The best restaurants in Lisbon to celebrate a special occasion
There’s no shortage of great restaurants in Lisbon. But when you’re celebrating something meaningful, whether it’s a big birthday or a moment that might end with a ring, you want more than just a good meal. You want a setting that feels right for the moment, food that is worth slowing down for, and service that understands the occasion without making a fuss.
Lisbon has got you covered! This city is packed with memorable places to eat, from small traditional tascas to more contemporary taverns, and even modern dining rooms where Portuguese cuisine is reimagined with lots of creativity. And the best part? There’s something for every kind of celebration and every kind of budget.
In Portugal, food is how people celebrate. Whether it’s a wedding, an anniversary, or just Sunday lunch with the family. Sharing a meal is a way of marking time, showing love, and making memories. That’s why picking the right restaurant matters.
For the sake of this article we’re focusing on places that focus on Portuguese food but, if you’d like to savor international flavors, of course Lisbon has a lot of restaurants focusing on different cuisines from all around the globe. We just figured that, if you are traveling to Lisbon and want to celebrate in a local style, you may want to embrace local flavors.
Photo by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants
Best Portuguese restaurants in Lisbon to propose at
If you’re going to ask someone to marry you, doing it over dinner in the Portuguese capital is a solid choice. Some of Europe’s most romantic restaurants are located here in Lisbon itself. There are options in quiet corners of historic buildings, rooftops with river views, stylish spots where the staff actually knows how to be discreet… the choice is yours! In any of these venues you can make things official with good wine and even better food.
Belcanto
If you’re planning to ask the biggest question of your life, you want a setting that matches the moment. Belcanto, tucked into a discreet corner of Chiado, gives you that and more. With two Michelin stars and a steady presence on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, this is chef José Avillez’s crown jewel. It’s refined, romantic, and a little bit theatrical too.
Housed in a former convent damaged in the 1755 earthquake, Belcanto still carries a sense of Lisbon history but, once inside, the setting is all intimate sophistication. The dining room is split into cozy corners rather than a big open space, which means that even though you’re in one of the most talked-about restaurants in the country, it never feels like you’re on display. It’s elegant without being stiff, luxurious without being loud. Basically, it’s as fancy as Lisbon gets, if that’s your kind of vibe.
Chef Avillez’s menus are inspired by Portuguese culinary tradition but take plenty of creative liberties. You can choose between two tasting menus: one that highlights the restaurant’s signature classics, and another that evolves with the chef’s latest inspirations. Either way, you’re in for a journey. If you’d like to make your visit to Belcanto even more memorable (and can afford it), you can also book the chef’s table. It’s tucked just off the kitchen, and while you’ll still get full silver-service treatment, you’ll also catch a glimpse behind the curtain. It adds just the right touch of exclusivity, and makes the moment feel private and unique.
Belcanto’s location is another bonus, as dining here you’ll be right in the heart of Chiado, one of the city’s most beautiful and romantic neighborhoods. After dinner, take a slow walk through its cobbled streets. The viewpoint at São Pedro de Alcântara or the quiet charm of Largo do Carmo are just a few steps away. These are ideal spots to linger, take in the city lights, and maybe, just maybe, pull out that ring if you didn’t muster the courage previously during dinner, or were simply too distracted because the food and wine were just so incredibly good.
📍Rua Serpa Pinto 10A, 1200-026 Lisbon
Photo by Condé Nast Traveler
Alma
If you’re looking for a proposal spot that’s elegant without being overly showy, romantic but certainly not cheesy, Alma hits the sweet spot. Hidden behind a discreet façade in Chiado, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant offers the kind of refined experience that feels personal and polished at the same time.
What makes Alma a strong contender for a proposal? It starts with the balance it strikes: this is fine dining that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The space is calm and beautifully styled, housed in an 18th-century building that once stored books for Bertrand (Rua Garrett 73), the world’s oldest still running bookstore. There’s an understated personality to the design, with just enough intimacy to make you feel like it’s your night, even if the dining room is full.
Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa’s cuisine mirrors that same balance. It’s modern, technically precise, grounded in the country’s culinary heritage but always with a twist. You can go à la carte or choose one of two tasting menus: “Alma”, inspired by the chef’s signature classics, or “Costa a Costa”, a tribute to Portugal’s rich coastal bounty. Sá Pessoa’s love for Portuguese cuisine is clear in every bite, but so are his global influences, from Asia to South America, which makes the experience feel both local and worldly.
Service is another strong point. The team at Alma is sharp but warm, professional without being too rigorous, and absolutely tuned in to the importance of your moment. If you give them a heads-up that you’re planning to propose, they’ll likely find a way to make the evening even more special without turning it into a spectacle.
📍Rua Anchieta 15, 1200-023 Lisbon
Photo by FaceFoodMag
Arkhe
If you and your partner care as much about sustainability and conscious dining as you do about good wine and atmosphere, Arkhe might just be the ideal place to propose. This is where modern plant-based cuisine meets high-end hospitality, with no compromise on elegance, flavour, or experience.
Despite having one Michelin star, Arkhe doesn’t shout for attention. Located in a low-key building near Largo do Rato, the space inside is clean, minimalist, and deeply calming. It’s not traditionally romantic in a rose-petal-and-candles kind of way, but the warm woods, handcrafted ceramics, and soft lighting create a sense of thoughtful intimacy, perfect for couples who want something different from the usual fine dining formula.
Chef João Ricardo Alves brings global experience to his Lisbon kitchen, combining classical training with years spent perfecting vegetarian cuisine in different parts of the world. The result is food that’s complex, surprising, and flavour-packed. His style leans heavily on seasonal produce and unusual pairings. Thankfully, this is not about meat substitutes, and it’s more plant-based cuisine for people who want to be challenged and delighted at the same time.
The wine options at Arkhe sure match the food. Co-owner and sommelier Alejandro Chávarro has built one of the most interesting wine programs in the city, with a strong focus on French and European producers, many of them biodynamic or low-intervention. Alejandro’s calm, precise service style adds to the sense that this is a place where every detail matters.
Proposing here sends a message: we care about each other, we care about the planet, and we care about what ends up on our plates and in our glasses.
📍Rua de São Filipe Néri 14, 1250-227 Lisbon
Photo by Portugal Confidential
Terroir
If you’re the kind of couple that values great food, warm service, and a bit of surprise, Terroir could be the perfect setting to ask The Question. It doesn’t come with flashy views or high-profile hype, but that’s exactly its charm. Hidden just a few steps from the bustle of Marquês de Pombal, at least when compared to other options above like Belcanto or Alma, this restaurant flies under the radar, making it feel like a personal discovery. And for a proposal, that kind of intimacy goes a long way.
The space is small and stylish in a relaxed, bistro-like way. Natural textures, such as wood and soft lighting, help create an environment that’s cosy and elegant, but without feeling like it’s trying too hard. Terroir feels more like dining in a very cool friend’s home than at a formal fine dining spot.
Chef Guilherme Sousa, who has cooked in Michelin-starred kitchens like Ocean and Fortaleza do Guincho, brings serious technique to the plate, but the overall vibe stays refreshingly unpretentious. The food leans modern Portuguese, but with plenty of global influences in flavour and plating. And the real twist? You don’t get to see the menu ahead of time. Terroir’s blind tasting menus, available in five or eight courses, with vegetarian versions of each, are built around what’s fresh, seasonal, and inspiring the kitchen that week. What might sound like a risk ends up being one of the restaurant’s best qualities. The team communicates clearly and enthusiastically, checking dietary restrictions and offering context along the way.
Wine is another strength. The list is almost entirely Portuguese, and the staff are more than happy to guide you. They’ll suggest a great bottle at a reasonable price or offer thoughtful pairings if you want to go all in.
For a proposal that’s heartfelt, intimate, and built on a shared love of food, Terroir is a great option, so you may want to consider heading here for an intimate dinner with plenty of delicious flavors and lots of joy.
📍Av. Duque de Loulé 86 A, 1050-090 Lisbon
Photo by Trendy
LOCO
If you’re looking for a proposal setting that breaks all the clichés, consider booking a table at LOCO. This is not a place for textbook romance. We’d say it’s more of a restaurant for couples who appreciate creativity and a bit of fun.
