Where to Eat for New Year’s in Lisbon

A new year is dawning. Here’s where to eat, drink and celebrate if you’re spending New Year’s in Lisbon!

The Portuguese capital may be known for sunny summer weather, but it’s also a great spot to spend the winter holidays—especially New Year’s. On December 31, bars and restaurants across the city will pull out all the stops to ring in the new year. And the next morning, plenty of places will open their doors to help you start the new decade off on the right foot.

These are our top picks for where to spend New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Lisbon, from classy cocktail bars and multi-course meals to the best post-party brunches. Put on something sparkly, grab the champagne, and get ready to celebrate in style!

If you're looking for the best restaurants for New Year's in Lisbon, we've got you covered with this guide.

Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Lisbon

If there’s one night of the year to stay out late, this is it. Say goodbye to the old year with a meal at one of Lisbon’s best restaurants, then hit the town for dancing, drinks and the final countdown. Here are our top picks for where to spend the last hours of this year—and the first few of the next one.

Lisbon’s Best New Year’s Eve Dinner and Drinks

Many restaurants in Lisbon offer special set menus for New Year’s Eve. This is an ideal way to enjoy an all-inclusive evening, from wine and petiscos to champagne and dessert.

One of our favorite options is Zambeze, an upscale eatery that fuses cuisine from Portugal’s Beira region with the flavors of Mozambique. They offer a legendary New Year’s Eve dinner menu for €175, including several courses, various drinks, entertainment throughout the night and unbeatable panoramic views.

For something truly special, book a table at Feitoria, a Michelin-starred restaurant at the Altis Belém Hotel. They’re offering an incredible tasting menu for €350, including a cocktail hour and dinner with wine pairings, plus a late-night supper after the midnight toast.

Alternatively, forego the fancy events and choose a low-key spot where the focus is squarely on food. If this is more your style, hit up one of our all-time favorite restaurants in Lisbon, many of which are open on New Year’s Eve. Or head to the Time Out Market to sample various Portuguese specialties at your leisure.

The facade of Mercado da Ribeira in Lisbon — Mercado da Ribeira, also known as the Time Out Market, is a foodie paradise all under one roof. Photo credit: Mercado da Ribeira

Where to Party the Night—and Year—Away

While half the city flocks to the Praça do Comércio to watch the fireworks (and fight through the crowds), you could be calmly sipping a cocktail at one of Lisbon’s best watering holes. Our advice? Choose a spot with epic views so you can also enjoy the spectacle in the sky.

Try PARK, one of the hottest rooftop bars in Lisbon, for panoramic views and awesome DJs. Or head to one of the craziest parties of the year: the Royal Palace Passagem de Ano at Parque Eduardo VII. Tickets start at just €30, including entrance and four drinks. The full experience, including a multi-course meal before the party starts, is available for €125.

Pouring sparkling wine - restaurants new year's Lisbon — No matter where you end up on New Year’s Eve, be sure to break out the bubbly.

Where to Eat on New Year’s Day in Lisbon

Once you’ve said farewell to the old year, it’s time to start the new one off right. And if you ask us, that starts with a good meal.

While many places close their doors on January 1, certain spots stay open to satisfy all your post-party cravings. Several even offer special menus, so you can continue the celebration all day.

The City’s Best Spots for New Year’s Brunch

If you’re looking for something extra special, check out the New Year’s Day festivities at the luxurious Altis hotels. Each of the chain’s three locations is offering a special New Year’s brunch menu for €55–65 per person. From savory dishes and salads to scrumptious desserts and drinks, you couldn’t ask for much more.

Several other hotels also offer special brunch menus on January 1, including PortoBay Liberdade, Jupiter Lisboa Hotel and Dolce CampoReal. If you’re looking for a truly luxurious feast, these places won’t disappoint. Settle in for a leisurely meal to bring you back to life after a long night out!

Restaurant at the PortoBay Liberdade hotel in Lisbon — The elegant bistro at the PortoBay Liberdade is the setting for one of the classiest New Year’s brunches in Lisbon. Photo credit: PortoBay Hotels & Resorts

Restaurants Open on New Year’s Day in Lisbon

Maybe you’ve had enough opulence and just want to enjoy some quality local cuisine. If that’s the case, check out the restaurants that stay open for New Year’s in Lisbon. One of the best is Bairro do Avillez, with several spaces offering different vibes: a gourmet deli, tavern, patio and cabaret (the latter of which also has New Year’s Eve festivities).

Another top option is Cervejaria Ramiro, an absolute classic for Portuguese cuisine at its finest. Although it’s also a favorite for New Year’s Eve dinner, this place stays open on the first day of the new year to satisfy all your seafood cravings. Try the fresh prawns, lobster or crab—and make sure to soak up all the juices with some fresh bread.

Finally, there’s Bastardo, an avant-garde eatery serving up an interesting mix of styles, concepts and cultures. Presentation is everything here; imagine a bread basket served in a box made of Legos, and cocktails topped with elaborate garnishes of fruit and herbs. Why not kick off the new decade with the kind of meal that no one will ever forget?

Melissa Haun

Melissa first moved to Madrid to explore her interests in linguistics and communication, and quickly fell in love with the city’s culture and cuisine. She’s particularly passionate about Spanish vermouth and canned seafood, and makes it a point to drench absolutely everything in olive oil.