With a kitchen directed by celebrated Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, Alma (which means "soul" in Portuguese) is deserving of its two Michelin stars. This is far more than a fine-dining experience: Alma is an invitation for diners to share in Pessoa's knowledge of traditional Portuguese cuisine and his culinary philosophy of providing meals influenced by world cuisine. Indeed, he's not afraid to experiment to create dishes as deceptively simple as his famous sea flavours and citrus option, a combination of yuzu sorbet, crystallised algae, and citrus curd, and that's just for starters! Dining at Alma is also to enjoy the surroundings of a carefully converted 18th-century nobleman's residence, replete with original stone-slab flooring and ceiling arches. In fact, the historic atmosphere complements any special occasion.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: An exceptional restaurant set in an exceptional location, Alma ticks all the "best" boxes for its innovative menu and sophisticated but understated vibe.
Paul's expert tip: Order the sardine and eggplant with roast peppers. Delicious!
Where do chefs eat on their days off? They nip up to Lisbon's Graca district and chill out in this humble eatery. Indeed, O Piteu do Graca is the restaurant of choice for many of the capital's top chefs, drawn to a veritable cookbook of regional fare prepared to age-old recipes. Homemade staples like filetes de cherne com arroz de tomate e pimentos (turbot fillet with tomato and pepper rice) and rojoes a minhota (spiced and marinated chunks of roast pork Minho-style) exemplify the menu. Locals love the place and it is, literally, first come, first served, especially during the evenings and weekends. Turn up with friends, order a jug of the house red, and enjoy one of the most authentic dining experiences in town. And incidentally, during the summer the restaurant provides outdoors terrace tables.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: The homemade food is delicious and inexpensive, and some of the city's top chefs come here to enjoy the bonhomie and "grandma cooking".
Paul's expert tip: Tram 28 trundles right past the front door. The streetcar snakes up to Graca from the Baixa (downtown) at regular intervals.
It takes bravado to beat the Spanish at their own game but this charmingly authentic tapas bar is doing exactly that, with some of its repeat customers driving all the way from Madrid to indulge in tasty tidbits like seared scallops over cauliflower purée, and fresh cod ceviche with mango and garlic cream. The restaurant is set under arches of dusty brickstone, the original architecture of what was once the cellar of a merchant's town house. The appearance is beautiful and romantic, especially at night. The outside terrace is equally attractive and very popular during the summer: order a tapas selection and an Estrela Galicia beer for a memorable al fresco moment!
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Arguably the most attractive tapas restaurant in the Portuguese capital, and exuding a genuine Iberian atmosphere.
Paul's expert tip: Diners should note that the restaurant permits smoking: the dessert menu even includes a list of cigars!
This no-frills, family-run eatery wouldn't look out of place in the middle of the Portuguese countryside. The fact that it's tucked away in the centre of Lisbon simply adds to its allure as one of the friendliest and most authentic rustic-style restaurants in the city. Always frequented by locals who swear by the hearty wholesome fare, table numbers are increasingly bolstered by in-the-know tourists who recognise a gastronomic gem when they see one (or when they are attracted by the delicious aromas swirling around the front door). The menu lists regional Portuguese cuisine such as grilled meats and fish, accompanied by crunchy vegetables and boiled potatoes or chunky chips, perfectly fried. Order a dish of the day and a litre of wine for two and you'll still walk away with change from twenty euros. Yes, this little place is also excellent value for money.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Still managing to stay under the Lisbon restaurant radar, A Provinciana exudes a delightful countryside atmosphere and provincial charm.
Paul's expert tip: If it's listed, order the grilled meat skewer, succulent wedges of different meats chargrilled to perfection.
Fittingly, the name of this premier seafood restaurant translates as the "House of Cod" such is its affinity with this most popular and nourishing of fish. The Portuguese have affectionately christened the humble cod their "faithful friend" and over the years numerous hand-me-down recipes have been devised using the fish as the main ingredient. A selection of these have been lent a deliciously inventive tribute by the restaurant's kitchen so that diners can indulge in dishes like cod cataplana with cream and shrimps (basically a slow-burn fish stew) or the seriously creative cod "Holy Friday" — a fusion of Italian pasta with pepperoni accompanied by a fresh, crisp salad — among other regional-international selections. The comprehensive wine list is a revelation, with reds and whites from most regions of Portugal available by the glass or bottle.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Savouring one of Portugal's most emblematic dishes in an historic setting is reason enough to experience the upmarket Casa do Bacalhau.
Paul's expert tip: Diners should note the dining room ceiling, part of the original stables housed within the 18th-century palace of the Duke of Lafoes.
