WHERE TO EAT

For a star-studded night ALMA

Henrique Sá Pessoa serves up creative, contemporary Portuguese cuisine in a refined atmosphere. The restaurant recently earned a michelin star.

BELCANTO

Portuguese haute cuisine at its best. With two michelin stars, it’s presided over by the city’s most fabled chef, José Avillez, and has only 10 tables, so be sure to make a booking well in advance.

For something a little more relaxed MINI BAR

molecular gastronomy meets pork sliders at this buzzing low-lit joint in the chiado district. Excellent cocktails and surprisingly modest prices. Book well in advance.

BAIRRO DO AVILLEZ

Beautifully cooked meat and seafood in generous portions ideal for sharing. The decor is rustic but elegant, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Request a table in the Taberna section of the restaurant, which boasts a spectacular indoor garden.

For the best pastel de nata, or Portuguese tart MANTEIGARIA

This hole in the wall in Bairro Alto makes only one product, so it’s no surprise that its Portuguese tarts are the best in the city. Expect crisp, warm treats with perfect custard fillings, thanks to the use of whole eggs, butter instead of margarine, the absense of preservatives and painstaking hand-working of the pastry dough.

PASTÉIS DE BELÉM

This establishment has been baking Portuguese tarts since 1837 using an ancient recipe from the neighbouring landmark monastery, mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Beware the long queues.