
What Is the Best Time to Visit Portugal?
What’s the Best Time to Visit Portugal? You’ve heard me rave before about the gem that is Portugal. Great food, richer history than typical textbooks,
If you’re out exploring Lisbon, I may not need to remind you how expensive your itinerary may be. All those car rentals, hotel suits, or planning adventures to Mount Pico can definitely dry up your wallet.
But that doesn’t mean you’ll have to go on frequent diets to save euros along the way. After all, beautiful sights aside, this gastronomic wonderland of a city is full of lots of budget-friendly restaurants with incredible cuisines.
And if you’re looking to cut down on your Lisbon adventure costs without skimping on food, I can give you just the route you need. That’s because I’m writing today to introduce you to some of the best cheap restaurants in Lisbon that are about to become your new obsession.
Along the maze of cobblestoned streets and vintage yellow trams, Lisbon has a rich and diverse culinary landscape. Yes, most of those restaurants can make your wallet weep hard. But many others crossed my path that’ll savor your taste buds with delicious offerings while being easy on your budget.
And you’ll find them spread out across the city, from hole-in-the-wall tavernas to vibrant street food corners.But what makes Lisbon’s food scene truly special? Well, it’s the combination of:
Must-Try Dishes:
When I think of A Provinciana, it always feels like being invited to a Portuguese grandma’s Sunday lunch. It’s the kind of place that instantly makes you feel at home, with aromas that tell stories of generations of cooking.Sitting near Rossio Square, this isn’t your typical tourist restaurant. It’s a family-run spot that locals treasure like a well-kept secret. Américo and his daughter run the dining room with the kind of genuine hospitality that makes you feel like an honored guest, while his wife Judite works her magic in the kitchen.
The daily special – or prato do dia – is something of a local ritual. The family brings a different traditional Portuguese dish each day that reflects the heart of home cooking. For example, Mondays might surprise you with arroz de cabidela, a rich chicken and rice dish that tells a story with every bite. Tuesdays feature chanfana, a hearty goat stew that speaks to the region’s culinary traditions. The menu continues this way through the entire week – Wednesday’s feijoada, Thursday’s cozido à portuguesa – each dish more inviting than the last.
Insider Tips:
Highlight Dishes:
Step into Zé da Mouraria, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to someone’s home kitchen in the 1950s. The walls are adorned with vintage photographs and soccer memorabilia, and the intoxicating aroma of garlic and olive oil hits you before you even sit down. This tiny restaurant, hidden in the labyrinthine streets of Mouraria, has been serving massive portions of traditional Portuguese cuisine for over three decades.The soul of this place is Sr. José, the charismatic owner who treats everyone like family – whether you’re a local who’s been coming for 20 years or a first-time visitor.
He’s known for randomly breaking into fado songs while serving dishes, adding to the authentic Portuguese experience.Their arroz de tamboril (monkfish rice) is legendary – a creamy, saffron-tinged rice dish studded with chunks of tender monkfish and prawns, served in portions so generous they could easily feed three people. But the real secret gem here is their secretos de porco preto – thin slices of black pork grilled to perfection and served with homemade potato chips and a garlicky orange sauce that’ll have you dreaming about it for weeks.
Insider Tips:
Signature Dishes:
Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you – Casa da Índia is a piece of living history in Lisbon’s culinary scene. Operating since 1935, this restaurant is what Portuguese people call a “cervejaria” (beer house), but it’s so much more than that. The stainless steel counter, the vintage tiles, and the bustling open kitchen create an atmosphere that’s simultaneously chaotic and comforting.
The real show here is at the grill, where master grillers (some who’ve been working here for decades) perform their daily dance with flames and smoke. Their frango no churrasco isn’t just grilled chicken – it’s a masterpiece of perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat, enhanced by their secret piri-piri sauce recipe that’s been closely guarded for generations.During lunch hours, you’ll find a mix of office workers, artists, and elderly locals all squeezed together at the counter, devouring bifanas (Portuguese pork sandwiches) that drip with savory juices. The bread used for these sandwiches comes from a local bakery twice daily, and the pork is marinated for 24 hours in a blend of white wine, garlic, and bay leaves.
