It is safe to say that Lisbon is a place for foodies. If you like your food, this city has a lot to offer. We barely scratched the surface of this gastronomic capital during our whistle-stop stay recently. But what we saw, we liked, we ate, we drank and we conquered!

Here’s the lowdown of the spots we hit!

Time Out Market, Lisboa

The most highly recommended place to visit when in Lisbon is the Time Out Market Lisboa. This is my idea of gastronomic wonderland: a sprawling, covered market complex under an arched roof, busy and buzzing with different traders selling all kinds of delicious treats – from piping hot croquettes, charcuterie, mouth watering vegan food, indulgent cheese, artisan pizza and the all important pasteis de nata (custard tarts). You can find traditional Portuguese fare as well as modish tapas. While the internal foodcourt has small scale traders, on the periphery are more stylish, formal sit-down places. Most traders sell wine and beer, and there is also a central Time Out Bar for your cocktail needs. Take plenty of Euros with you and a big appetite because there is a lot to cover. All are very tasty and reasonably priced. My must-eat recommendations would be the simple but divine Croquettes and Rice combo from Croqueteria Mercado De Ribeira, and the charcuterie platter from Manteigaria Silva and Pasteis de Natas from their take-away counter.

More information can be found here.

Restaurant Bastardo

A modern and quirky spot for lunch or dinner is this very brazenly titled restaurant Bastardo.  Whilst we only tried their buffet breakfast as part of our stay in Hotel Internacionale Design Hotel, based on the delicious spread and savvy service, I can only say good things. The interior design of this place is definitely a talking point and they make some smashing cocktails too. This is a hotel restaurant with a cheeky soul, but with a heart that is in the right place.

More information can be found here.

Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Whilst navigating the cobbled streets of Lisbon, if you need a caffeine fix, then Fabrica is the answer to your prayers . This cool and breezy cafe roast their own beans, in a space which is every inch Insta-worthy; industrial, full of plump sofas and overflowing plants. A good place to hang and chill, whether with mates or just by yourself.

More information can be found here.

Pensão Amor

A short walk from Fabrica is Pensão Amor. A complete contrast to the dark, moody and stylish bars, this one is an eclectic riot of colourful sofas, kinky kitsch and erotic paraphernalia, housed in a former brothel. The building’s notorious past is further referenced by provocative imagery plastered all over the walls and ceilings. There is a pole dancing room at the end and a film projector running vintage erotic videos on a roll. Boring this place is not! Do give the loos a visit while you are at it! This place is fun, in-your-face ballsy (no pun intended) rather than seedy. We went twice, once during the day when it was relatively quiet and once at night when it was heaving and barely any room to stand. Cocktails are delicious and very reasonably priced.

More information can be found here.

By the Wine

The good thing about Lisbon is that as you walk around, you keep discovering one awesome place after another. A place that was not on our list but we literally stumbled upon was By the Wine by José Maria da Fonseca. It is a wine shop and drinking den under the arches, low lit and full of warehouse character where you can buy some very reasonably priced bottles of the good stuff. A good place to perch for extended quaffing sessions is at the bar, where you can watch all the kitchen action whilst grazing on charcuterie and tapas. The walls of this place shimmer with an astounding collection of empty glass bottles. The vibe is stylish, the atmosphere upscale but the prices are not.

More information can be found here.

Mini Bar by José Avillez

José Avillez is one of Portugal’s most celebrated chefs. We were visiting Lisbon to celebrate my husband’s birthday and chef and fellow food blogger Andra from Mint and Rosemary recommended we should try one of his places. We chose to have the Tasting menu at the Mini Bar  – an impressive restaurant where food arrives in theatrical style, full of twists and unconventional turns, making it a delightful dining experience. Saying anything more will spoil the fun so I will leave it to explore when you visit Lisbon!

More information can be found here.

Sacramento

For our last day in Lisbon, we were craving some Portuguese food. Our hotel kindly booked us into Sacramento. We tucked into Portuguese staples such Gambas Al’ Ajillo and traditional Octopus Rice with Shrimps, washed down with plenty of fizzy Vinho Verde. The glitzy, colourful, vaulted space under the brick arches gave this restaurant atmospheric brownie points!

More information can be found here.

I am pretty sure I will return to Lisbon soon to tick more stuff from my list. Have you been to Lisbon? Which are your favourite spots? I would love to know so please drop me a comment below.