Lisbon’s best 5

A quintet of the city’s finest gourmet finds

BELCANTO

Small and dicreet, this outstanding restaurant in the historical city centre was the first in Lisbon to be awarded two Michelin stars under super-star José Avillez, one of the country’s best chefs, who also has a number of other restaurants in Lisbon and one in the town of Oporto. If you are lucky enough to bag one of the 10 tables you will be offered what Avillez calls “an incomparable gastronomic and sensory journey”. In other words, exquisite Portuguese food. If you are feeling brave and the credit card can stand it, you could choose from the à la carte menu but a better bet is probably to sit back and give yourself over to one of the two tasting menus usually on offer. Largo de São Carlos, 10, 1200-410 Lisboa; +351 21 342 06 07; www.belcanto.pt

CERVEJARIA RAMIRO

Known by some simply as the seafood temple, perennial favourite Ramiro is the place to be for some of the best seafood to be found in the city. Glass display cabinets give a preview of what’s on the menu, including spectacular tiger prawns, shrimps, lobsters, crabs and oysters, as well as local delicacies clams and barnacles known as percebes in Portuguese. Service is fast and seamless with waiters dashing about holding vast seafood platters above their heads, just as they have done since the restaurant opened in the 1950s. Take it easy on the piles of garlic bread brought to the table while you wait and you may even have room for a prego (a steak sandwich) after the seafood. Avenida Almirante Reis 1, +351 21 885 1024; www.cervejariaramiro.pt

SEA ME, BAIRRO ALTO,

Wooden tables and waiters wearing grey Mao-style jackets provide the casual supertrendy style of this seafood restaurant with a difference. The menu may be decorated with one too many unnecessary slogans such as, “Good things come to those who wait”, but apart from that, it does offer some exceptional Asian-inspired dishes, which make a refreshing change from the classics seen in many other restaurants. Sashimi and sushi may well be expected to feature, as would Dover sole and other popular fish, but there are plenty of unexpected dishes too, such as pan-fried parrot fish from the Azores and seared tuna served with wasabi ice-cream. Rua do Loreto 21; +351 21 346 1564; www.peixariamoderna.com

À MARGEM

Join the super- cool set at this restaurant on Lisbon’s newly-rejuvenated riverside. Housed in a brilliant white converted shipping container, which provides views of the water from its open side, À Margem is a favourite of well-heeled locals and a few tourists in the know. Dishes are light and casual, such as a selection of sandwiches, and salads, or you could just pop in for a glass of wine as you sit and watch the ships go by. Doca do Bom Sucesso, Santa Maria de Belém; +351 91 782 4149; www.amargem.com

A TRAVESSA

Romance is taken to a new level at this Lisbon institution, housed in a 17th-century former convent, complete with its serene cloisters and atmospheric brick vaulting. Few can resist the delights of fresh wood-fired bread and wild mushrooms with scrambled eggs, garlic-infused moules frites and main courses such as venison medallions with truffles and exquisite desserts such as crème brûlée with seasonal fruits. Understandably, it’s one of the most popular restaurants in the city, so book ahead if you can. Travessa das Inglesinhas 28, Lapa; +351 21 390 2034; www.atravessa.com.