Where to eat Portuguese food in Lisbon for less than 10 euros
Featured photo by Time Out Lisboa
If you’re on a quest to explore Lisbon from a culinary point of view, yet you want to be careful not to break the bank, the local tascas are your best starting point. These modest, often family-run eateries are where the community comes to enjoy generous portions of traditional Portuguese dishes at wallet-friendly prices. The charm of a tasca lies in its simplicity and authenticity. Here, the focus is put on tasty, straightforward food served in a laid-back environment.
Another essential part of Lisbon’s affordable food scene is the pastelaria. Translating to “pastry shop”, the term doesn’t quite capture the full spectrum of what these establishments offer. Beyond the expected pastries and coffee, pastelarias serve as neighborhood hubs where people gather for light meals and savory snacks throughout the day. It’s not uncommon to find locals lingering over a pastry and a coffee in the morning, then returning for a beer or a quick, economical lunch later on. The offerings are diverse, featuring everything from sandwiches and salads to more substantial dishes, usually only served during lunch hours.
Photo by Café Viagem
Both tascas and pastelarias, alongside other small eateries and simple restaurants, tend to focus on hearty fare which is representative of Portuguese homestyle cooking. Typically, these establishments offer a menu of the day (menu do dia), which includes options like at least one soup of the day, as well as various fish and meat dishes. Unfortunately, vegetarian options are still rare in this specific context. The specials are usually pre-made, meaning that you’ll be served quickly after you sit down, but the fact that this is indeed fast food, doesn’t at all mean it is junk food. On the contrary, this is usually food like you’d taste in a Portuguese home, certainly not tailored to tourist palates but rather offering a genuine taste of local life. The menu do dia may even include dessert options, which is usually followed by an espresso coffee.
Photo by Saudades de Portugal
When you’re eating out on a budget in Portugal, beware of the concept of couvert, which is new to many visitors. Starters of bread, olives, cheese and maybe even some pâtés may be set on the table but these are optional items, and you’re charged only for what you consume.
Despite the pressures of rising rents and the proliferation of international chains, some of these traditional establishments continue to offer some of the best deals in the city. However, with the increasing number of tourists, finding these spots where meals remain under 10 euros can be challenging, but not impossible. Establishments still exist where a full meal, sometimes even with a beverage, can come in at less than 10 euros. Remember, if you need to keep costs down, you can always request tap water, which it’s safe to drink in Lisbon and by law must be provided free of charge.
These are the best restaurants in Lisbon to enjoy authentic Portuguese food for less than 10 euros:
Cantina das Freiras
Cantina das Freiras, a charming canteen run by the International Catholic Association for Women’s Youth Service (ACISJF) is known for simple, homestyle cooking, as well as quite spectacular river vistas from the secretive terrace of Palacete O’Neill, easily competing with the views from Lisbon’s most popular rooftop bars. Here, the joy of dining comes with a modest price tag, an increasing rarity in the central district of Chiado. For 10 euros, you can eat a comprehensive meal experience including a drink, soup, main, dessert, and coffee. For a little less, you’d still get a min dish, along with the choice of soup or dessert. The menu changes daily, offering traditional Portuguese recipes, including vegetarian-friendly options. Cantina das Freiras is, hands down, one of Lisbon’s treasured secrets!
📍Tv. Ferragial 1, 1200-184 Lisbon
www.facebook.com/p/Cantina-das-Freiras-100070017007182
Photo by NIT
Maçã Verde
Located right besides the Santa Apolónia train station, Maçã Verde is a classic Portuguese tavern. Known for its unpretentious vibe and reliable, hearty Portuguese dishes, this spot is a hit both with local chefs on their days off and the youthful crowd enjoying casual dinners. The menu is a straightforward affair with familiar favorites offered at fair prices that often stay under 10 euros. Expect classic of comfort Portuguese food which keep changing throughout the week, including the Lisbon classic recipe of bacalhau à Brás, scrambled cod with fried potato and egg, but also cuts of Iberian black pork (porco preto), fried cuttlefish strips (choco frito), alheira sausage with fried egg, pan-fried liver (iscas), grilled fresh fish, and more. The dessert selection also keeps varying, but the house favorites include Portuguese style crème brûlée (leite creme) and sweet rice pudding (arroz doce). Come to Maçã Verde for a seriously good affordable meal, without fuss.