Located just steps from the Estrela Basilica, LOCO is the brainchild of chef Alexandre Silva, one of Portugal’s most inventive culinary voices. The name comes from the Latin in loco (“in place”), a nod to the open kitchen that takes up more space than the dining room itself. From the moment you walk in and see the suspended olive tree above the entrance, you know you’re not in for an ordinary night.
There’s no menu to study. Instead, you choose between a 14 or 18 course tasting experience, which evolves daily depending on what’s available and inspiring the kitchen. The team works with micro-seasonal ingredients, most of them sourced locally, and the presentation is anything but predictable. But it’s not all looks at LOCO. The dishes themselves are loosely based on the Portuguese culinary repertoire, but seen through a very modern lens. Eating at LOCO is like exploring a story, so while you dine here with your partner, you’ll have plenty to spark up conversation and laughter – and maybe that will help ease up your nerves as you build up to a proposal. This is a restaurant for adventurous couples and people who enjoy being surprised and aren’t afraid to lean into the moment.
LOCO’s wine and drinks list is equally thoughtful, with a strong selection of organic wines from small producers, along with craft beers, herbal liqueurs, and house-fermented juices. The pairings are curated with care, and the staff guide you through the evening with genuine enthusiasm.
📍Rua Navegantes 53-B, 1200-731 Lisbon
Photo by Anders Husa
Encanto
If your idea of romance leans more toward shared values and straightforward beauty than grand gestures and roses on the table, Encanto might just be the place. Being run by the same chef, this beautiful and intimate restaurant is located right next door to Belcanto, but offers a completely different kind of fine dining experience. Encanto is all about low-key luxury and plant-forward dishes.
The space itself is small and warmly lit, with wood floors, soft textures, and bookshelves that line the walls and stretch across the ceiling. The atmosphere is truly calm, so this is the kind of place where you can really focus on each other. Reservations are essential, and when you arrive, you’ll ring a doorbell before being welcomed into this “enchanted” space, something that feels surprisingly intimate and personal.
Encanto is 100% vegetarian, the first fully plant-based fine dining concept from celebrated Portuguese chef José Avillez, and it’s earned both a Michelin star and a Michelin Green Star for sustainability. The tasting menu, offered at dinner only, includes around a dozen dishes featuring seasonal produce from small local growers. And while dairy or eggs make an occasional appearance, vegan adjustments are available as long as you let the team know in advance.
The menu changes regularly, but you can expect a series of beautifully presented, inventive plates where vegetables are the stars. The beverage program is just as intentional: choose from biodynamic wines, house-made kombuchas, local craft beers, and infusions, all of which pair beautifully with the food. Overall, Encanto is a restaurant for couples who care about what’s on the plate, and also how it got there.
📍Largo de São Carlos 10, 1200-410 Lisbon
www.joseavillez.pt/restaurants/encanto-lisboa
Photo by José Avillez Group
Rossio Gastrobar
If your idea of the perfect proposal includes a panoramic view, a couple of stellar cocktails, and the golden glow of Lisbon at sunset, Rossio Gastrobar should be on your radar. Perched atop the Altis Avenida Hotel, just steps from Rossio Square, this rooftop venue offers a relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere with one of the best urban views in the city.
Unlike some of Lisbon’s finer dining rooms, Rossio Gastrobar doesn’t rely on formality or white tablecloths to feel special. It’s stylish with an Art Deco inspired space, comfy seating, natural light, and a terrace that wraps you in views of the Santa Justa Lift, the castle, and the Tagus River. Whether you’re indoors or outside, the setting delivers the kind of “wow” factor you want when popping the question.
It’s open from midday into the late-night hours, which means you can time your moment perfectly: mid-afternoon sunshine, sunset golden hour, or evening lights twinkling across the city. For a slightly more private touch, go earlier in the evening on a weekday, before the weekend DJ sets bring in a livelier crowd.
Food here is designed to be shared, ideal for easing into the evening rather than diving straight into a formal multi-course menu. Chef João Correia’s menu changes seasonally, with dishes ranging from comfort classics like lamb and mushroom rice to lighter, modern bites. It’s the kind of menu that adapts easily to your mood, whether you’re going all-in on a full meal or just pairing a few plates with drinks.
