Once the meeting point of Portuguese intellectuals, Chiado has become a popular destination for shopping and dining. But where do you eat in the very heart of Lisbon?

It’s in Rua Garret that you’ll find most of the cafés and bookshops in Chiado. But if you want to eat a proper meal, you’ll have to venture a bit further, to its side streets, and the edge of Bairro Alto.

At Devour Lisbon, we want you to experience the best of the best, so we made a list of our top favorite restaurants in Chiado, including an option for our vegan friends!

Photo Credit: betty.du, Text Overlay: Devour Lisbon Food Tours

1. Taberna da Rua das Flores – For the Petiscos

If you’re new to the whole petiscos scene in Lisbon, you should head to Taberna da Rua das Flores. This tiny restaurant gets its name from its street, Rua das Flores.

Anything worth having is worth waiting for, and that definitely rings true here. Once you’re in, the waiter will approach you with a giant blackboard, yes, that’s the menu.

The dishes change every day according to the chef’s inspiration and seasonal ingredients.

If you’re lucky to spot meia-desfeita (codfish salad), we recommend giving it a go. Don’t forget, petiscos are made to share, so bring a friend with you!

Insider’s tip: You can only pay with cash and they don’t accept reservations, so make sure to arrive early.

2. Sacramento do Chiado – A Traditional Meal with a Twist

What better way to start a meal, then with a delicious plate of prawns with garlic?

At Sacramento do Chiado, you can try this and many other traditional Portuguese dishes with a twist.

We really like their Bacalhau com Broa (Codfish with Corn Bread Crumbs) and the Pernil de Porco (Roasted Pork Ham).

The restaurant gains extra points for its relaxed atmosphere and the old vaulted ceilings, reminiscing of the building’s past as a noble palace.

At lunch, you can opt for the €14 buffet and try a variety of dishes.

Insider’s tip: To save some money, skip the couvert!

3. Cantinho do Avillez – A Reference in Portuguese Cuisine

Chef José Avillez is a reference in Portuguese gastronomy. Today he owns more than ten dining spots, including Lisbon’s two-Michelin-star restaurant, Belcanto. But before he made it big, he only had one restaurant—Cantinho do Avillez.

Translated as “Avillez’s little corner”, this Chiado restaurant blends Portuguese cuisine with international ingredients.

Some of the most requested dishes at Cantinho do Avillez are the Carabineiros do Algarve com Molho Thai (prawns with Thai sauce) and the hazelnut dessert Avelã³.

4. Alma – A Relaxed Michelin-Star Restaurant

Alma means “soul” in Portuguese, and that’s what you can expect to find here—food for the soul.

Henrique Sá Pessoa is the chef behind this Michelin-star restaurant famous for its reinterpretations of Portuguese classics.

They have tasting menus, but you can also order à la carte. If you do, we recommend trying the Calçada de Bacalhau (salted cod with onion purée and egg yolk).

5. Sea Me – A Modern Fishery

Right across the street from Manteigaria, our favorite spot for Portuguese custard tarts, you’ll find Sea Me.

As you might have guessed by the name, it’s all about the sea here!

The restaurant celebrates the link between Portugal and Japan, with contemporary dishes such as the sardine nigiri sushi and the sea bass salad with seaweed.

Like most seafood restaurants in Lisbon, a fish meal always ends with a prego, a traditional steak sandwich. Don’t ask us why, just try it!

Insider’s tip: The restaurant is usually quite busy, so make sure to book in advance.

6. Boa-Bao – A Journey Through Asia

Grab your passport, don’t worry that’s the cocktail menu, you’re about to embark on a journey through Asia!

Boa-Bao hasn’t been around for long, but it has already become one of the most popular restaurants in Chiado. Here you can try a selection of Asian dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and many other regions.

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We love their gua baos (pork belly buns) and the Malaysian curry soup, which, by the way, is big enough to share! Oh, and they also do take away.

Insider’s tip: Sit outside and admire the stunning tiled façade of Casa do Ferreira das Tabuletas.

7. Ao 26 Vegan Food Project – A Vegan Restaurant

Even the most skeptic meat eaters will love the 26 Vegan Food Project. Everything is vegan here, but that doesn’t mean it’s tasteless!

They have top-notch burgers made with beetroot and lentils, which are served in a delicious bolo do caco (a typical bread from Madeira made with sweet potato).

For dessert, there’s an oreo tart with peanut butter and chocolate, need we say more?

Insider’s tip: The restaurant is quite popular, so try to book a table in advance!

We love the Chiado neighborhood so much that we want to show you around. On our Tastes & Traditions of Lisbon Tour, we’ll take you to a handful of our favorite spots in this charming district—as well as in Baixa, Bica and Cais do Sodré. You’ll know your way around Lisbon like the back of your hand by the time we’re done—and come away full, happy, and packed with insider foodie knowledge that will come in handy throughout your Portuguese adventure.