A good plan is the most important part of any foodie adventure. Steven Lawrence, food writer and culinary guide, prepares an attainable itinerary for your next food-focused visit to Lisbon.
By Steven Lawrence
Food writer and culinary guide, Tablet contributor
See the entire Meal Plan series.
Portugal: Perhaps the worst kept secret in the travel community. Not too long ago it was considered under the radar. That seems almost absurd in hindsight. This is a country where stunning mosaics, majestic waters, and deep cultural history are matched by incredible food, world recognized wines, and those famously chill Southern European vibes. Did we mention its immediate proximity to other continental heavy hitters, like Spain and France? It was only a matter of time.
Like our four-day foodie blueprint for Porto, our Lisbon itinerary is a blend of historic charm, breathtaking scenery, and, most importantly, unforgettable meals. Starting with the yearning sounds of Fado, Lisbon has a soul all its own, with a diverse landscape of historic neighborhoods, a top-notch bar scene, and a pastry culture that’s nothing short of legendary. Get ready for a food-filled escape in the City of Seven Hills.
I started Epicurious Travel to help time-strapped travelers plan and execute vacations that are deeply immersed in the culinary culture of your destination. From MICHELIN Star to hole-in-the-wall, our goal is to ensure you never have a bad meal. Book a fantastic hotel in Lisbon from the Tablet selection, then use my recommendations below to steer you through a true food-lovers paradise.
Where to Stay: Pátio do Tijolo
Tucked away between Bairro Alto and the quieter residential district of Príncipe Real, this boutique hotel is only accessible via a hidden passageway. The setting may be private, but once inside, Pátio do Tijolo is a surprisingly sociable place. The open design, dreamt up by a Spanish interior designer and carried out by a Lisbon-based architecture studio, takes inspiration from the Portuguese concept of a patio or shared space; indoor and outdoor communal areas include a leafy courtyard, a modern kitchen, and a stylish living room ideal for reading or relaxing.
View the entire selection of Tablet hotels in Lisbon.
Day 1 — Speakeasies & Historic Tapas
ROOFTOP APERITIVOS: Lumi. Assuming you’re not in until the late afternoon or early evening, the plan starts with an aperitivo at this posh rooftop bar before heading out to dinner.
DINNER: Taberna da Rua das Flores. Renowned for its intimate, timeless atmosphere and historic tapas recipes. A daily rotating chalkboard menu highlights local ingredients that come to life in an endless symphony of small plates. Well worth the wait.
LATE NIGHT: Red Frog Speakeasy. Consistently rated among the top bars in the world for inventive cocktails. You’re lucky to get in without a reservation in advance. If it’s full, head to Monkey Mash for tropical-inspired classics. Best to have a resy there just in case.
Day 2 – Alfama’s Soul & A Taste of Fado
CULTURE: Take the road less traveled and head over to the neighborhoods of Estrela and Campo Ourique for a walking tour and taste of Lisbon’s deep history. We like Lisbon Awakens by Culinary Backstreets.
APERITIVOS: Matiz Pombalina Cocktail Bar. A cozy, locally run joint in a quaint nearby neighborhood. A little quirky but that’s what makes it great.
DINNER: Sr. Vinho. An authentic Fado dinner experience. The music is so outwardly emotional it may bring a tear to your eye — a unique Portuguese cultural staple.
Day 3 – Sintra’s Palaces & Pastries
DAY TRIP: Sintra. Visit the Castelo dos Mouros (Europe’s “Great Wall”) and the gardens of Monserrate. Pena Palace and Gardens is also worth the visit if you can get your tickets in advance.
LUNCH: Tascantiga in Sintra town for superb tapas.
SWEET TREAT: Casa Piriquita for the Queijada de Sintra is a must, a hyper-local traditional pastry.
DINNER: Santa Joana. A buzzingly new spot on Lisbon’s strong culinary map. Portuguese dishes executed to perfection by Chef and Culinary Director Nuno Mendes.
COCKTAILS: The Kissaten. Don’t travel too far. Upstairs from Santa Joana is a vibey Hi-Fi Whiskey bar that will transport you to a corner of Tokyo’s record bar scene.
Day 4 — Markets & Miradouros
CULTURE: Visit the Sé de Lisboa, the city’s oldest cathedral. Yes it’s a tourist trap, and yes it’s still a must see.
LUNCH: As Bifanas do Alfonso. No foodie trip to Lisbon would be complete without a bifana. The one here is a classic. Pair it with a beer for the perfect meal.
AFTERNOON TREAT: Santo António. Trek up the hill for what is lauded as one of the best Pastel de Nata in the entire city.
FINAL BOW: Vino Vero. End your journey enjoying natural wines at this hip spot in Graca. Follow it up with a sunset stroll through Miradouro da Graça, capping off an amazing adventure with sweeping views of Lisbon.
The Journey’s End
Leaving Lisbon is always tough. From the melancholic strains of Fado to the transformative taste of a fresh pastry, this city is a feast for the senses. It balances deep-rooted history with a modern gastronomy scene that will have you planning your return trip before you can say bifana.
Not yet ready to depart? Check out our Meal Plan for Porto.
