Lisbon is probably the best place in Europe to enjoy seafood. There are a couple of very popular ‘tourist restaurant’ streets, such as Rua das Portas de Santo Antão where you will find a wide selection of options.
The lively street just behind the National Theater Doña Maria II at Largo de São Domingos, near Rossio Square and Restauradores, is a real mecca for seafood lovers, and a very popular tourist street.
Rua das Portas de Santo Antão: rather touristy and aggressive waiters
The street name dates from the 15th C. when a gate in the former town wall stood here. There’s also some very interesting buildings to be seen. The restaurants are well positioned for people-watching, prices are not really cheap, but the quality is good. In general, this street is rather touristy and the waiters are sometimes a bit aggressive in their approach to tourists.
One of the restaurant windows, with fresh lobsters and shrimps.
Rua das Portas de Santo Antão , just north of Rossio, is one of the few streets in Lisbon where you’ll be approached by waiters in the street trying to entice you to eat in their restaurant.
‘Free’ starters
Be prepared: in the more expensive and touristical restaurants in Lisbon you have to pay for starters like bread, cheese and often olives or shrimps (camarão). They are not a part of the meal! You won’t pay for them if you don’t eat them, and often the waiter will take them away (não, obrigado), ‘no thank you’. More ……
If you don’t speak Portuguese, make sure you’ve got your dictionary handy!
Restaurante Cervejaria Inhaca
Cervejaria means ‘beerhouse’, where beer is produced (or used to be produced) and where you can eat as well. There are many Cervejaria’s in Lisbon (like the well known restaurant Portugalia).
Finger licking good, but expensive
Shrimp and lobster dishes for 2 persons, about € 55, except drinks. Restaurant Inhaca, R. das Portas de Santo Antão 8.
Avoid restaurant Torremolinos, a tourist trap, 🙁 read this
( 2020: the name Torremolinos on the facade has recently been removed)
In general: make sure you are aware of what you are being charged for. Most of the restaurants in this area are tourist traps.
A few great restaurants in this street: former palace Casa do Alentejo (a hidden gem!), or restaurant Gambrinus .
Restaurant Solar dos Presuntos, R. Portas de Santo Antão 150, YouTube
A good idea is to walk around and eat in a restaurant where there are no tourists in sight…….
For seafood lovers, go to one of Lisbon’s best seafood restaurants ‘RAMIRO’, also open on Sundays (Intendente).