And speaking of drinks, Rossio’s cocktail program is worth the trip on its own. Bartender Flavi Andrade crafts signature creations using house-made infusions, syrups, and seasonal elements. Whether you’re into smoked pineapple, herbal blends, or something classic with a twist, there’s a cocktail that will help you set the right mood. Rossio Gastrobar is perfect for couples who want their proposal to feel casual but still memorable.
📍Rua 1º de Dezembro 118, 1200-360 Lisbon
Photo by Lisbon City Guide
Best Portuguese restaurants to celebrate a birthday in Lisbon
Whether you’re planning your own dinner or surprising someone else, a birthday meal in Lisbon should feel like a treat. In Portuguese culture, birthdays are all about the meal, usually with friends and family around a table, sharing food and stories for hours.
The spots we’ve picked for this section offer the right kind of energy for that. Some are a bit more polished, some more casual, but all feel special enough for the occasion without being over the top.
If you are celebrating with a large group, check out suggestions for best restaurants in Lisbon for groups and, if kids are involved too, you may want to head to a family-friendly restaurant in Lisbon instead.
SUD Lisboa
If you’re looking for a spot in Lisbon to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or any big life moment in full style, SUD Lisboa is about as over-the-top fabulous as it gets. With sweeping views over the Tagus and the 25 de Abril Bridge, live DJ sets, champagne on demand, and a pool lounge that feels lifted from a Mediterranean beach club, this is not the place for subtlety. It’s a venue built for celebration.
Split across three spaces, SUD Terrazza, SUD Pool Lounge, and SUD Hall, this riverside complex lets you scale your party up or down, depending on the vibe. For birthdays and anniversaries, the Terrazza is the sweet spot. It has a glamorous and large dining room and a terrace that overlooks the river. The decor walks the line between upscale and relaxed, and there’s a lively rhythm to the place, especially at dinner, when DJs or live performers add to the atmosphere without turning it into a full-on club.
The menu, crafted by chef Patrick Lefeuvre, leans Mediterranean with some Italian influence, though there are clear Portuguese touches too. It’s a place where you can start with caviar and blinis, move into scarlet prawn risotto, and finish with a bottle of champagne and a cigar if you’re in that kind of mood. And while some dishes have that splurge-factor, there are plenty of plates to share, that make the meal feel festive rather than formal.
If your celebration happens during daytime, the SUD Pool Lounge is also a strong contender. With its infinity pool facing the river, it’s ideal for birthdays that involve sunshine, cocktails, and a bit of glam. And if you’re planning something on a grander scale, a milestone birthday or joint anniversary celebration, SUD Hall is built for it, fully equipped for private events and known locally for hosting everything from weddings to corporate blowouts. SUD Lisboa is where you go when you want to toast life in a rather bold way.
📍Pavilhão Poente (near MAAT museum), Av. Brasília, 1300-598 Lisbon
Photo by The Fork
Versículo d’O Faia
For a birthday or anniversary dinner with a lot of Lisbon soul, book a party at Versículo d’O Faia. Located in the heart of Bairro Alto, it sits just close enough to the area’s legendary nightlife to keep the evening going after dinner.
Opened in 2016, this intimate spot is the younger sibling of O Faia – Casa de Fado (Rua da Barroca 54), one of the city’s most historic fado houses. But Versículo carves its own identity, with an elegant dining room, polished served, and a menu that respects Portuguese culinary traditions while giving them just enough of a modern lift.
Chef Pedro Rezende Pereira leads the kitchen, and his approach is all about seasonality and authenticity. The menu rotates every six months and focuses on ingredients that reflect the richness of Portuguese cuisine, from the land and the sea. Whether you choose to build your meal à la carte or go for one of the set tasting menus (available with optional wine pairings), you’ll find dishes that are full of personality without trying too hard. The Menu Redondilha (five courses chosen by the chef) is a great option for celebratory dinners, especially when paired with the sommelier’s curated wine selection. For something more flexible, the Menu Versículo lets you mix and match, while still offering a delicious experience. The wine list includes over a hundred carefully chosen Portuguese bottles, with plenty of variety for all kinds of preferences and budgets.
