After spending a month apart visiting our families, Kevin and I met in Lisbon for what could be considered our last trip before the baby’s arrival. We took things very slowly since I was six months pregnant, and Kevin was the most jet-lagged he’d ever been. This is not a guide that will uncover Lisbon’s hidden gems; however, if your stomach is rumbling right now and you don’t know where to go, here are five suggestions to eat delicious food and nod in satisfaction with every bite.

1. Lunch at Ze de Mouraria, The Moorish Quarter

Zigzagging through the streets of Alfama, I had my first meal here while I waited for Kevin to arrive. After spending almost three weeks at grandma’s home in Spain, this was a smooth transition to the local cuisine. The food had that homemade feel, and the portions were enormous—my recommendation: The cuttlefish dish.

2. Dinner at Pasta Non Basta, Avenidas Novas

Due to COVID, many places we recommended were shut down. We found ourselves in front of a closed restaurant, in a neighbourhood outside the main tourist area in the middle of the week, and our stomachs rumbling. Our taxi driver helped us find an open restaurant, and we ended up here. It’s a chain, but the quality was outstanding. I wasn’t in the mood for pizza, so I went for the Bolognese, and it was delicious. If you go during the daytime, you can also walk around the grounds of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

3. Time Out Market, Avenida 24 Julho

Isn’t it too touristy? Mmm, I couldn’t tell. There was a healthy balance between locals and tourists, so I suggest trying it. It can be a little overwhelming at first, so here’s what I can recommend:

O PREGO DA PEIXARIA: The traditional steak sandwich

CROQUETERIA: A stall dedicated entirely to croquettes (If only we had one in Berlin!)

CHEFS SELECTION: At the end of the market, the stalls belong to the top chefs in Portugal, Alexandre Silva, Miguel Castro e Silva, Henrique Sá Pessoa and Marlene Vieria. They have a daily menu at an affordable price.  

4. Brunch at Augusto Lisboa, Alfama

It will hit all the right boxes for your hipster needs: Fresh juices, avocado toast with a granola bowl on the side, and delicious roasted coffee at the beat of good old Motown classics while being served by the young and friendly staff. Its decor is fun and colourful, and I loved the pink building across the street from their restaurant. I caught this picture of a tanned Kevin while he wasn’t looking.

5. Breakfast at Oh Ninho brunch, Mouraria

We spent most of our time in Alfama, where our Airbnb was. To start the day right, homemade jam, delicious bread, and giant hearty eggs. They have a small terrace overlooking a building that plants are taking over. Quite a charming little place that I can recommend. 

6. Coffee and dessert at Pastéis de Belém

I don’t think you can leave Lisbon without trying the Pasteis de Belem staple dessert. Yes, it involves a trip to Belem, but this area is perfect for walking around historical buildings, the botanical garden, and splurging on sweets.

Please share using the icons below and show some love by dropping a comment below