Paris. London. Rome. Say goodbye to them all. Lisbon is one of the best food cities in the world for me. There is no better travel experience than wandering aimlessly through the streets of Mouraria on a lazy afternoon, listening to the melancholic melodies of fado music with a cold Super Bock beer in hand, and catching the scent of grilled sardines at every corner. It is always possible to find something delicious while walking through the many winding travessas of the city, and there is always a good glass of wine or a cold beer available. You will never go hungry in this city, that’s a promise. This is a city you will fall in love with over and over again; thanks to the incredible and accessible gastronomic scene here. I present to you some of the best affordable foods in Lisbon. PS I have added a FREE Google Maps guide for all the places in this guide.

1) Enjoying a Pastel de Nata at Antiga Confeitaria de Belém

Walking up and down the narrow travessas in Lisbon, the city of seven hills, requires quite a bit of energy. To recharge, I often stop at one of the many Pasterlarias in the city and enjoy the famous Pastel de Nata, one of the sweets that Lisbon locals take the most pride in: a crispy, cinnamon-flavored warm cream tart. To find the best Pastel de Nata, I head a few kilometers west to the historic suburb of Belem in Lisbon. This is where Vasco da Gama set sail for the New World. Here, you will also find the historic Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, which has been making Pastéis de Belém since 1837 with an old recipe from Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, lightly sprinkled with cinnamon - this is the true taste of Lisbon and Portugal.

Tip: Arrive very early to avoid the crowd. Also, sip your Pastéis de Belem with a bica (espresso).

Address: Rua de Belém 84-92 Lisboa, Portugal.

2) Coffee from Fabrica Coffee Roasters

I had not associated Portugal with great coffee, so the coffee scene was a big surprise for me. You can be sure to enjoy a good cup of coffee in every café you enter. If you are a fan of fine gourmet coffee, definitely consider visiting Fabrica Coffee Roasters. This independent coffee company was founded in 2015 and they truly care about every cup of coffee, from growing the coffee cherries to harvesting, roasting, and brewing. Visitors can choose from a variety of coffees from Ethiopia, Guatemala, Colombia, Brazil, and many more.

Address: R. das Portas de Santo Antao 136, 1150-265, Lisboa, Portugal.

3) Fava with Chorizo at O Beco

Be ready to clean your plate at O Beco. Especially for the fava dishes served with delicious chorizo. This family-run business located in Alfama is small but the food is plentiful, the people are friendly, and the dishes are delicious. What more could you want? Here you will find many traditional Portuguese dishes, but my favorite is the fava beans.

Address: Beco do Espírito Santo 9, 110

Where to Eat in Lisbon: Try a Tasca

When you are in Lisbon or anywhere in Portugal, you must eat at a tasca. Tascas are family-run, hole-in-the-wall tavern-style restaurants scattered throughout the city’s neighborhoods; the menu is handwritten and offers limited options, the meals are quite affordable, and locals eat here every day. The dishes are quite homemade and you will find hearty Portuguese meals like Bacalhau (cod), bifana (pork sandwiches), and cozido (meat stew). They have a fixed menu for lunch; this menu usually includes a soup, main dish, dessert or coffee, sometimes wine. Budget: About €10-15 and you will leave full.

Below, I share my two favorite tascas in Lisbon.

Bifana at Café Beira Gare

Just a few steps from Rossio, there is Café Beira Gare, one of the nicest little eateries in Lisbon. You know the food is good because it is highly favored by locals. The interior has a bit of an American diner style and is somewhat cramped, but the dishes are fantastic. The bifana is a pure source of happiness. A garlic-filled pork steak served between long bread is more delicious than ever. Sip it with a cold beer. The soups here are also tasty and nutritious. The soup, bifana, and a beer should not cost you more than €5.

Address: Praça Dom João da Câmara 4, 1200-016, Lisbon, Portugal.

5) The Best Dessert Place in Lisbon? Visit Landeau Chocolate

If you are a chocolate lover like me, then look no further than Landeau Chocolate, the chocolate institution of Lisbon. The cake is the richest and most chocolatey bite. With three amazing locations across Lisbon, it’s really hard to miss, right?

Address: Rua das Flores 70, 1200-014 Lisbon, Portugal.

6) Sardines in Spicy Tomato Sauce at Sol e Pesca

This is a novelty. An old fishing tackle shop serving many varieties of canned fish to be sipped with a cold beer? Yes, Sol e Pesca offers everything and more. Sardines in spicy tomato sauce are my favorite, sip it with a cold Super Bock beer.

Address: R. Nova do Carvalho 44, 1200-014 Lisbon, Portugal.

