4 Must-Try Local Restaurants and Seafood Spots in Lisbon

Lisbon’s food scene is one of the most important parts of any trip, especially the traditional cuisine. To truly taste the most authentic flavors, the secret is to look for the **tascas** and cervejarias loved by local residents.

These spots are often simple, but they serve generously portioned, delicious Portuguese meals prepared with tradition. Choosing one of the **best local restaurants in Lisbon** is a guarantee of a delicious, culturally rich experience.

We have compiled a list of four essential dining spots. This selection ranges from a seafood market classic to a grand historic palace, all while maintaining authentic local charm and flavor.

The Mouraria and Baixa districts, where these restaurants are located, are the heart of traditional Lisbon life. Be ready to wait in line, as the best places are always popular among locals and travelers alike.

Here are some of the **best local restaurants in Lisbon** where you can enjoy the true soul of Portuguese cuisine. Don’t be shy about asking for the “dish of the day,” which is the best way to eat local.

O que este artigo aborda:

• 1. O Velho Eurico: The Residents’ Favorite “Tasca”
• 2. Cervejaria Ramiro: The Seafood Classic
• 3. Casa do Alentejo: Dinner in a Historic Palace
• 4. Zé da Mouraria: For Sharing Plates and Great Food
• What is the difference between a “Restaurant” and a “Tasca” in Portugal?
• Book Your Authentic Food Tour in Lisbon

1. O Velho Eurico: The Residents’ Favorite “Tasca”

Largo São Cristóvão, nº3 – Mouraria, Lisboa, Portugal
Telefone: (+351) 218 861 815

O Velho Eurico is the definition of a local favorite, known as a beloved **tasca** in the historic Mouraria neighborhood. It offers traditional Portuguese comfort food in a very cozy and genuinely local setting.

The place is famous for its simple, yet robust, daily specials and its warm atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. It is one of the **best local restaurants in Lisbon** for a truly authentic dining experience with the local residents.

You can find classics like the “arroz de pato” (duck rice) and several fresh fish options, all served with a smile. The service is quick and the prices are fair, which explains its constant popularity with diners.

“We visited O Velho Eurico in May 2025, and the food was incredible; it felt like eating at a Portuguese grandmother’s house! The atmosphere was so genuine and welcoming.” — Mark D., Toronto, Canada.

2. Cervejaria Ramiro: The Seafood Classic

Av. Alm. Reis, 1- H – Anjos, Lisboa, Portugal
Telefone: (+351) 969 839 472

Cervejaria Ramiro is an institution in Lisbon, recognized worldwide as the ultimate destination for fresh seafood. It is one of the **best local restaurants in Lisbon** for high-quality shellfish and local fish.

The establishment is famous for serving its seafood by weight, ensuring you get the freshest prawns, clams, and barnacles available. A crucial tip is to go early or be prepared to wait in the long, famous line outside.

The fast-paced, bustling environment adds to the experience, as plates of delicious shellfish constantly pass by your table. It is an expensive but entirely worthwhile stop for any seafood lover visiting the city.

3. Casa do Alentejo: Dinner in a Historic Palace

Rua Portas de Santo Antão, 58 – Baixa, Lisboa, Portugal
Telefone: (+351) 213 405 140

Casa do Alentejo offers a unique contrast, hosting a traditional restaurant inside a **beautiful old palace** in the Baixa district. Eating here is a cultural experience as much as it is a culinary one.

The restaurant serves classic dishes typical of the Alentejo region, known for hearty meat stews and slow-cooked pork. Before eating, take time to appreciate the beautiful central courtyard and the stunning architecture.

This spot is one of the **best local restaurants in Lisbon** for trying specific regional dishes in a sophisticated, historical setting. It gives you a taste of Portuguese regional food beyond the typical Lisbon fare.

4. Zé da Mouraria: For Sharing Plates and Great Food

R. João do Outeiro, 24 – Mouraria, Lisboa, Portugal
Telefone: (+351) 218 865 436

Zé da Mouraria is a highly reputed tasca, well-known for serving extraordinarily **generous portions** of traditional plates. It is a local favorite where sharing a dish between two people is highly recommended.

The star of the menu is often the “bacalhau com grão” (codfish with chickpeas), a perfect example of robust Portuguese cooking. The atmosphere is loud, friendly, and authentic, perfect for a true local meal.

It is one of the **best local restaurants in Lisbon** for travelers who want excellent, simple Portuguese food in large quantities. Like many popular spots, be prepared for a small wait, as it gets very busy.

What is the difference between a “Restaurant” and a “Tasca” in Portugal?

The main difference between a “Restaurant” and a “Tasca” lies in formality, menu complexity, and atmosphere. A “Restaurant” is a more formal, structured dining establishment with a broader, often more refined menu.

A “Tasca” is a small, traditional, and informal eatery, similar to a local tavern or pub. Tascas usually have a small daily menu, simpler decor, and focus on generous, homemade-style traditional Portuguese dishes.

Tascas are typically family-run, offer better prices, and are considered the soul of local Lisbon cuisine. Visiting both is the best way to experience the full spectrum of dining in Portugal.

Book Your Authentic Food Tour in Lisbon

Enjoying the **best local restaurants in Lisbon** is a delicious and cultural experience you won’t forget. Don’t be afraid to enter the simplest tascas; they often hold the greatest secrets of Portuguese cooking.

Remember to always try the famous bacalhau (codfish) and ask for the “vinho da casa” (house wine), which is usually a great, affordable regional choice. You can find more information about dining and leisure in the city by visiting Time Out Lisboa.

For the best experience at places like Cervejaria Ramiro, plan to arrive before the peak lunch or dinner rush hours. Choose your local favorite and prepare for a true taste of Portugal.

What authentic Portuguese dish are you most excited to try first in Lisbon?