Best late-night restaurants in Lisbon
As the sun sets over the seven hills of Lisbon, the city doesn’t just sleep: it transforms.
Picture this: It’s late at night in Lisbon. You’ve been wandering through the charming cobblestone streets, maybe you’ve already enjoyed a delightful dinner earlier. Perhaps you danced at a local party, or maybe you’ve been so captivated by the city’s beauty that you forgot to eat. Whatever your story, your stomach is now rumbling, calling for a late-night culinary adventure.
Feat photo by A Mensagem
Photo by Time Out Lisboa
While Lisbon’s late-night dining scene offers a spectrum of international flavors – from the ubiquitous pizza and burgers to the very popular shawarma and doner kebab spots – in this guide, we’re delving deeper, focusing exclusively on local Portuguese fare. This isn’t just about eating, it’s about experiencing Lisbon’s rich culinary heritage that thrives even in the wee hours.
In Lisbon, your late-night food cravings can be satisfied in numerous ways. You might find yourself in front of a roulote, a food truck strategically placed in a bustling area of the city, offering quick and tasty bites. Roulotes usually focus on fairly greasy fare which tends to hit the spot when you’ve been out drinking. We’re talking about burgers, hot dogs, and other more decidedly Portuguese options such as bifanas and pregos, which are among the most popular meat sandwiches in Portugal. These food trucks are usually found in intersections between big streets, but normally more towards the outskirts of the city and not too much in the proper center. Without leaving downtown Lisbon, your best bet of coming across a local roulote would be to hang out near Santa Apolónia train station. The presence of Barriga a Dar Horas truck (pictured above) here has little to do with commuting, though. Also informally known as roulote do Lux, this business thrives feeding hungry party goers who have just come out of LuxFrágil (Av. Infante D. Henrique a Sta Apolónia Cais da Pedra, Armazém A), one of the most sought after clubs in Lisbon, which is right across the street by the riverfront.
If food trucks are not your jam and you’d like to sit down and have a proper meal, alternatively, you could step into a full-on restaurant where the night is just beginning. Also, let’s not forget about the bakeries – some operate all night, selling freshly baked goods through small windows that connect directly to their busy kitchens, offering some sugary relief in the middle of the night.
Photo by Fábrica dos Bolos do Chile
Let’s dive into the heart of our city’s local food scene, exploring places where traditional Portuguese cuisine comes alive after dark. These are the best late-night eateries in Lisbon:
Galeto
Galeto is a beacon of Lisbon’s nocturnal culinary scene. This iconic diner, first opening its doors in 1966, has stood the test of time, evolving into a cherished spot for locals and, in more recent years, even for travelers.
Nestled on Avenida da República, one of the city’s main arteries, Galeto was conceived at a time when Lisbon was somehow embracing modernity. The diner’s design is a tribute to the 1960s, with its sleek, futuristic lines and vibrant ambiance, reflecting the optimism of the era. The interior, featuring curved counters and a unique, elongated shape, creates an intimate yet open atmosphere, inviting patrons to become a part of its story.
The menu at Galeto blends Portuguese culinary traditions, infused with a touch of international flair. Fun fact: Galeto has the largest food menu in Lisbon, featuring around 170 options, from loaded sandwiches, to full on BBQ spreads, buttery fish dishes of French influence, and desserts whose names we may have never even heard about. While it’s renowned for its Francesinha, a Porto delicacy that Galeto has perfected over the years, the diner offers a wide array of choices. From the succulent bifanas (traditional pork sandwiches) to the rich, seafood-laden açordas (bread stews), each dish is prepared with care, using recipes that have been refined over decades. If you feel like indulging into a salt cod dish at, let’s say, 2AM, you can do so freely at Galeto. Their desserts are also perfect for those seeking a sweet finish to their night.
