Dining in Lisbon

Cipriani
The service and setting at the Cipriani Restaurant in the Lapa Palace is immaculate, with an outside terrace on hand in the warmer months for a spot of al fresco dining. Mediterranean specialties, with a focus on Italy, are on the menu. As popular for business lunches as it is for romantic dinners.
Lapa Palace, Rua do Pau de Bandeira 4
Tel: (21) 394 9494.

Concha D’Ouro
Most people like to think of baccalhau as a ’love it or hate it’ dish, but whichever camp you fall in you should still try it here. Seafood is the specialty at Concha D’Ouro, with baccalhau (salted cod) the highlight, presented in a number of different ways. As this is the Portuguese national dish, you at least owe it a try.
Rua Augusta 238

Restaurant Eleven
This chic and stylish modern eatery is a favorite with the city’s movers and shakers and is the only restaurant in the city with a Michelin star. Purpose-built in the business district, the international menu caters for all tastes. The views over Lisbon are to savor too, especially at night, when the restaurant caresses customers with smooth music and candles. The wine cellar is one of the best in the city.
Rua Marquês de Fronteira
Tel: (21) 386 2211.

Alcântara Café
A firm favorite with the local beautiful people, this handsomely decorated restaurant is a winner all round. The past of the historic dockland neighborhood is evoked, but updated, with smart, chic waiting staff on hand to smooth your journey through. With cocktails and drinks served until 0200 at weekends, when an array of locals who would not look out of place in a fashion shoot descend en masse, the food sometimes struggles to remain the main attraction.
Rua Maria Luisa Holstein 15
Tel: (21) 362 1226.

Bica do Sapato
Housed in a revamped warehouse on the waterfront, this lounge bar-cum-restaurant-cum-sushi bar attracts the local smart set with a number of different dining areas. One of the owners is rumored to be John Malkovich. Seafood is a strong point, and can be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace in summer. The only criticism remains that style can sometimes be at the expense of substance.
Avenida Infante D Henrique
Tel: (21) 881 0320.

Panorama
Revamped and now supremely stylish, this hotel restaurant boasts remarkable views of the city and delivers thrills on the plate too. Head chef Henrique Sá Pessoa is using his considerable skills, honed in France and the USA, to create a fusion menu that plays with the various cuisines of the world; think the likes of prime Aberdeen Angus married with mango and a rich sesame soy reduction. The extravagant degustation menu offers a choice of five or seven courses.
Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa, Rua Latino Coelho 1
Tel: (21) 321 0000.

Cervejaria da Trinidade
The setting is grand in a tiled old monastery building, but there is nothing too flash about the menu. They dish up pleasingly large portions of seafood and meat and also have their own microbrewery on site. In summer they open their outdoor terrace.
Rua Nova da Trinidade 20
Tel: (21) 342 3506.

Patio 13
The time to come to this great place in the historic Alfama district below the castle is in summer. Diners are coaxed in by the aromas emanating from an outdoor grill. Fresh fish are cooked with a minimum of fuss and served straight up. Good value too.
Calcadinha Santo Estevao 13
Tel: (21) 888 2325.

Picanha
A carnivore’s heaven with only one main dish - beef. This tile-lined eatery is a favorite of local families who come to enjoy the all-you-can-eat portions of beef, rice, roast potatoes, black-eyed beans and salad. The tender beef is cut into thin strips and grilled with staff always on hand to cook another plate to your preference. It may not be haute cuisine, but for an unpretentious and filling meal in a relaxed environment, this is a good option.
Rua das Janelas Verdes 96
Tel: (21) 397 5401.

Ponto Final
Something of a local secret and a real must for seafood lovers. Located a 10-minute ferry ride from Lisbon (no road access), and then a 10-minute walk west, the effort is worth it for the fresh food and stunning views of the city. On warm days tables spill out on to the quay and diners can feast on the first-class seafood while watching the local anglers attempt to land their own catch. The wine list is small, but impressively good value.