📍Rua dos Caminhos de Ferro 1100, 1100-486 Lisbon
www.facebook.com/p/Ma%C3%A7%C3%A3-Verde-100070200601333
Photo by Time Out Lisboa
Pato Real
Tucked away in the Avenidas Novas neighborhood, Pato Real is a family run restaurant that simply defies the city’s inflationary trend. Managed by brothers José and Carlos Amaral, this restaurant continues the legacy of their father, Agostinho, by offering beloved Portuguese recipes and generous portions at remarkably low prices. Pato Real, also known as the “Royal Duck” amongst regulars, particularly younger ones from the nearby universities, has been a cornerstone of affordable dining in Lisbon for over seventy years! The menu includes a full lunch that includes a couvert, beverage, soup, main dish, dessert, and coffee for an astoundingly affordable price, just around 10 euros. Daily specials rotate throughout the week, with each day dedicated to specific traditional dishes from shredded cod with onions, eggs, and fries (bacalhau à Brás), to a hearty stew of mixed meats and vegetables (cozido à portuguesa), liver slices in onion sauce (iscas de cebolada), chicken in creamy sauce (frango de fricassé), and more. At Pato Real, a draft beer (imperial) has cost just 75 cents for years and, bonus, they serve some of the largest pastéis de nata we’ve seen around the city!
📍Av. de Berna 37, 1050-038 Lisbon
www.instagram.com/patorealrestaurante
Photo by Evasões
Mondego
Tucked away just behind Rossio in downtown Lisbon, Restaurante Mondego offers a sanctuary from the city’s often polarized dining scene. Here, in a cozy, unassuming space, the commitment to traditional Portuguese cooking shines through, providing a delicious alternative to the city’s upscale eateries and ubiquitous fast-food chains. Mondego serves food prepared by a traditional cook, and presented by genuine staff, in a no-frills environment. This family-run establishment is all about warmth, both in terms of service, as well as classic Portuguese fare. Daily specials are priced very reasonably and keep varying in terms of choice, but many regulars keep coming back because of the octopus recipes (polvo), praised for its tenderness and flavor. On any given day, the specials might even include international touches, like the beloved Cape Verdean cachupa [inserir aqui link para artigo sobre pratos Africanos], adding a delightful twist to the traditional menu.
📍Tv. do Forno, 1150-268 Lisbon
Photo by Sluurpy
O Coradinho
Another restaurant offering incredible value for money, O Coradinho in the neighborhood of Pontinha is a local favorite that proves that exceptional Portuguese cuisine doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, as well as petiscos like blood sausage (morcela) or pica pau, which is a traditional dish of bite-sized pieces of beef cooked in a spicy garlic and wine sauce. Even though service at O Coradinho is friendly and quick, the restaurant fills up fast – that shows how much locals care about a place which serves honest food and friendly prices! Come to O Coradinho to relax and enjoy good food without spending a fortune.
📍Rua de Santa Marta 4, 1150-295 Lisbon
www.instagram.com/restaurante_coradinho
Photo by Tobias H on TripAdvisor
A Rampa
Near the bustling Avenida da Liberdade, A Rampa serves traditional Portuguese cuisine at prices that seem almost too good to be true. This family-run restaurant, established in 1968, has become a local favorite, maintaining a loyal clientele thanks to its combination of home-cooked meals and incredibly affordable prices. At A Rampa, the atmosphere is unpretentiously cool and that, here in Portugal, often involves paper tablecloths. For about 10 euros you can enjoy a full lunch menu that includes a couvert, a beverage, soup, a main course, dessert, and coffee. Daily specials include dishes like bacalhau à Brás, roasted duck and pan-fried liver (iscas à Portuguesa) served with home fries. The communal vibes you feel at places like A Rampa can’t be made up. This is a truly genuine Portuguese tasca.
📍Rua Nogueira e Sousa 12, 1150-211 Lisbon
www.facebook.com/p/A-Rampa-100069401280793
Photo by NIT
A Tasca do Tretas
Looking for an authentic affordable meal near the Alameda area of Lisbon? Head to A Tasca do Tretas! This place is a hit among locals who value straightforward, tasty meals and a friendly atmosphere. The decor makes this place even more inviting if you’re in that kind of mood: wine bottles, Benfica memorabilia, and a TV always turned on, can turn a visit to this tasca into an almost Portuguese cultural experience! While the main dishes such as the oven roasted pork knuckle (pernil no forno), the the green peas with poached eggs (ervilhas com ovos escalfados), the veal and veggie stew (jardineira de vitela) and even the cozido à Portuguesa are satisfying and well-priced, it’s the desserts that steal the show. The cookie cake (bolo de bolacha) by A Tasca do Tretas hailed as possibly the best in Lisbon, made with perfectly coffee-soaked biscuits and a not-too-sweet cream that brings it all together. Such a budget-friendly yet delightful experience!