Have a great meal at Versículo d’O Faia and grab your friends to keep exploring Lisbon’s best cocktail bars right around the corner. This is a good restaurant for those you’d like to enjoy a proper sit-down dinner with excellent food and wine, but who might still want to keep the night going afterwards.
📍Rua da Barroca 60A, 1200-050 Lisbon
Photo by Versículo d’O Faia
Solar dos Presuntos
If your idea of a proper birthday or anniversary dinner involves clinking glasses, loud laughter, and plates of seriously good Portuguese food, trust us when we say that Solar dos Presuntos is the perfect place for your celebration.
A Lisbon classic since 1974, this family-run restaurant near Avenida da Liberdade is a full-on tribute to Minho-style cuisine. The food is hearty, very traditional, super flavorful and, just like it happens up north, extremely generous when it comes to portion sizes. This large restaurant includes several spaces, perfect for either more private intimate dinner, to full blown group parties, including even a rooftop terrace. They offer custom group menus, and while this is certainly not the most affordable restaurant in town, they do have several options depending on the occasion and budget.
Solar dos Presuntos specializes in Portuguese comfort dishes, the classics that us locals often crave on special occasions. Think about typical recipes like oven roast duck rice, roasted goatling, açorda with lobster or shrimp, and seasonal specials like lamprey or shad. The wine list is among the best in Lisbon. A cellar of thousands, including hidden gems and rare vintages, is available for serious wine lovers. Solar dos Presuntos is still about what’s on the plate, as well as it is about the people you choose to gather around the table.
📍Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 150, 1150-269 Lisbon
Photo by Expresso
Via Graça
At Via Graça, the first thing that hits you isn’t the smell of grilled octopus or the sound of clinking glasses: it’s the view! From this vantage point in the neighborhood of Graça, Lisbon stretches out in all directions, with views of terracotta rooftops, the river and the castle.
But this place is more than just a pretty view. Open for over 35 years, Via Graça crafts classic Portuguese dishes with a modern approach, offering a menu that spans typical recipes like polvo à Lagareiro and bacalhau à Brás, to more experimental seasonal creations by chef Miguel Palma and his team. Their “Para Descobrir” section on the menu invites you to go beyond the usual, while their set tasting menus, like the Menu Miradouro or Menu A Ver Lisboa, are perfect for special occasions. With thoughtfully designed wine pairings and seasonal ingredients at the core of each plate, it’s a meal built to linger over.
The restaurant’s space split across two levels and three different rooms, ranging from an elegant 50-seater dining room to a more private 12-person space or the “Chef’s Room” for up to 34 guests. That makes it ideal for both intimate dinners and slightly larger group celebrations. You can even fully privatize a room for your event if you want the space all to yourself.
Via Graça also stands out for its flexible group booking policies, something that ends up being a big win when you’re coordinating a birthday or anniversary dinner with friends or family. Pre-set menus are available for 12 or more people, and the team is proactive about dietary needs and advance planning. And if you’re the type who likes a welcome drink with a little foie, ginjinha, or codfish fritters to kick things off, they’ve got you covered. Come to Via Graça for a stunning view, stellar food and great hospitality too.
📍Rua Damasceno Monteiro 9 b, 1170-108 Lisbon
https://restauranteviagraca.pt
Photo by Mensagem de Lisboa
Casa do Alentejo
Few restaurants in Lisbon can double as a time machine, but Casa do Alentejo does exactly that. Tucked behind an unassuming exterior on Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, this 17th-century palace opens into an unexpected Moorish-style courtyard that feels more North Africa than downtown Lisbon. Head up the stone staircase, and you’ll step into ornate dining rooms that once hosted aristocratic balls and, later, the city’s first casino. These days, they’re home to one of Lisbon’s most atmospheric spots for a celebratory meal, especially if you’re into history, architecture, and the kind of interiors that beg for photos.
