Best Fado Restaurants in Lisbon: Music, Culture & Cuisine
Why Fado Belongs to Lisbon Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International Fado is a cherished expression of Portuguese identity, where music and poetry come together, and has been recognized by UNESCO for its cultural heritage. It was born in the historic neighborhoods of Lisbon, Alfama, Mouraria, and...
Lisbon Food & Drink
Mercearia do Pai Júlio: Where Lisbon’s Past and Present Meet
Stumbling into Mercearia do Pai Júlio in Bairro Alto felt like stepping back in time—but with a modern twist. I wasn’t planning to linger when I first walked in; I was just curious about the old-school grocery vibe I spotted through the window. But within minutes, I was captivated—not just...
I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting much when I stumbled upon Taberna Carolina. Tucked away beneath the Church of the Martyrs in Chiado, it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking closely. But the minute I walked through the door, I realized I had found something special. The concept...
When I first stepped into Leve Leve, I felt like I’d been whisked away from Lisbon’s bustling streets to somewhere with an easy, calming energy. The name “Leve Leve” really sets the tone—it’s a phrase from São Tomé and Príncipe, where the bar’s founder, Abanilson Lavres, is from, and it...
Tasquinha Canto do Fado - A Taste of Tradition
Every time I step into Tasquinha Canto do Fado, I feel like I’m stepping into the warm embrace of tradition and comfort. Right in the heart of Mouraria, this place is a hidden gem, tucked away from the bustling Lisbon center. Chef João has put his heart into this space—returning...
Wine Not? A Go-To Spot for Wine in Lisbon
I recently had the chance to check out Wine Not?, a chic little wine bar in the heart of Chiado, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite spots in Lisbon. Opened in 2015, this place is a passion project of João Ribeiro and his wife, Rute, and their connection...
Ginjinha Popular: A Dive into Lisbon’s Real Heart
Stumbling upon Ginjinha Popular was like discovering a piece of Lisbon frozen in time. Between Rossio and Restauradores, this tiny, unassuming bar has been around since 1931, kept alive by generations of the same family. I’ve heard it’s practically a second home to locals who’ve been coming here for decades,...
São Jorge Restaurant – My Hidden Alfama Favorite
Introduction to the Restaurant If you’re ever wandering through the charming, cobbled streets of Alfama, you might just stumble upon São Jorge—one of those places that feels like a delightful secret. I first discovered it on a lazy afternoon walk, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The restaurant has been...
Cantinho do Aziz - Africa in the Heart of Lisbon
Introduction to Cantinho do Aziz Walking into Cantinho do Aziz, I was immediately enveloped by a sense of warmth and nostalgia that transported me straight to Mozambique. Founded by Aziz, who came from Mozambique to Lisbon in the 1980s, this family-run restaurant has preserved its roots beautifully. As I settled...