One of Galeto’s most distinctive features is its ability to bring together a diverse crowd. On any given night, you’ll find a mix of late-night revelers, theater-goers, local artists, and even off-duty chefs, all seeking comfort in the warm embrace of this diner. The atmosphere is always buzzing, filled with lively conversations and the clinking of glasses, as patrons from all walks of life come together under one roof. If you don’t come here to satisfy your hunger, it may be a good idea to visit for the sake of people watching. As this place is in a business oriented side of Lisbon, the ambiance is definitely distinct than if the restaurant was near nightlife venues, as some of the opinions we explore further below.
Galeto’s commitment to preserving its original aesthetic, from the furnishings to the décor, offers a nostalgic journey to a bygone era, making every visit a trip down memory lane. Galeto’s significance in Lisbon’s culinary landscape cannot be overstated. It’s one of those rare places that locals hold dear, as evidenced in our previous article, focusing on iconic foods and places Lisbon locals love.
🕒Monday to Saturday, 7:30 AM–3:30 AM. Sunday, 7:30 AM–3 AM.
📍Av. da República 14, 1050-191 Lisbon
https://lojascomhistoria.pt/shops/galeto?lang=en
Photo by A Mensagem
Café do Paço
Nestled in the heart of Lisbon, Café do Paço is a hidden gem that comes to life as the city winds down. This quaint café is a place where tradition meets the contemporary.
This café’s charm is rooted in its unassuming façade, a doorway to a world where time seems to slow down. As you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere, a space that feels like a well-kept secret among Lisbon’s night owls. The walls, adorned with relics of the past, tell stories of the city’s rich history, while the soft lighting creates an ambiance that’s both intimate and welcoming.
Café do Paço’s menu is relatively modest, but it is well executed and it sure offers the best of traditional Portuguese cuisine. Here, the petiscos, small flavorful dishes ideal for sharing, are a highlight. Among these appetizers, their meat croquetes have gathered a particular reputation, and they’re almost compulsory as a starter for many who visit Café do Paço, independently of what they end up ordering as a main meal. Each dish, from the Alentejo-style pork with clams, to the classic bacalhau (salted cod), or the juicy steak which some Lisboners would say is the very best in the city, is prepared with a dedication to authenticity and taste. The café is also known for its selection of wines, offering the perfect pairing to enhance your dining experience.
More than just a place to eat, Café do Paço offers a bit of a cultural experience too. They often host live music, adding another layer to its already rich atmosphere. This is an ideal spot for those looking to unwind after a day of exploration or for those interested in a more authentic, less touristy experience.
🕒Monday to Saturday, 7 PM–1 AM.
📍Paço da Rainha 62, 1150-000 Lisbon
Photo by The Fork
Café de São Bento
Café de São Bento, tucked away in the historic heart of Lisbon, is a culinary landmark that has been charming locals and visitors alike for decades.
This establishment is renowned for its exceptional take on the classic Lisbon recipe, bife à marrare. Once upon a time, marrare-style steak was a staple of Lisbon’s gastronomic scene, but its presence in local menus greatly diminished over the years. Originally, it was a steak cooked in a heavy iron skillet, seasoned with garlic, bay leaf, and a splash of white wine or vinegar, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. Over time, this recipe has become a symbol of Lisbon’s culinary identity, representing the simplicity and richness of Portuguese flavors but, paradoxically, it’s actually hard to see bife à marrare on a local menu today. Thankfully, at Café de São Bento, they have elevated this traditional dish to new heights. Their version of bife à marrare, often hailed as the best steak in Lisbon, and at Café de São Bento called bife à São Bento (but it’s essentially the same recipe), is a testament to their commitment to tradition and, of course, quality. The steak, tender and cooked to perfection, is served with a secret sauce, a recipe closely guarded over the years. This dish, paired with their hand-cut fries and a selection of fine wines, offers an unparalleled dining experience, even in the late night, when you feel like filling your stomach with some meaty goodness prior to a good night’s sleep.
The ambiance of Café de São Bento adds to its allure. With its classic wood paneling and elegant decor, the café exudes an air of old-world charm. It’s a place that transports you back in time, to an era where dining was an art and every meal a celebration. The service here is impeccable, with staff who are not only knowledgeable about the menu but, when time allows, also passionate about sharing local Lisbon stories with those who aren’t shy about making conversation.