Whether you’re planning a birthday, an anniversary dinner, or something bigger, Casa do Alentejo adapts. The upstairs ballrooms, one rococo, the other neo-renaissance, can host private events for up to 400 people, with a central stage for live music, toasts, or a surprise slideshow of embarrassing childhood photos. For smaller gatherings, the restaurant operates daily in two richly decorated rooms adorned with 19th and early 20th-century azulejos, including works by Jorge Colaço, one of Portugal’s tile legends.
This isn’t a trendy or minimalist venue, and that’s the point. Casa do Alentejo has tons of character when it comes to its look. Food wise, expect classic Alentejano fare that’s hearty, generous and rustic in the best possible way. Dishes like açorda, migas, Iberian black pork, lamb, and regional sausages dominate the menu, paired with Alentejo wines and straightforward, old-school hospitality.
For those who want their celebration to feel timeless and grounded in Portuguese culture, Casa do Alentejo offers an experience you won’t get anywhere else in the city.
📍Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 58, 1150-268 Lisbon
Photo by Descubra Lisboa
Palácio do Grilo
If you’ve ever wanted to celebrate your birthday inside a surreal live theatre piece, welcome to Palácio do Grilo. Tucked away in Beato, this 18th-century palace isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a wandering, whispering, totally bizarre and brilliant experience that defies any standard category. It’s part museum, part performance space, and part dinner party hosted by your most eccentric friend.
Originally conceived by the 1st Duke of Lafões, the palace was reimagined in 2022 by French creative Julien Labrousse, who stayed true to its historic roots while unleashing a fantastical, dreamlike atmosphere. With over 200 rooms, including salons covered in original tilework, frescoes, and golden carvings, guests are encouraged to explore freely. And while you wander, actors, dancers, and performers will be doing the same, bringing the palace to life in unpredictable ways.
This makes Palácio do Grilo a wildly unique place to celebrate something big. This is not the kind of place you come to because of the food. You’d come here to make memories in a very original way! You can choose to visit for a late lunch, a drink at the bar or a full evening menu. No matter the time of the day, you can be rest assured that the setting will be dramatic, with lots of playful energy, always with a sense that something curious might happen just around the corner.
The group dining menus are creative and well-priced at €50 per person, which includes a half bottle of wine and access to the live performance elements, and food options that match the whimsical setting. But let’s be real and say that this isn’t the place for everyone. If you’re looking for a quiet meal and crisp service, best to look elsewhere. But for those who like a little theatrical chaos, immersive art, and dinner with a dose of fantasy, Palácio do Grilo surely delivers a one-of-a-kind experience.
📍Calçada do Duque de Lafões 1, 1950-207 Lisbon
Photo by Time Out Lisboa
Tasco Force
You wouldn’t guess it from the street, but behind a modest entrance in Lisbon’s Alvalade neighbourhood hides one of the city’s best-kept secrets for relaxed group celebrations: a surprisingly large garden, tucked between apartment blocks and strung with lights, shade, and good vibes. At Tasco Force, that hidden outdoor space is where the magic happens, especially when the weather plays along.
Whether it’s a birthday lunch with the whole family, an anniversary with friends and lots of wine, or a casual reunion that turns into a long afternoon, this modern tasca is built for togetherness. The mood is informal, prices are reasonable, and the whole place runs on a spirit of hospitality that feels genuinely local. There’s even an all-you-can-drink option for group menus while food is being served, making it ideal for those occasions when you just want to eat, toast, and repeat.
The menu is built for sharing, with a rotation of petiscos and main dishes that change with the seasons. Chef Nuno Garuti leans into Portuguese and Mediterranean roots but keeps things approachable, with plenty of crowd-pleasers such as meat croquetes and other typical Portuguese savories, green bean tempura (peixinhos da horta), garlic shrimp, great meat sandwiches such as pregos, and so much more, including great home-made desserts too.
At Tasco Force there’s plenty of space for the kids to roam, no pressure to dress up, and enough menu variety to please meat lovers, pescatarians, and picky eaters alike. It’s not fancy, and that’s one of the things we precisely like about it. Tasco Force is where you go when the celebration is about good company, good food, and not overthinking it.
📍Rua Acácio de Paiva 5D, 1700-005 Lisbon
Photo by Time Out Lisboa
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