Blanca Valbuena

Cool restaurants in Portugal

What Restaurants Are The Most Unique in Portugal?

Dear Blanca,

With my new and upcoming travels to Portugal, I’m trying to find the most unique restaurants to visit. Anyone who has experienced Portugal knows that the food scene is remarkable, but I want to find something truly extraordinary. Can you help a fellow traveler out please?

Thank you for your advice about unique restaurants in Lisbon. I am already looking forward to discovering the city’s culinary offers. 

Cheers,
John J. Jacksonville, FL

Hi John J.,

Glad you liked the recommendations. Here are three more, one in the South, another in Lisbon, and another in the North:

One of the most unusual restaurants in Portugal is Chapati a Mesa in Lisbon

Location: Costa do Castelo 7, 1149-079 Lisboa, Portugal

Phone: +351 21 887 5077

Hours of Operation:

Saturday12–6 PM, 7 PM–1 AM
Sunday12–6 PM, 7 PM–1 AM
Monday12–6 PM, 7 PM–1 AM
Tuesday12–6 PM, 7 PM–1 AM
Wednesday12–6 PM, 7 PM–1 AM
Thursday12–6 PM, 7 PM–1 AM
Friday12–6 PM, 7 PM–1 AM
 

Chapitô à Mesa is a restaurant like no other.

Located near the Castelo Sao Jorge, it has an incredible view of the city. But that’s not even what makes it special. Chapitô is a great cultural center.

They stage plays, art exhibits, and there is tons more going on there. Perhaps the most unusual thing about Chapati a Mesa is that it is also a circus school. Yep, that’s right. 

I highly recommend that when you visit Lisbon, you make it a point to stop for a visit at one of Lisbon’s most unusual restaurants. 

Casa de Cha de Boa Nova – Seafood – Near Porto

Located in the picturesque town of Leça da Palmeira, Casa de Cha da Boa Nova is a restaurant that offers more than just a meal. The large windows offer stunning views of the horizon, setting the stage for a truly memorable dining experience. Chef Rui Paula’s innovative approach to food is sure to surprise and delight, as he takes diners on a culinary journey that showcases his unique vision.

In addition to the delicious food, the restaurant’s setting is truly one-of-a-kind. You can even visit the kitchen, open a window, or dip your toes in the nearby sand and sea water while chatting with the chef. The menu features fresh fish and seafood as the stars, all prepared with originality and care.

The restaurant building itself is a work of architectural genius, designed by Pritzker Siza Vieira and designated as a National Monument. Its unique design fits seamlessly into the stunning landscape, creating a truly memorable atmosphere.

Pharmacia Felicidade – Portuguese – Lisboa

I think you’ll love Pharmacia Felicidade in Lisbon! This restaurant, created in 2011 and inspired by the Museum of Health and Pharmacies located in the same building, serves up delicious Portuguese cuisine with a focus on regional and local dishes from the south of the country. Dessert lovers will be particularly pleased with the emphasis on sweet treats, including ice cream, mousses, and flavors from the Algarve.

In addition to the delicious food, Pharmacia Felicidade also offers a creative cocktail menu with a pharmaceutical theme, featuring natural ingredients and recipes from their very own “laboratory.” The restaurant boasts a private garden with views of the Tejo river, as well as a sophisticated and relaxed interior with private rooms available for reservation. And with bar and kitchen service throughout the day, you can enjoy this unique dining experience at any time.

Al-Quimia – Portuguese – Algarve

AL QUIMIA in the Algarve region features creative and delicate cuisine using the freshest ingredients from the sea and local, sustainably sourced products to create a menu that celebrates the flavors of the land and sea. Executive Chef Luís Mourão adds a modern twist to traditional Portuguese cuisine.