When you arrive in Lisbon, all you hear about is related to the amazing Portuguese gastronomy. Pastel de nata (custard tarts), bacalhau (codfish) and polvo à lagareiro (a common octopus preparation) are that kind of expressions that become familiar to your new life. However, after trying all the Portuguese goodies, we recommend visiting the many foreign cuisine restaurants this city offers.
Lisbon is currently one of the most cosmopolitan capitals of Europe. Therefore, you will find an enormous variety of international food — that fits all tastes and pockets. We listed below five restaurants where you will find amazing foreign food on a student budget.
La Malquerida (Mexican food)
Nice staff, a chill atmosphere and a great selection of beers. At this restaurant in the heart of Cais do Sodré you’ll find a simple menu comprised of delicious tacos for a wonderful dinner experience. They’re sold individually, so you can order as little or as many as you need to fill your heart’s content. They also offer some combo options, such as 3 Tacos de pastor and a Coronita for as little as €7,5.
Address: Tv. do Marquês de Sampaio 14
Italy Caffe Ristoranti (Italian food)
You have probably seen some videos where people mix the pasta inside a very big cheese. Are you like me and always wanted to try this fine dish? Italy Caffe is your place. Considered one of the best italian restaurants in the city, it’s located in the neighbourhood of Saldanha, it has a romantic ambient and a perfect terrace to relax in, at the end of the day.
The price for two people is around €35 and reservations are recommended.
Address: Avenida Duque D’Avila, 26B R/C
Cantinho do Aziz (Mozambican food)
This restaurant has been serving innovative and exclusive dishes for over 35 years at Mouraria, a historical region of the city.
You’ll find various options of meats, fish, and shellfish. Don’t miss the Chamussas, an option of starter that offers both, meat and vegetarian options. And if you enjoy spicy flavors, we recommend their Piri piri, (or the African Devil) — a traditional (very) hot sauce added optionally to most of their dishes.
A dinner for two is around 25€.
Address: Rua de S. Lourenço 5
Dona Beija (Brazilian food)
The restaurant tries to bring a little bit of Brazil to Lisbon. The amazing feijoada and picanha, and some new flavours from different regions of the country.
On Thursdays and Saturdays, don’t miss the Brazilian live music that starts at 8 pm. The evenings are always well accompanied by the most famous Brazilian drink: caipirinhas. It’s also a good place to refresh yourself with a really cold draft beer — Brazilian style.
For a full dinner for two is around 25€.
Address: Av. Duque de Loulé 22B
Fenícios Restaurante (Lebanese food)
This restaurant, located at Marquês do Pombal neighbourhood, and it serves the good-old Lebanese cuisine — considered one of the healthiest in the world. You’ll find some options that include meat and fish combined in a variety of vegetables and traditional spices.
One of the most famous dishes is the Kebbé Maklieh — a lamb tartare with cracked wheat shell, onion and olive oil. The owners of this restaurant are a family who’s been living in Lisbon for almost three decades.
A lunch for two should move around 20€. Dinners are more expensive.
Address: Rua do Conde de Redondo, 141A, Marquês de Pombal
These are enough restaurants for a good start in Lisbon. We hope you enjoy them as much as we are sure you’ll enjoy the Portuguese cuisine.
And remember: if you’re moving to Lisbon but haven’t yet secured your accommodation, take a look at Uniplaces.com to find the perfect place to call home.