At night, the place transforms into a lively spot where groups of friends gather for petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and imperial (draft beer). The grilled sardines, when in season, are a must-try – simply prepared with sea salt and served with roasted peppers and boiled potatoes.
Insider Tips:
Now, this is a place particularly for night owls to rejoice on a budget. Looking at their menu clearly shows that sometimes, you need comfort food at ungodly hours. The restaurant specializes in caldo verde, which is some sort of traditional Portuguese green soup, and chouriço sandwiches. And they’re both a nightly hit among locals and tourists.
Late-Night Highlights:
Seeing and smelling all those smoking and grilling on both sides of the streets might give you the idea that Lisbon isn’t for vegans. But let me tell you, these restaurants will prove you wrong with their unique vegan food delicacy.
You know those places that just feel like home? That’s A Minha Avó for you. This cozy spot combines traditional Portuguese charm with modern vegan innovation.
Their “duckless” rice (€9.50) is legendary – seriously, you’ll question if it’s actually vegan. The secret lies in their house-smoked mushrooms and perfectly seasoned seitan.Don’t miss their weekday lunch special (€12) – it’s an absolute steal. You’ll get soup, a main, dessert, and a drink.
Pro tip: Come before 12:30 or after 2:00 to avoid the office crowd. And bring your own containers for takeaway – you’ll get a 10% discount and help save the planet.
Tucked away in the bustling Chiado district, this place is where organic meets artistic flair. The daily changing menu keeps things exciting – one day, you might find mushroom risotto (€12), and the next day, a colorful Buddha bowl packed with seasonal veggies (€11).
Their seitan meatballs (€12) are the talk of the town – even my meat-loving friends can’t get enough of them. The sauce is this rich, garlicky tomato concoction that I’d happily drink by itself.
Pro Tip: Students, bring your ID for a sweet 15% discount they often offer.
This place started in a tiny space and grew into a vegan institution – for good reason. The seitan burger (€9.50) is a masterpiece with house-made cashew cheese that actually melts. But the real showstopper? Their peanut chocolate cake (€4.50) – I’ve seen people order second slices before finishing their first.
The atmosphere is casual but hip, with local artwork on the walls and playlist that’ll have you Shazaming songs all evening. Hit the 3-5 PM window to avoid crowds and sometimes score lunch menu prices.
Bonus: They’re super accommodating with allergies and will happily adjust dishes.
This small, eco-friendly gem is where whole foods shine. Everything’s made from scratch – no processed ingredients in sight. Their azuki bean burger (€8.50) has this amazing texture that’ll make you forget about those frozen patties forever. The daily “pay-what-you-can” soup makes great food accessible to everyone.
The space is small but mighty, with just six tables and a counter. The owner, Maria, knows regular customers by name and often experiments with new recipes based on their feedback. Grab a window seat if you can – perfect for people-watching while enjoying their famous homemade kombucha (€3).
Hidden in Alfama’s winding streets, TATAOIM brings Brazil’s vibrant flavors to Lisbon’s vegetarian scene. The space is small but bursting with color—think tropical prints and local art that’ll transport you straight to Salvador. Their vegan feijoada (€12) is nothing short of magical. How they manage to capture that rich, smoky flavor without meat is beyond me.
The black beans are cooked to perfection, and the farofa (cassava flour mixture) adds just the right crunch. Their moqueca (€13) is another winner—the coconut milk sauce is so good you’ll want to lick the plate clean. The gluten-free tapioca selection deserves its own paragraph. These Brazilian-style crepes (€6–8) come with creative fillings that change daily. My go-to is the “Carioca” with cashew cheese, tomato, and herbs. Early bird gets the worm here—popular fillings often sell out by mid-afternoon.