7) O Carteiro

Among the other restaurants you should try is O Carteiro; here you can taste various meat-based Portuguese specialties. The homemade specialty Arroz de Cabidela, which is chicken (or rabbit) cooked in its own blood and served with rice. Some Portuguese dishes are flavors to get used to and are definitely not for the faint-hearted.

8) Tascardoso

Address: Rua de O Século 242, 1200-439 Lisbon, Portugal

Another local favorite is Tascardoso, located in the heart of the Príncipe Real neighborhood. The seafood here is fantastic - you can choose from sardines, octopus, or sea bass, or grilled lamb chops.

“As a restaurant owner, I need to keep track of what’s happening, but I generally lean more towards the classics. For a low-profile, backstreet experience, go to Zé da Mouraria; they have a daily lunch menu that will warm your soul and make you question your entire existence. Make a reservation in advance or go early to avoid a long wait. For a higher experience with the best Portuguese products and amazing wines, I recommend Coelho da Rocha in Campo de Ourique. It’s a great experience and the staff is extremely attentive. The two brothers running the business started working as waiters in another restaurant, Magano, probably the best Alentejo restaurant in Lisbon, and bought this place from their former boss. They’ve done everything, seen everything, and are personally a true source of inspiration.”

Duarte D’Eça Leal, The Independent Collective

9. Restaurante Zapata, Sao Bento

Address: R. do Poço dos Negros 47, 1200-335 Lisbon, Portugal

If you are looking for fresh seafood, then you can't go wrong with Zapata - it's a simple, no-frills dining experience. I really love the grilled cod and grilled octopus here.

10. Tasca do Manel

Address: R. da Barroca 24, 1200-050 Lisbon, Portugal

In the heart of the touristy Bairro Alto, there’s a slice of hearty and friendly Portuguese food. This place has no frills, the portions are generous, and if you’re lucky, you might sit at one of the outdoor tables. The dishes are typical tasca classics with great seafood options; from mussels to grilled shrimp, and the codfish cakes are quite delicious.

Where to Drink in Lisbon

9. Fox Trot

The Portuguese are quite different from the rest of the continent when it comes to drinking. Drinks are consumed with meals, drinks are consumed on the beach, and drinks are consumed for parties. They don't really excel at post-work drinking sessions and generally don't plan aimless drinking (whether to eat or party or both). However, there is one bar that breaks this cycle and is an exception to the norms: Fox Trot. Another Lisbon fairy tale, the owner Mr. Joaquim bought this place from his former boss after bartending for 20 years, and it has become one of the best spots in the city for cocktails and conversation in a gloomy atmosphere. There is a highly sought-after ping pong table and a beautiful beer garden.

10. Red Frog Speakeasy

It's not cheap, but if you're looking for the best cocktail bar in Lisbon, head to Red Frog Speakeasy located on the city's most stylish street, ‘Avenida da Liberdade’. Resembling a 1920s New York-style speakeasy, this hidden spot is behind a closed door on the street, with no sign at the entrance and just a small bell you need to ring to get in. I couldn't find this place without the expert guidance of Miguel Santos; he is the owner of Lisbon Central Hostel, one of Lisbon's most popular hostels. Drinks are a bit pricey, but it's a great experience and the cocktails are quite nice.

11. Where to Find Affordable Wine in Lisbon? Try ViniPortugal

If you're a wine lover and want to taste the wonderful variety of Portuguese wines, visit ViniPortugal located in the historic Praça do Comércio. The wines here are of great quality and quite reasonably priced. You can taste 6 different wines for as little as €3.

12) Pinot Noir at Wine Not?

Another good option for wine lovers is Wine Not? Operated by the same owner as the Lost Inn Hostel Lisbon, this wine bar is a perfect place for a snack and a glass of wine before dinner. My recommendation is the Pinot Noir, served with delicious olive paste and bread.

Address: R. Ivens 45, 1200-226 Lisboa, Portugal.

13) Ginjinha at Ginjinha Sem Rival

If you want to taste the charm of old-world Portugal, don't miss having a drink at Ginjinha Sem Rival before leaving Lisbon. A small shop, surrounded by humble glass windows with green frames, this is your passport to ginjinha paradise. Everyone rushes to the more popular A Ginjinha, but I prefer this place, even if the owner is a bit grumpy. Every drop of this sweet cherry liqueur will settle in your throat and leave you with a warm feeling inside. A shot costs €1.50, and if the cherry flavor isn't for you, there are other flavors to try.

Address: R. Portas de Santo Antão 7, 1150-268, Lisboa, Portugal.

More Lisbon Resources

Check out my previous guide for the best budget accommodations in Lisbon, my guide to the best free things to do in Lisbon, and I would also like to share my favorite walk in Lisbon with you.