📍Rua Carlos Mardel 115A, 1900-015 Lisbon
www.facebook.com/atascadotretas
Photo by Gastroranking
Restaurante Bar Timor
For over 50 years, Restaurante Bar Timor has been serving good quality affordable dishes. Known for its typical Portuguese dishes and expertly grilled meats, this restaurant also offers a variety of home-made desserts to complete a hearty meal. Every Wednesday, the restaurant features its beloved cozido à Portuguesa, attracting regulars who seek to indulge in this rich, traditional stew. The daily menu, priced at a modest 10 euros, includes appetizers, a main dish, a drink, dessert, and coffee, making it an exceptional value. Restaurante Bar Timor’s has the reputation of one of the best places in the capital to enjoy authentic Minho cuisine, including Minho style salted cod (bacalhau à minhota), featuring fried cod, home chips and lots of onions sauteed in olive oil.
📍Av. François Mitterrand 6, 1950-342 Lisbon
www.instagram.com/restaurantebartimor
Photo by Uber Eats
O Cantinho do Alfredo
Mentioned in our Campolide Travel Guide for Food Lovers, as a must-stop in the neighborhood of Campolide, O Cantinho do Alfredo is worth it for a delicious affordable meal, regardless of already being in the neighborhood or not. Run by Albino José Miguel, and curiously not anyone named Alfredo, this is a beloved spot to enjoy generous servings of traditional Portuguese dishes, crafted by Helena. This cook’s most famed dishes include roasted duck with orange (pato no forno com laranja), cozido à Portuguesa, flat codfish fritters (pataniscas de bacalhau), and a loose and saucy octopus rice (arroz de polvo malandrinho). The restaurant’s interior is modest, but what you get served for the price you pay could be considered a true luxury!
📍Rua Gen. Taborda 44, 1070-271 Lisbon
www.facebook.com/people/O-Cantinho-do-Alfredo/100064225831035
Photo by DIGin
Lucimar
Lucimar’s menu has a good variety of traditional dishes, but it’s the francesinha that steals the spotlight. Served in a rich and savory sauce perfect for dipping, their francesinha can be ordered with different types of meat including beef, turkey, or pork, priced at just under 10 euros. For those preferring a lighter or vegetarian option, there’s also a vegetable francesinha available for even cheaper. If you’re not ready to commit to a full one, half portions are available, so you pay even less and keep some room to indulge in one of their homemade desserts. Lucimar is such a good value choice for dining in Lisbon, just like us locals like to do. Besides the popular francesinha, there’s quite a vast menu, with a little bit for everyone – it’s indulgent and homey!
📍Rua Francisco Tomás da Costa 28, 1600-093 Lisbon
www.facebook.com/RestauranteLucimar
Photo by Dennis B on TripAdvisor
Pastelaria Saga
Since opening its doors in 2016, Pastelaria Saga has quickly become a neighborhood favorite in the neighborhood of Graça. Housed in what used to be a family clothing store, the establishment has transformed into a bustling bakery with a warm, welcoming vibe that feels like it’s been part of the community for decades. Luís Dias, the owner, started Saga out of a personal desire for a local spot to buy quality pastries, and now, his pastéis de nata are renowned as some of the best in the city. Apart from its delightful pastries, Pastelaria Saga offers a variety of traditional baked goods and serves up hearty meals that cater to all tastes. Besides francesinha, the bakery also provides lighter options such as salads and a rotation of daily specials, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
📍Largo da Graça 135, 1170-165 Lisbon
www.facebook.com/p/Saga-Pastelaria-100081139975551
Photo by Time Out Lisboa
Verde Minho
Another gem in a “hidden” corner of Baixa, Verde Minho is popular for its delicious Minho style cooking, as well as charcoal-grilled dishes. The traditional recipes crafted at Verde Minho’s kitchen can transport you straight to the north of Portugal without leaving the heart of Lisbon. The essence of Minho cooking is well represented at this unassuming eatery, from the onion-laden bacalhau à Minhota, to the less common but equally delicious rice with ribs (arroz de entrecosto), the pork belly (entremeada) and the roasted chicken (pito, as they would say up north). Like in Minho itself, the portions are extremely generous too. Located near the typical tourist paths, yet a little away from them, Verde Minho is the kind of eatery you’d think doesn’t exist anymore in Lisbon’s city centre, but those in the know, well… know! Here, achieving a full meal experience, from appetizers to dessert, without exceeding 10 euros is more than feasible!
