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Eating well in Lisbon doesn’t have to mean spending a lot. Over time, I’ve ended up in plenty of simple places—sometimes on purpose, sometimes just because they were nearby—and those meals often turned out to be some of the most memorable. This guide brings together some of the best cheap restaurants in Lisbon that I’ve genuinely enjoyed, especially when I wanted good food without overthinking it.
20 Authentic Spots to Eat on a Budget
Lisbon is a city where eating is an experience. From grilled sardines in Alfama to petiscos in Bairro Alto or charcoal chicken in Campo de Ourique, the Portuguese capital is overflowing with flavor—and you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it.
The secret? Lisbon’s tascas—small, often family-run eateries serving authentic Portuguese food at prices locals love. Skip the tourist traps and follow this guide to the 20 best cheap restaurants in Lisbon, perfect for both visitors and food-loving locals.
🍴 The Best Cheap Restaurants in Lisbon
1. A Provinciana – Rustic Homestyle Cooking
This Baixa favorite feels like a Portuguese grandmother’s kitchen. Wooden chairs, old-school décor, and hearty dishes make it a must for tasca lovers.
👉 Must-try dish: Feijoada – slow-cooked bean and pork stew that warms the soul.
2. Zé da Mouraria – Generous Portions in a Lively Atmosphere
Legendary for hearty, authentic meals, Zé da Mouraria serves classic Portuguese fare in a buzzing, local-filled environment.
👉 Must-try dish: Roast lamb with potatoes – tender and rustic.
3. Grelha do Carmo – Seafood Near Chiado
A cozy spot just steps from the Carmo Convent, specializing in seafood rice and grilled fish. Good value for what you get.
👉 Must-try dish: Arroz de marisco (seafood rice) – perfect for sharing.
💡 Tip: Stop here before a Sintra or Cascais day trip. 👉 Book Lisbon day trips on Viator.
4. Adega das Gravatas – Quirky Comfort Food
Outside the center, this quirky tasca features a ceiling of neckties and serves classic Portuguese dishes.
👉 Must-try dish: Alheira sausage with fried egg – smoky and satisfying.
5. Taberna da Rua das Flores – Creative Portuguese Twist
A Chiado gem with a seasonal, inventive menu. Affordable, approachable, and authentic.
👉 Must-try dish: Octopus salad – light, fresh, and perfectly balanced.
6. Café de São Bento – Legendary Steak
Known for serving Lisbon’s best steak, Café de São Bento is casual yet iconic.
👉 Must-try dish: Bife à Café de São Bento – tender steak with rich sauce.
7. A Casa do Bacalhau – Codfish Paradise
Celebrating Portugal’s national ingredient, bacalhau, this restaurant serves traditional and modern variations.
👉 Must-try dish: Bacalhau à Brás – cod, shredded potatoes, eggs, and onions.
8. Tasca do Chico – Fado & Petiscos
In Bairro Alto, Tasca do Chico pairs cheap petiscos with intimate fado performances. Prices are reasonable by Lisbon standards.
👉 Must-try dish: Chouriço assado (flaming sausage).
9. Time Out Market – Sample Many Flavors
Not a single restaurant, but a foodie playground with dozens of stalls. Perfect if you want variety and affordability under one roof. You’ll see a mix of locals and visitors.
👉 Must-try dish: Mix a few petiscos to create your own tasting menu.
💡 Bonus: Next to Cais do Sodré, ideal before a river cruise. 👉 See Lisbon boat tours on Viator.
10. Zapata – Late-Night Feast in Santos
A lively late-night tasca serving grilled cuttlefish, skewers, and seafood.
👉 Must-try dish: Grilled cuttlefish with garlic – a local favorite.
11. Imperial de Campo de Ourique – Neighborhood Gem
Famous for piri-piri chicken and generous daily specials.
👉 Must-try dish: Grilled chicken with piri-piri sauce.
12. Casa da Índia – Classic Charcoal Grill
Despite its name, it’s Portuguese through and through. Grilled chicken, sardines, and seafood at excellent prices. Simple setting, but solid food.
👉 Must-try dish: Grilled chicken with fries – Lisbon’s budget favorite.
13. O Cantinho do Aziz – Mozambican Flavors in Mouraria
Lisbon’s colonial past shines here. Affordable and flavorful Mozambican dishes.
👉 Must-try dish: Chicken curry with coconut rice.
💡 Tip: Pair your meal with a walking tour of Mouraria. 👉 See tours on Viator.
14. Pinoquio – Seafood and Steak by Restauradores
Central near Restauradores, Pinoquio is casual yet delicious, offering seafood rice, steaks, and shellfish.
This is a place I go back to. Gets busy around lunch.
👉 Must-try dish: Steak with mushroom sauce.
💡 Tip: Great for visitors staying in Baixa/Restauradores. 👉 See hotels on Agoda.
15. O Galito – Hidden Gem in Arroios
A cozy, family-run spot in Arroios, serving traditional stews, grilled meats, and hearty Portuguese food.
👉 Must-try dish: Cozido à portuguesa – a one-pot classic with meat and vegetables.
16. Tasca da Esquina – Affordable Chef’s Twist
Although run by a renowned chef, Tasca da Esquina offers approachable daily dishes at reasonable prices.
👉 Must-try dish: Daily fish or meat special – fresh, inventive, and filling.
17. Tasca do Jaime – Alfama Local Favorite
Tucked in Alfama’s alleys, this small tasca serves grilled fish, octopus, and traditional petiscos.
👉 Must-try dish: Octopus with olive oil and garlic.
18. Cervejaria Ramiro – Seafood Splurge (Not Cheap)
A famous Lisbon spot, Ramiro isn’t strictly cheap but is worth a mention for seafood lovers willing to splurge a little. Expect giant tiger prawns, clams, and shellfish platters.
I’ve eaten here more than once.
👉 Must-try dish: Garlic clams with bread.
💡 Note: Perfect for a treat rather than a budget meal.
19. Zé da Mouraria 2 – Local Alternative
A nearby branch of Zé da Mouraria, this smaller spot offers the same hearty dishes at slightly quieter surroundings, perfect if the main location is full.
One of my go-to spots.
👉 Must-try dish: Grilled cod with potatoes – simple, satisfying, and authentic.
20. O Carvoeiro – Alfama Grilled Classic
Ending with a classic, O Carvoeiro in Alfama is beloved for charcoal-grilled sardines and seafood. A perfect note to finish the list.
👉 Must-try dish: Grilled sardines.
🍷 Explore Lisbon Through Food
If you want to taste multiple dishes, consider a Lisbon food tour. You’ll discover hidden tascas, learn the history behind dishes, and enjoy petiscos with local wine.
👉 Browse Lisbon food tours on Viator
👉 Check culinary walking tours on GetYourGuide
Final Bite – Affordable Lisbon Eats
Lisbon has no shortage of places where you can eat well without spending much. These are the spots I’ve come back to over time, especially when I wanted something simple, satisfying, and easy on the budget.
Lisbon proves that delicious meals don’t need to be expensive. From piri-piri chicken in Campo de Ourique to flaming chouriço in Bairro Alto, the city is full of budget-friendly culinary gems.
👉 Which cheap restaurant are you trying first? Share in the comments below!
About the author
I’m Duncan, a Lisbon-based guide and writer who’s lived here for 11 years and taken hundreds of visitors around the city. I created Lisbon Listicles to share everything you need to know about Lisbon in clear, practical lists — from iconic sights to hidden gems — so you can plan your trip easily and make the most of your time here.
All recommendations are based on personal experience and the questions I hear most often from visitors.
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