Today we’re covering best restaurants in Príncipe Real, but there’s always a reason to visit this bustling Lisbon neighborhood. Whether you’re popping by for the weekly organic market, or grabbing a drink at the coolest cocktail bars in Lisbon, this is the place to be.
When Queen Maria II named this area “Royal Prince” (Príncipe Real), she had no idea this would turn out to be one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Lisbon. Surrounded by 19th-century mansions, Príncipe Real is now the hub of local design shops. Through the years, several Portuguese chefs set up their business here too.
Read along for our local’s guide to best restaurants Príncipe Real.
Loucos de Lisboa
It’s not easy to find Loucos de Lisboa, but once you do, we promise you’ll want to come back over and over again.
Inside, there’s a speakeasy vibe, with the dim lighting, mismatched furniture, and jazz music playing in the background.
At Loucos de Lisboa, everything revolves around Portuguese petiscos. There’s a variety of local cheeses, the flaming chorizo, and our all-time favorite, the pica-pau (small pieces of meat, typically beef or pork).
To wash it all down, there’s of course wine. Each wine has a short description on the menu to help you make up your mind, or you can follow our advice and go straight for the Alentejo wine (Alentejo is one of Portugal’s most significant wine-producing regions).
Frangasqueira Nacional
If there’s one thing Portuguese people eat more than salt cod, it’s chicken, especially barbecued chicken.
It’s called Frango no Churrasco, and you’ll see signs of it all over Lisbon. Our favorite spot to eat chicken in Príncipe Real is Frangasqueira Nacional (Tv. Monte do Carmo, 19). Their chicken with Piri-Piri sauce is a classic, but you can also order it with butter.
There aren’t many places to sit inside, so your best bet is ordering takeaway like you’ll probably notice most people are doing anyway. You can always have a picnic at Jardim do Príncipe Real, which is just around the corner.
A Cevicheria
It’s hard to walk past A Cevicheria without noticing the crowd outside—that, and the giant octopus hanging above the restaurant. No one waits empty-handed, though; you can order a beer, wine, or cocktail while you wait.
Chef Kiko has created a series of ceviches exclusively for their cevicheria. Among them, there is a Portuguese version with cod and tremoços (Lupin beans). Just a heads up, if you order a beer in Portugal, you’re likely to get these with it.
If you want more than ceviche, try their surf & turf sandwiches, a delicious mix of pork belly, shrimp, and sweet potato bread.
Insider’s Tip: They don’t accept reservations, so make sure to arrive early.
Atalho Real
It’s not every day you get to eat prime steak in an old Lisbon palace. But that’s what you’ll get here.
From Black Angus to Wagyu, Atalho Real is a true paradise for meat lovers. After choosing your favorite cut, you’ll have to decide how to eat it—on a plate, or with bread. This last one comes just like prego, the traditional street food Portuguese steak sandwich.
If the weather is nice, you can have your meal on the terrace which overlooks Lisbon’s Botanical Garden.
Insider’s Tip: The restaurant is usually quite busy, so make sure to book a table in advance.
El Clandestino
If you’re in the mood for some really good tacos, look no further than El Clandestino (R. do Benformoso 59 Primeiro Andar).
Tacos isn’t all you’ll at this Peruvian spot. They’ve got the essentials covered: a variety of chicken, pork, and beef tacos, ceviches, margaritas, pisco sours…and don’t skip the churros for dessert!
Update Notice: This post was updated on February 19, 2024.