Prado is a Lisbon a fine-dining reference point, but in no way feels pretentious or too exclusive. Instead, this is a wonderfully inviting walk-in sanctuary�— an interior flooded by natural light and decorated with light wood furnishings and attractive hanging plant arrangements. Indeed, the look is organic-chic. Chef António Galapito has designed a menu that mimics the seasons. Much of the produce is sourced locally from markets and farms around the Lisbon area (prado means "meadow" in English) to create deceptively simple dishes like cockles served with chard, coriander and fried bread. The cellar stocks a range of natural, organic, and biodynamic national and international wines. The cellar itself sits of an excavated Roman road, the foundations of which are clearly visible. While you're enjoying your meal, note the ceramic tableware. Each piece is individually handcrafted to add yet another unique aspect to the prado dining experience.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Prado exemplifies the new approach taken by many Lisbon restaurateurs in providing healthy cuisine in fresh and contemporary surroundings, with an emphasis on sustainability.
Paul's expert tip: If you end up having to wait for a table, order a refreshing kombucha and chill out in the open-air lounge and admire a truly remarkable wall mural.
Few places in Lisbon prepare and serve ceviche in a more masterful fashion than at A Cervicheria. This traditional South American dish, made from fresh raw fish cured in tangy citrus juices, usually lemon or lime, originates in Peru and has found favour with Lisbon locals and visiting tourists alike. This is in no small way due to the expertise of chef-owner Kiko Martins, whose authentic interpretation of this legendary staple has won plaudits from some of the city's most seasoned food critics. Kiko has designed four different ceviche experiences, his handpicked kitchen team preparing each to a unique recipe. The menu also lists healthful quinoa-based dishes, refreshing gaspacho soup, and croquette and "surf 'n' turf" sandwiches, a typical Portuguese snack. The drinks offer includes ice-cold beer and piso sour cocktail, a sensational appetiser invented in Peru and Chile.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: A Cervecheria is well established as one of Lisbon's premier cerchive bars, and dishes are as authentic as if served in South America.
Paul's expert tip: There is no reservation policy at A Cervicheria, so it really is first come, first served. Arrive early and enjoy cocktail while waiting.
Anyone familiar with Portuguese author Eca de Queiros (1845-1900) will probably have read 'A Tragedia da Rua das Flores' (The Tragedy of the Street of Flowers). Some of the satirical novel's plot line is played out in an apartment sited directly above where this restaurant now stands. Taberna da Rua das Flores keeps a copy of the novel in a glass cabinet attached to one of the walls, the book kept company by bottles of unfiltered wines and own-brand olive oils. The tiny restaurant oozes a delightful yesteryear charm and plenty of boho character. Vestiges of the original building remain: the patterned tiles are from the period as is the stone floor, polished smooth with age. The kitchen noted for serving up meia desfeita de bacalhau, a delicious cod-based dish, among other traditional Portuguese culinary treats. Wines are local, from the Lisbon and Tejo regions.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Taberna da Rua das Flores celebrates tasty Portuguese cuisine while acknowledging one of the country's greatest writers.
Paul's expert tip: There are no reservations. If it's full, leave your name at the door. You can go for a drink while you wait.
Popping into Taberna is to explore Portugal's extraordinary culinary heritage. The restaurant is designed to resemble a rustic eatery, something that typifies the cozy, family-run cafes scattered throughout the country's interior. But this is a place to eat that also serves as a mercearia, a grocer's store that sells all sorts of authentic goodies, anything from hams and cheeses to jams and honey. Indeed, eating here is a delightfully eclectic experience. I mean are you in the city or the countryside? Taberna is all about savouring traditional delicacies carefully reinvented to appeal to both those who enjoy a good hearty meal or prefer a lighter though no less tasty snack. Appetizers, soups, salads, grilled dishes, and desserts grace the menu, which also indicates vegan and gluten-free choices, and those that contain potential allergens. A great choice of Portuguese wines helps wash it all down.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: The man behind Tabera is Jose Avillez, Portugal's most famous chef (he holds two Michelin stars at the city's Belcanto restaurant).
Paul's expert tip: Take a wander down the corridor for a wonderful surprise, another Avillez eatery known as Patio which takes the Portuguese culinary experience to another level.
One of Lisbon's most popular seafood restaurants, Sea Me serves as a typical Portuguese fishmonger, beer house, and Japanese sushi bar rolled into one. Indeed, the guys that run this place have successfully reinterpreted the concept of the traditional fish and seafood eatery. A supercool interior design greets diners, an inviting combination of natural wood and stainless steel. One glance at the menu and you're hooked, dishes that include humongous seafood platters, grilled fish cuts, and an extraordinary range of seafood options, crab, lobster, and clams included. A favorite plate is the slow oven-baked octopus with potato and turnip greens. But they also rustle up a tempting sardine nigiri, a delicious example of the Asian-fusion options that elevate Sea Me's extensive menu. The sushi is as good as anything presented in the city's finest Japanese restaurants, and the wine list has been created to match the locally caught ocean harvest.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Locals cite Sea Me as one of the city's finest restaurants for its seafood menu, value for money, and hip vibe, a winning combination.
Paul's expert tip: Order a plate of mouth-watering oysters and a glass of white wine, the restaurant's signature snack.