This family-run spot is where comfort food meets conscious eating. The moment you walk in, you’re hit with the aroma of freshly baked pastries – all vegan, all amazing. The space feels like your cool friend’s living room, complete with mismatched vintage furniture and local photography on the walls.
Their vegan chorizo sandwich (€6.50) is the stuff of legends. The chorizo is made in-house using a secret blend of spices that took months to perfect. Paired with their crusty bread and garlic aioli, it’s comfort food at its finest.
The breakfast special (until 11:30) is an absolute bargain at €5 – coffee, fresh juice, and any pastry from their display. And speaking of pastries, their chocolate cake (€3.50) has converted many skeptics to vegan desserts. It’s rich, moist, and somehow better than the traditional version.
Being in Lisbon doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t enjoy the rich Asian cuisine and culture. I’ve stumbled upon many hidden gems along the way that barely cost extra while offering the tastiest authentic dishes.
Imagine a food court where culinary borders disappear. Here, Vietnamese pho dances next to Korean fried chicken, and Japanese sushi shares space with Chinese dim sum. It’s a budget traveler’s dream—most dishes hover around €8-€10, letting you sample an entire continent without breaking the bank.
Must-try dishes:
Insider tip: Come during weekday lunch hours (12-2 PM) for the best deals and shorter queues.
Nestled in the heart of Chiado, this restaurant turns dinner into an adventure. Think purple sweet potato noodles that look too beautiful to eat and ramen bowls that could warm the coldest Lisbon evening. Prices range €10-€15, making it perfect for a stylish yet affordable night out with friends.
Menu highlights:
Pro tip: They offer a lunch special Monday-Friday that includes a main dish and drink for €12.
These neighborhood gems serve up authentic pho that’ll transport you straight to Hanoi. Starting at just €6, their steaming bowls are packed with fresh herbs, tender meat, and soul-warming broth. Perfect for those chilly Lisbon afternoons.
Customer favorites:
Hand-pulled noodles that tell a story with every slurp. Their Chinese noodle soups are hearty, flavorful, and priced so right you’ll want to come back daily. Each bowl is a testament to generations of noodle-making tradition.
Popular Dishes:
Now, I’m a Muslim myself. And honestly, during my first few months staying in the city, finding halal food in Lisbon was a real tough job in the jostling mix of Portuguese and Global cuisines.
But after exploring the city for years, I managed to find some of the cheapest halal restaurants in Portugal. Let me share a few community favorites.
Imagine tagines that whisper tales of distant spice markets. Their lamb tagine and chicken biryani (€10-€15) aren’t just meals – it’s where Moroccan and Indian cuisines meet in perfect harmony.. Cozy, family-run, with flavors that feel like a warm hug.
Must-order dishes:
Think home-cooked Bangladeshi food in a cozy setting. The portions here are incredibly generous. Hearty curries here feel like they’ve been perfected over generations. Plates between €8-€12 offer generous portions that’ll satisfy both your hunger and your wallet. The staff? They’re so friendly, you’ll feel like part of the family.
Popular choices:
Butter chicken and lamb tikka masala that could make a foodie weep with joy. Halal-certified and nestled in one of Lisbon’s most multicultural streets, with dishes ranging from €8-€10. Each bite tells a story of spice and tradition.
Crowd favorites:
For both Muslims and non-Muslims alike, Cantinho do Aziz is more than just a restaurant. Their Mozambican-inspired halal dishes are a vibrant celebration of flavors, telling stories of colonial history and culinary fusion.
Must-Try Dishes:
Affordable doesn’t mean boring. Alfama Kebabish proves that Lisbon street food can be a rich gourmet experience. They offer Indian and Middle Eastern flavors that dance on your palate.
Street Food Highlights:
Lisbon isn’t just a destination—it’s a food lover’s playground where every meal is an opportunity to explore, connect, and fall in love with a city’s rich, diverse culture.
So, bring your sense of adventure and get ready to discover a world where delicious doesn’t mean expensive. Bom apetite!
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