The Best Al Fresco Dining In Lisbon Portugal

For outdoor dining, Lisbon is one of the best cities in all of Europe. With elegant rooftop terraces, breathtaking views and authentic restaurants on the riverbank, Lisbon provides a range of extraordinary choices for eating al fresco. Here’s our guide to some of our favorite Lisbon venues for enjoying your meal en plein air.

IBO

Restaurant, European, African, Fusion

IBO is an excellent fish and seafood restaurant situated on Lisbon’s seafront by the Cais do Sodré. Besides its specialty seafood dishes, IBO’s cuisine also features influences from Mozambican culinary culture, especially from the former Portuguese colony, Goa. The restaurant’s interior is modern and decorated in an elegant style with big glass fronts, through which guests can see the River Tagus. However, the highlight at IBO is the terrace, where guests can devour the restaurant’s fantastic food while enjoying a breathtaking view.

Bica do Sapato

Bar, Restaurant

Bica do Sapato is one of the best-known restaurants in Lisbon offering a lunchtime cafeteria service as well as its own sushi bar in addition to the classic restaurant menu. Upstairs, guests are invited into the minimalist sushi bar, where tasting menus of outstanding sushi and sashimi are served. Downstairs, the restaurant offers classic Portuguese cuisine, such as roasted meat, oven-baked fish and pasta specialties. The restaurant also has an amazing open-air terrace that faces the River Tagus.

Tasca do Xico

Tasca do Xico is located in an area where a number of old warehouses that were creatively transformed into fantastic restaurants. Tasca do Xico’s tapas menu changes on a daily basis. Only the restaurants two main specialties, the Bacalhau à Lagareiro, a classic Portuguese fish specialty, and the Entrecote Café de Paris, an international addition, are served throughout the year. Tasca do Xico stands out among other warehouse restaurants with its inventive menu, high-quality food at great value and stylish interior.

Associação Católica Internacional ao Serviço da Juventude Feminina

This intimate restaurant is run by a Catholic association in Lisbon, thus nicknamed the Nun’s Canteen. It is relatively hidden, on a small side street of Lisbon, and is a place that only a handful of locals know and tourists only stumble in by accident. The Nun’s Canteen is the ideal place to enjoy authentic local cuisine at great value while enjoying a spectacular view from the restaurant’s rooftop terrace. The freshly cooked food comes in special menus with a main course and either a soup or dessert to complement the impeccable culinary experience.
Travessa do Ferragial 1, Lisbon, Portugal, +351 213 240 910

Atia-te Ao Rio

Restaurant, Portuguese

Atira-te Ao Rio is a restaurant on the River Tagus’ South bank that is located alongside abandoned riverside warehouses. The charming restaurant provides intimate outdoor seating with a small number of chairs and tables set along the riverbank, lit by torches, creating a romantic atmosphere. The best time to visit Atira-te Ao Rio is at sundown, where you will have a front-row seat to see the sun set behind the suspension bridge and the twinkling lights of the city. The restaurant’s menu is diverse and highlights the origin and freshness of all products, including octopus salad, Portuguese steak, seasonal vegetables and cheese risotto.

About the author

Sophia Karner

With an academic background in intercultural communication and modern languages, Sophia has always been fascinated by the uniqueness of cultures worldwide. She is particularly interested in cultural history and has a passion for classic and contemporary literature, art and photography. Sophia loves to travel and meet people with different cultural backgrounds to get a broader view of the world and become a true cosmopolitan.