Dinners in Lisbon

Lisbon is the beautiful coastal capital of Portugal, nestled along the Tagus River. The city’s rolling hills are filled with pastel-colored homes that lead down to a rocky shoreline of beaches.

With its close proximity to the water, Lisbon is famous for its delicious seafood. Bacalhau, sardines, octopus and polvo à la lagareiro are popular dishes for locals and tourists alike.

A dinner in Lisbon is one of the best ways to be immersed in the culture and traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Here's all you need to know about dinners, one of the most captivating  gastronomic experiences in Lisbon.

What are the most popular dinner experiences in Lisbon?

Traditional dinner and fado show

Take a guided tour to dine on a traditional Portuguese dinner and enjoy the melancholy tunes of fado music in this immersive experience.

You’ll begin in the cobblestoned streets of the Alfama neighborhood, one of the oldest areas of the entire city. You’ll learn about the district's history as you travel on a fascinating 1-hour walking tour.

Afterward, you’ll wander into a traditional fado house where you’ll hear the unique Portuguese music performed. Listen as the guitar is strummed and emotional lyrics are sung in an authentic Lisbon atmosphere.

Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon dinner

This excursion is the perfect way to get skip-the-line access to dine at the Hard Rock Cafe in Lisbon. You’ll meet at the iconic international restaurant downtown where you’ll head straight in the door for your reservation.

You’ll have the choice between a two-course dinner with an entree and dessert or a three-course dinner with an appetizer, entree and dessert.

Feast on your meal paired with delicious beverages while surrounded by amazing memorabilia of rock music throughout the ages. Visit the trendy Rock Shop on the way out to grab a souvenir to remember your visit.

Private sunset dinner tour

Enjoy unbeatable panoramic sunset views on this romantic dinner tour of Lisbon. The day trip begins with a guided walking tour through the Alfama district as the sun begins to set along the coastal horizon.

Your guide will lead you through the multicultural neighborhood of Mouraria while explaining the history and traditions of Lisbon at large.

While on your stroll, you’ll stop for a taste of the classic sour cherry “Ginjinha” liqueur before heading up a hillside for breathtaking views of the coastline from Miradouro das Portas do Sol.

You’ll close out the evening with a visit to a traditional restaurant for a three-course Portuguese dinner cooked in the Lisbon style. While you dine you’ll be treated to an authentic fado performance by talented musicians.

Chef dinner

On this dinner tour in Lisbon, you’ll indulge in a four-course dinner prepared by a Portuguese chef. You’ll begin your excursion at a local Portuguese home surrounded by an enchanting garden.

Your culinary professional will prepare a series of dishes both traditional and family-inspired while you sip wine and enjoy the ambiance.

You’ll begin with regional meats and cheeses with organic olive oil and tapas served with Moscato wine native to the area.

Afterward, your host will provide a traditional starter of Portuguese sausage and scrambled eggs, before moving on to the classic dish of codfish. The main course will be prepared in the chef’s family style to add a special flair to the evening.

The meal will close with a surprise dessert as you delight in the mouthwatering Lisbon cuisine alongside other foodies.

Boat dinner

Choose between either a sailboat or a catamaran ride on this romantic sunset dinner cruise along the Lisbon coastline. Join your crew and captain at the Doca de Santo Amaro where you can select the music of your choice.

As you sail alongside the shoreline you’ll spot incredible landmarks that line the banks such as the Monument of Discoveries.

You’ll sail underneath of the 25th of April Bridge and take in awe-inspiring views of the Christ the King statue and Belém.

After an hour's ride, you’ll head back to the marina where you’ll savor a traditional Portuguese feast.  Try codfish, potatoes, duck, rice, chocolate cake and fruit paired with a glass of wine or beer.

You’ll be surrounded by the stunning coastal landscape as your close out your delicious dinner excursion.

Where should I go for dinner in Lisbon?

Alfama

Alfama is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Lisbon, marked by steep hills and historical buildings.

The cobblestoned streets are lined with shops and cafes, and an old-fashioned tram takes riders to the top of the hill to the 11th-century São Jorge Castle.

The views from Alfama and the Miradouro da Graça stretch far over the Tagus River, creating a picturesque point of view for both locals and visitors.

Alfama is known for its traditional Portuguese restaurants and the classic fado music which can be heard throughout the streets at nighttime.

Mouraria

Mouraria is the Moorish quarter of Lisbon, where a melting pot of Asian, African and Arabic cultures have combined harmoniously. The Martim Moniz square is known for delicious restaurants and bustling shops filled with multicultural wares.

The 10th-century fort of St. George's Castle provides unbeatable views of the ancient city streets and beyond.

How much do dinner tours in Lisbon cost?

A walking tour through Alfama that ends with dinner and a fado concert typically costs about €50 per person.

A prix fixe dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe downtown is usually priced around €25 per person.

Private sunset walking tours with dinner and a fado show typically cost €160 for two travelers, though the price increases relative to the group size.

A four-course dinner at a lovely Lisbon home prepared by a professional chef is usually priced around €125 for two adults.

A romantic boat tour dinner along the city coastline typically costs €225 per person for a sailboat and €395 per person for a catamaran. These excursions include dinner and all alcoholic beverages.

What is included?

Dinner tours in Lisbon always include a meal with multiple courses. Guided walking dinner tours will include a local guide, a tour of Alfama or a similar neighborhood and a fado concert.

Set menu meals at the Hard Rock Cafe include skip-the-line access, priority seating and either a two-course or three-course meal with a non-alcoholic beverage.

A private sunset dinner and walking tour includes an expert guide to lead the journey, a Ginjinha tasting, a Portuguese dinner with wine, a fado show and tea or coffee to close out the meal.

A chef-prepared dinner at a Lisbon home includes dinner, drinks and access to a unique local residence.

Boat tours include entry to either a sailboat or catamaran, a 1-hour sail along the coastline, a knowledgeable guide and a delicious dinner with alcoholic beverages.

Where do dinner tours start?

Walking dinner tours typically start at a centralized location in the city such as Rossio Train Station.

Prix fixe dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe begins at the restaurant, whereas a private sunset walking dinner tour typically starts at a hotel such as Hotel Mundial.

Chef-prepared dinners begin at a specific meeting point where you’ll follow your guide to a local home. Boat dinners typically start at the Doca de Santo Amaro along the Tagus River.

How long does it last?

Both private and group walking dinner tours last about 4 hours, while a set menu at the Hard Rock Cafe typically lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes.

For a home-cooked four-course dinner, you should set aside 3 hours for the entire experience. A romantic boat and dinner tour typically lasts 3 hours with the first hour spent touring the coastline.

When is the best time for a dinner tour in Lisbon?

Dinner tours in Lisbon can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Libon is best visited in the shoulder seasons from March to May and September to October.

The weather is warm but not brutally hot at this point, and larger crowds typically form toward the middle of summer. Book your dinner tour at the end of your trip to learn more about the unique cuisine of the country.

Travel tips

• Make sure to wear comfortable shoes if you decide to take a dinner and walking tour.
• Book your Hard Rock Cafe visit ahead of time to benefit from skip-the-line access.
• Inform your tour guide of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.