Café de São Bento’s reputation extends beyond its culinary offerings. The café has been a gathering place for Lisbon’s political and cultural elite, a testament to its status in the city’s social fabric.
🕒Monday to Friday, 12–3 PM, 7 PM–1 AM. Saturday and Sunday, 7 PM–1 AM.
📍Rua de São Bento 212, 1200-821 Lisbon
Photo by Café de São Bento
Cacau da Ribeira
Cacau da Ribeira is located within Mercado da Ribeira, which many travelers will more easily recognize as Time Out Market Lisboa.
Open in the early hours until mid afternoon, this well-known establishment of nightlife lovers in Lisbon offers a little bit of everything, from sandwiches and snacks, to comforting full meals, without forgetting the world of Portuguese pastries and desserts.
This is a very unique and beloved spot in Lisbon’s late-night food scene. Certainly not as refined as the options we have explored above, Cacau da Ribeira welcomes party goes, very often, inebriated people who have just come out from the bars in Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho) and Cais do Sodré. But if you’re winding down after a night out in the area and would like to take a seat to enjoy some food or chill with your friends, oftentimes, for example, while waiting for the public transportation system to resume its operations in the early AM, this is a good place to come to.
Making justice to its name, which translates as Ribeira’s cacao, they do indeed serve hot chocolate here. As a Portuguese pastelaria, they also offer a decent range of Portuguese cakes and pastries, from Berliners to pastéis de nata, and so much more. If you’re into savories more than you’re into sweets, you can also taste their chorizo stuffed bun (pão com chouriço), ham and cheese pastry (merenda mista), and an array of sandwiches including Portuguese classics like breaded and deep-fried steak sandwich (sandes de panado), and bifanas, often paired with a bowl of soup, a popular combination in our country, independently of the hour of the day or night.
By far, this is one of the quirkiest pastelarias in Lisbon, if nothing else because of its highly unusual operating hours. Because it’s never too early to grab a good Portuguese style breakfast around here, or simply because you may want to power up with a good cup of coffee and a quick bite as you leave the bars of this riverfront area of Lisbon and head onwards to dance the night away in the city’s clubs.
🕒Tuesday to Sunday, 12 AM–4 PM.
📍Av. 24 de Julho 126, 1200-148 Lisbon
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041754194778
Photo by Gastroranking
Casa da Índia
Casa da Índia, despite its name, is a culinary gem in Lisbon renowned for its traditional Portuguese menu. The name itself is a nod to Portugal’s maritime past, particularly the 15th and 16th centuries, when the country was a major player in overseas trade, including spices from the sub-continent. But this restaurant’s menu is all about down-to-earth Portuguese classic dishes that have been beloved for generations – so do not expect to come here to eat a late night curry.
Situated in a bustling part of the city, very near Bairro Alto, Casa da Índia’s food is all about the simplicity and richness of Portuguese cuisine. The restaurant is particularly famous for its changing daily specials (pratos do dia) which, to the contrary of most places in the city which only offer specials for lunch, you can also have for dinner or even late at night. This explains the sheer number of people who come here during “unofficial” meal times to enjoy proper hot food. This is a spot for the working class, as you’ll often notice by the different types of uniforms being worn by folks often sitting for a meal by the counter.
If the daily specials don’t tickle your fancy, entering Casa da Índia you would have already noticed that they also do grills, as their BBQ setup actually is by their windowshop. They grill different types of fish and meat, including frango de churrasco, that is, peri-peri chicken which can be so reinvigorating with a generous side of home fries after you’ve been hitting the bars in Bairro Alto or Bica, just around the corner.
Because of its central location, this is a very popular spot for both locals and tourists. They focus on authentic cuisine, you get to experience a similar charm which you would on a typical Portuguese tasca during the day, and their prices are very fair for what they serve.