📍CC de Sant’Ana 17, 1150-169 Lisbon
Photo by Lifecooler
A Modesta da Pampulha
We love places like A Modesta da Pampulha, where social status fades away at the dining table. Mrs. Anabela’s journey of transforming A Modesta da Pampulha reflects her respect for tradition and a strong commitment to family values. With Mr. Duarte in the kitchen, the culinary expertise passed down from Anabela’s mother ensures that meals here are a feast for the taste buds while being a continuation of Portuguese culinary heritage. The menu features a little bit of everything, from traditional codfish fritters, to robust wild boar stew served over rustic bread slices (ensopado de javali), and the ever-popular cozido. The highlight, however, are the iscas, a dish of pan fried liver so beloved that it has become the restaurant’s signature offering. The daily specials are a culinary adventure, changing regularly but maintaining a consistently high standard.
📍Rua do Olival 288, 1200-745 Lisbon
www.facebook.com/AModestaDaPampulha
Photo by Sergio G on TripAdvisor
A Floresta da Estefânia
Step back in time at Floresta da Estefânia, a restaurant that captures the essence of the 1960s and 70s with its unique decor and classic culinary offerings. As you enter, you’re greeted by rooms adorned with beige-patterned tiles and paintings depicting galloping horses and serene waterfall landscapes, setting the stage for a truly nostalgic experience. Floresta da Estefânia is renowned for its straightforward, delicious fare that brings out the best of traditional Portuguese cuisine. The menu features a variety of daily specials that promise a good taste of local flavors. Meat lovers can enjoy a selection of grilled pork cuts like secretos and lagartinhos, as well as the Brazilian-inspired picanha, all served with a hearty side of chips, rice, and black beans. The seafood offerings are also great, including Minho-style cod, irresistible cod fritters (pataniscas). Occasionally, and crispy Atlantic horse mackerel (jaquinzinhos).
📍Rua Cidade da Horta 37, 1000-101 Lisbon
www.facebook.com/p/Restaurante-Floresta-da-Estef%C3%A2nia-100063650016075
Photo by La Carte
Das Flores
In the heart of Chiado, where the secrets are poorly kept but good down-to-earth food is still treasured, lies Das Flores – not to be mistaken with A Taberna das Flores nearby (Rua das Flores 103). This sanctuary of traditional cooking and bygone prices exists in a district scarce of either, proving itself as one of Lisbon’s venerable eateries despite its notoriety for always being bustling, only opening for lunch, and closing on Sundays. Das Flores is a family operation, with the mother in the kitchen, the father at the counter, and the daughter serving tables. They operate with a simple yet effective formula: quality food served by a dedicated family team in a cozy setting. Menu items include classics like cod à Brás, fried liver, and croquetes with side dishes. When it comes to desserts, popular options include the rice pudding and the almond tart. It is such a rarity to find such good meals at such affordable prices in such a prime location!
📍Rua das Flores 76 78, 1200-195 Lisbon
Photo by Time Out Lisboa
Tasquinha do Lagarto
Located in the heart of Campolide, just like Cantinho do Alfredo above, Tasquinha do Lagarto is a celebration of traditional Minhoto cuisine and a gathering place for sports fans alike – you will not be indifferent to the amount of Sporting memorabilia all over the place! But the strong passion isn’t limited to sports, it also applies to cooking. Managed by Ricardo Rodrigues and his family, the restaurant serves a variety of cherished dishes such as octopus lagareiro style, with heaps of olive oil and garlic, grouper rice (arroz de garoupa), cozido à portuguesa, pork cheeks with traditional Portuguese sausage (bochechas de porco com farinheira), and home style broad beans (favas à tasquinha). Their range of traditional Portuguese desserts also keep locals coming back for more! If you come to Tasquinha do Lagarto on a day where the Sporting football club has a match, it’s going to be an even more joyful experience.
📍Rua de Campolide 258, 1070-039 Lisbon
www.instagram.com/tasquinhadolagarto
Photo by NIT
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Feed your curiosity on Portuguese food culture:
How to identify an authentic Portuguese Tasca
Vinho Verde: a guide to Portugal’s most misunderstood wine
Where Lisbon locals go for lunch
Iconic foods and places Lisbon locals love
The oldest restaurants and cafes in Lisbon
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