado, the 5-story 26-room palace was designed by the famous architect Raul Lino in 1903, as a holiday home for the Count D’Armand, a French minister. It has a private beach and balconies and terraces with stunning views of the river, the sea and the mountains. It was also where Jacqueline Kennedy sought refuge, shortly after the murder of her husband in 1963. Continue along the N379-1, with the sea and the Troia peninsula on your left, until you reach Figueirinha Beach. If you feel like it, stop here a coffee. If you don’t, stay on the same road, always climbing, until you see, practically right in front of you, the Convent of Our Lady of Arrábida, built on the southern slope of the Serra da Arrábida mountain. It used to belong to the Franciscan Order but is now occupied by the Oriente Foundation. If you wish, you can go into the convent, but only by appointment. Finally,  continue along the same road and, after about a kilometre and a half, you will come to the stunning Portinho da Arrábida Viewpoint. The view is spectacular. Finish your trip in style with a lunch at Farol restaurant, in Portinho da Arrábida, where you can enjoy good fish and seafood while literally sitting over the sea. On your return journey, why not go for a dip in the sea at one of the region’s beaches. You will come to Praia do Cereiro, Galapagos and Galapinhos, but our favourite is Praia dos Coelhos.

This is without doubt one of the most romantic destinations ever and it has inspired countless writers and poets. Located at the top of the mountain, even the damp weather shrouds it in a certain aura of mystery. Everything here is picturesque and delicious. It is worth getting lost in the numerous palaces, castles and mansions, in the streets and alleys, in the gardens with their lush vegetation, taking a carriage ride, visiting the museums, or simply… falling in love. You are in the right place. If you arrive in the morning, have breakfast or brunch at Café Saudade. It feels like something out of a book by Eça, and the giant scones are to die for. The village is charming and, at every corner, you will find a new reason to stop and take a photo: the manor houses, the ivy on the buildings, the squares, the streets, the fountains, the alleys, and the palaces, of course. If you want to visit them all, you will have to spend more than a day here. Leave time to see the amazing Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle and the Town Palace. Two more must-sees are the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira, along with its gardens, lakes, caves and mysterious buildings, and Monserrate Park. All this is essential, but don’t do it on an empty stomach, of course. And what should you really not miss out on in Sintra? The cakes: travesseiros at Piriquita and queijadasat Casa do Preto. There is no way round it. You really have to try them. You might have to make two separate snacks, but that's the way it is. And to enjoy the weather, book a night at our favourite Sintra hotel, the super-romantic Tivoli Hotel de Seteais.

The Malveira Road is one of the most beautiful in the country, perhaps on a par with Arrábida, which is also spectacularly beautiful. Stop for a tea or coffee at Moinho Dom Quixote in Azóia. You could also eat something, but here it is the incredible view that is really going to drop your jaw. After going through Pé da Serra, turn left to Almoçageme. Here you will also find a fantastic décor shop. In addition to a showroom, there is also an architecture and interior design studio. It’s called Coisas da Terra and although it might challenge your wallet, it’s well worth a visit. And by now, it should be lunch time, right? Do not miss the goose barnacles and fresh fish at Restaurante da Adraga, right on the beach.

Before you get to Colares, make a stop at the Almoçageme Market(only on weekends) and fill up with vegetables and fresh fruit for the rest of the week. The stallholders are almost all local producers and the quality of the products is way above average, as, possibly are some prices. If you want to stay on the coast, go to Praia Grande (but take a light jacket because this is where winter spends the summer), have a drink or snack on something at Bar do Fundo, where the sunset is simply sensational.

The Malveira Road is one of the most beautiful in the country, perhaps on a par with Arrábida, which is also spectacularly beautiful. Stop for a tea or coffee at Moinho Dom Quixote in Azóia. You could also eat something, but here it is the incredible view that is really going to drop your jaw. After going through Pé da Serra, turn left to Almoçageme. Here you will also find a fantastic décor shop. In addition to a showroom, there is also an architecture and interior design studio. It’s called Coisas da Terra and although it might challenge your wallet, it’s well worth a visit. And by now, it should be lunch time, right? Do not miss the goose barnacles and fresh fish at Restaurante da Adraga, right on the beach.

Before you get to Colares, make a stop at the Almoçageme Market(only on weekends) and fill up with vegetables and fresh fruit for the rest of the week. The stallholders are almost all local producers and the quality of the products is way above average, as, possibly are some prices. If you want to stay on the coast, go to Praia Grande (but take a light jacket because this is where winter spends the summer), have a drink or snack on something at Bar do Fundo, where the sunset is simply sensational.

The Malveira Road is one of the most beautiful in the country, perhaps on a par with Arrábida, which is also spectacularly beautiful. Stop for a tea or coffee at Moinho Dom Quixote in Azóia. You could also eat something, but here it is the incredible view that is really going to drop your jaw. After going through Pé da Serra, turn left to Almoçageme. Here you will also find a fantastic décor shop. In addition to a showroom, there is also an architecture and interior design studio. It’s called Coisas da Terra and although it might challenge your wallet, it’s well worth a visit. And by now, it should be lunch time, right? Do not miss the goose barnacles and fresh fish at Restaurante da Adraga, right on the beach.

Before you get to Colares, make a stop at the Almoçageme Market(only on weekends) and fill up with vegetables and fresh fruit for the rest of the week. The stallholders are almost all local producers and the quality of the products is way above average, as, possibly are some prices. If you want to stay on the coast, go to Praia Grande (but take a light jacket because this is where winter spends the summer), have a drink or snack on something at Bar do Fundo, where the sunset is simply sensational.

The Malveira Road is one of the most beautiful in the country, perhaps on a par with Arrábida, which is also spectacularly beautiful. Stop for a tea or coffee at Moinho Dom Quixote in Azóia. You could also eat something, but here it is the incredible view that is really going to drop your jaw. After going through Pé da Serra, turn left to Almoçageme. Here you will also find a fantastic décor shop. In addition to a showroom, there is also an architecture and interior design studio. It’s called Coisas da Terra and although it might challenge your wallet, it’s well worth a visit. And by now, it should be lunch time, right? Do not miss the goose barnacles and fresh fish at Restaurante da Adraga, right on the beach.

Before you get to Colares, make a stop at the Almoçageme Market(only on weekends) and fill up with vegetables and fresh fruit for the rest of the week. The stallholders are almost all local producers and the quality of the products is way above average, as, possibly are some prices. If you want to stay on the coast, go to Praia Grande (but take a light jacket because this is where winter spends the summer), have a drink or snack on something at Bar do Fundo, where the sunset is simply sensational.

A 45-minute drive from Lisbon, takes you to a village that overlooks the Atlantic and is definitely one of the most beautiful and romantic in Portugal. Besides being very well preserved, it is a great place to go in winter, when it usually gets some beautiful days and not too many people. Climb up to the viewpoint, to see the village spread out panoramically below you. There are also two great restaurants up here. Azenhas do Mar is right above the ocean pool and offers a fantastic view, good fish and seafood, but is not exactly cheap. Água e Sal does not have the same view, so it is not as pricey as Azenhas do Mar. Try ordering the great limpets and the delicious tiger prawn grilled with garlic rice. And for dessert? Go for the handmade ice cream. Totally unmissable!

After passing through Azenhas, head to Praia das Maças, which is only a 4-minute drive or, if you prefer, a 20-minute walk away. Here you will find Búzio, which is also an excellent option for lunch or dinner.