🕒Monday to Saturday, 12 PM–1 AM.
📍Rua do Loreto 49 51, 1200-471 Lisbon
www.instagram.com/casadaindiarestaurante
Photo by Time Out Lisboa
A Merendeira
A Merendeira is, hands down, one of the most well-known late-night eateries in Lisbon.
One of the standout features of A Merendeira is its famous pão com chouriço, a beloved Portuguese savory snack. This simple yet delicious treat consists of fresh, warm bread filled with savory chouriço sausage. It’s a perfect example of Portuguese comfort food, embodying the essence of the country’s traditional flavors. In Portugal, it’s quite common to indulge in a bowl of soup as a way to prevent hangovers after a night out. This practice is deeply rooted in Portuguese dining habits, where soup is not only seen as a comfort food but also as a remedy for the after-effects of a night of celebration. A Merendeira caters to this tradition by offering bowls of home-made caldo verde, a thick soup with a pureed potato and onions base, mixed with shredded collard greens (couve galega), and a slice of chorizo placed on top at the time of plating.
This is a go-to destination for those seeking a late-night meal that’s both satisfying and restorative. Not only is A Merendeira’s food tasty and home-made, prepared right in front of your eyes, it is incredibly affordable too. For little over 5 euros you could enjoy a freshly baked pão com chouriço (or opt for other flavors also available but certainly less popular, such as salt cod, or ham and cheese), a bowl of soup, a drink of choice, a small serving of sweet rice pudding (arroz doce), and an espresso, to round things of after a meal, like we would normally do here in Portugal.
The type of food and the affordability make A Merendeira a very democratic spot, which is certainly unpretentious but that nonetheless has a vibrant feel to it, very well capturing the lively spirit of Lisbon’s night scene. Come here to eat well, surrounded by people from all walks of life.
🕒Everyday, 11 AM–7 AM.
📍Av. 24 de Julho 54, 1200-657 Lisbon
Photo by Uber Eats
Fábrica dos Bolos do Chile
Fábrica dos Bolos do Chile, founded in 1978, is a unique bakery in Lisbon, renowned for its operations that extend deep into the night. Unlike a typical bakery, Fábrica dos Bolos do Chile’s peak hours of operation are during the night, aligning with their primary function of producing baked goods for other cafes and pastelarias across the city. This unique schedule ensures that the pastries are at their peak of freshness, straight from the oven, during these late hours.
The bakery’s operation is driven by the dedication of its long-lasting staff, like the pastry chef Paulo Silva, who has been working at the factory for around 40 years. He arrives daily at 6 PM and leads the nocturnal production, along with a small team.
Interestingly, when customers visit Fábrica dos Bolos do Chile in the middle of the night, they don’t enter a typical bakery setup. Instead, they are greeted by a small window with a grid, through which they can place their order. This window serves as a direct link between the nocturnal production of the bakery and the customers seeking the freshest pastries in the early hours.
The range of pastries available at Fábrica dos Bolos do Chile is extensive, featuring both traditional Portuguese favorites (with particular highlight going to their bolas de Berlim) and innovative creations (such as croissants with diverse fillings like nutella or Kinder Bueno flavor) that cater to modern tastes.
The bakery has become a popular destination for those looking to indulge in fresh, high-quality baked goods, especially after a night out in Lisbon. This is a great place to come by to grab some fresh pastries to eat on the go or have some breakfast at home, before finally going to bed.
🕒Everyday, 8:30 PM–6 AM.
📍Av. Alm. Reis 149A Cave, 1150-016, Lisbon
https://fabricadosbolosdochile.pt
Photo by Fábrica dos Bolos do Chile
If you take a journey through Lisbon’s after-dark food scene we’d love to hear about your adventure. Tell us all about it on Instagram and tag your best Portuguese food photos @tasteoflisboa or #tasteoflisboa.
Feed your curiosity on Portuguese food culture:
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Where to eat the Portuguese national dish – cozido à portuguesa – in Lisbon
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