Where to eat cheap in Lisbon: 5 tips to save near the main tourist attractions (without falling into traps!)
- Patrícia Rosas
- há 7 horas
- 4 min de leitura
Find out where to eat cheaply in Lisbon - from Castelo de São Jorge to Belém, Alfama and Bairro Alto - following easy routes and saving without losing quality.
Visiting Lisbon is a delight - the problem is when the bill arrives. Near the tourist spots, it is common to find restaurants aimed at tourists with inflated prices and dubious quality. But calm down, you can eat well and cheaply even near the postcards of the city. If you are wondering where to eat cheap in Lisbon, this article is for you. We gathered precious tips on where to eat without falling into traps in Castelo de São Jorge, Belém, Alfama, Bairro Alto and more.
1. Near the Castle of São Jorge
Where to eat cheap with a view and charm
Clube de Fado (for snacking): although famous for the fado shows, you can stop by at lunchtime and opt for traditional snacks and a glass of wine for more affordable prices.
Instagram: @clubedefado
Address: Rua de São João da Praça, 94, 1100-521 Lisbon, Portugal
Cantinho do Aziz: Super popular Mozambican restaurant with meals for less than €10. It's a few minutes walk from the castle.
Instagram: @cantinhodoaziz
Address: Rua de São Lourenço, 5, 1100-530 Lisbon, Portugal
Pastelaria Santo António: Ideal for a quick and cheap snack. Help yourself to pies, croissants and coffees with one of the best views of the city.
Instagram: @pastelaria_santo_antonio
Address: Rua Milagre Santo António, 10, 1100-351 Lisbon, Portugal
How to get there:
– Subway (blue or green line) to Baixa-Chiado: exit Rua Garrett → go down to Praça da Figueira → go up Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo to Largo do Castelo (≈10 min).
– Alternative: green line subway to Santa Apolónia, then board tram 28E to Martim Moniz and walk 8 min up Rua da Conceição to the Castle.
2. In Belém
Between pastries and museums, where to eat spending little
Pastéis de Belém (Yes, it's worth it): although touristy, the price of the pastries is very fair (about €1.30 each). Perfect for a quick snack.
Instagram: @pasteisbelem
Address: Rua de Belém, 84–92, 1300-085 Lisbon, Portugal
Pão Pão Queijo Queijo: Large, tasty and much cheaper sandwiches than the restaurants in the region.
Instagram: @pao_pao_queijo_queijo_
Address: Rua de Belém, 124/126, 1300-086 Lisbon, Portugal
O Prado Mercearia: Great to eat something light and healthy, with options such as soups, quiches and salads in daily menus for less than €9.
Instagram localisation page: Prado Mercearia
Address: Rua das Pedras Negras, 37, 1100-402 Lisbon, Portugal
How to get there:
Pastéis de Belém and Pão Pão Queijo Queijo
Subway (green line) to Cais do Sodré → exit in front of the pier → tram 15E to the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos stop → walk 3 min to Pastéis de Belém. Bread Bread Cheese Cheese is a 5-minute walk away, on the same historic street.
Prado Mercearia
Subway (green line) to Cais do Sodré → exit in front of the pier → tram 15E towards Algés → disembark at the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos stop → walk about 7 min (550 m) along Av. Brasília to the Praça do Império roundabout → follow Rua das Pedras Negras to nº 37.
Alternative: Cascais Line train to Belém Station → exit towards Travessa do Mirante → turn left on Rua de Belém, follow ~300 m and turn right on Rua das Pedras Negras → follow to nº 37 (≈8 min on foot).
On foot, from the Jerónimos Monastery: cross Praça do Império towards Av. Brasília, follow ~250 m to the intersection with Rua das Pedras Negras and walk another 50 m to nº 37 (≈5 min).
3. In Alfama
Authentic Portuguese food, without tourist trap
Tasca do Chico: Traditional, with live music and Portuguese snacks. The prices are honest and the atmosphere is very local.
Instagram: @tascadochico_
Address: Rua dos Remédios, 83, 1100-443 Lisbon, Portugal
Pois Café: Austrian-Portuguese style, ideal for brunches and quiet lunches. Dishes from €7.
Instagram: @poiscafe
Address: Rua São João da Praça, 93–95, 1100-521 Lisbon, Portugal
O Pitéu da Graça: Homemade and hearty food. It's not inside Alfama, but super close - it's worth the walk.
Instagram: @restaurante_o_piteu
Address: Largo da Graça, 95–96, 1170-165 Lisbon, Portugal
How to get there:
– Blue line subway to Santa Apolónia or green line to Terreiro do Paço → walk 5 min to Rua dos Remédios to Tasca do Chico and Pois Café.
– To O Pitéu da Graça: walk up from Miradouro da Graça (about 10 min) or take bus 758 to the Graça stop.
4. In Bairro Alto
For lunch or dinner before the night starts
A Merendeira: Open until late, serves steaks, soups and breads with chorizo for less than €5.
Address: Av. 24 de Julho, nº 54 G, 1200-868 Lisbon, Portugal
Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira): Despite having expensive options, you can find good food at fair prices if you choose well. Look for menus of the day or vegetarian dishes.
Instagram: @timeoutmarketlisboa
Address: Mercado da Ribeira, Av. 24 de Julho, 1200-479 Lisbon, Portugal
A Tasca do Chico (versão Bairro Alto): Another good and affordable option, especially for snacks with friends.
Instagram: @tascadochico_
Address: Rua do Diário de Notícias, 39, 1200-141 Lisbon, Portugal
How to get there:
– Green line subway to Baixa-Chiado → exit to Largo de Camões → go up 5 min on foot along Rua do Diário de Notícias (Tasca do Chico).
– For Time Out Market and A Merendeira:
Walk 15 min from Baixa-Chiado through Calçada do Combro → Av. 24 de Julho, or
Metro to Cais do Sodré → exit in front → Merendeira is 2–3 min walk away; the market is right there, in Ribeira.
5. Extras: quick tips to avoid theft
Avoid restaurants with menus in 5 languages and photos of dishes at the door - they are usually aimed at tourists.
Look for places with menus of the day (lunch menu): they usually include starter, main course, drink and coffee for about €10.
Ask the locals! Often, the best tip comes from those who live or work in the region.
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