Doca do Jardim do Tabaco / Cais da Pedra
Santa Apolónia/Alfama
This group of old warehouses by the cruise terminal and Santa Apolónia Station has been taken over by eateries with terraces facing the river. They serve brunch, light or fuller meals.
Recommended:
- Pizzeria Casanova
- DeliDelux
- Cais da Pedra
Lx Factory
Rua Rodrigues Faria, 103 (Alcântara)
On a Sunday for brunch and for the market, or on any other day of the week, this is one of the city’s trendiest destinations, attracting those looking for something different. There are some cool shops, and several cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating.
Recommended:
- A Praça
- Borogodó
- Matchamama
- 1300 Taberna
- CantinaLx
Portas do Sol
Largo das Portas do Sol (Alfama)
218 851 299
Opens every day
portasdosol.pt
This is Lisbon’s best "balcony.” It overlooks Alfama, the river, and the passing trams, and is perfect for sunbathing, but those who prefer the shade will find it at the tables. In addition to the magnificent view, it also offers light meals and drinks throughout the day.
Quiosque da Ribeira das Naus
Avenida da Ribeira das Naus (Cais do Sodré)
Opens every day
Ribeira das Naus , now known as the “beach” of downtown Lisbon, has a kiosk with a terrace in a circle right by the water. There are those who sit in the sun for hours, facing the view of 25 de Abril Bridge and of the crossing ferries.
Docas de Santo Amaro
Avenida de Brasília (Alcântara)
A group of warehouses of the Port of Lisbon was turned into a major leisure and dining destination. It has a variety of restaurants for all tastes, from those specializing in fish (the most expensive choices) to pizza (cheaper). They all have outdoor seating and a beautiful view of the marina and 25 de Abril Bridge.
Recommended:
- Capricciosa
- Contra
- Descarado
- Izanagi
- Doca de Santo
Sud Lisboa
Avenida Brasília - Pavilhão Poente (Belém)
211 592 700
Opens every day
www.sudlisboa.com
Mediterranean meals are served on this terrace facing the river, at any time starting at noon. It’s right next to the MAAT , and has a rooftop swimming pool, open in the hot summer months.
Espaço Espelho d'Água
Avenida Brasília (Belém)
213 010 510
Opens every day
espacoespelhodeagua.com
Found between the Discoveries Monument and the Belém Tower, this terrace is one of the best spots to sit in the sun on the waterfront. It’s open throughout the day for light meals and drinks, and also serves lunch and dinner.
Praça do Comércio
Baixa
It’s now hard to believe, but the first terraces on Comércio Square only opened in 2011. They first appeared on the west wing, and in the following year came those on the east wing. The sun shines on the west wing in the morning, and on the east in the afternoon. The tables are aligned, giving the impression of just one large terrace at first glance. But they are actually several, outside different cafés and restaurants. They offer the choice of traditional Portuguese food, Italian, and international cuisines, plus ice cream, beer, and snacks to enjoy as you look out to the waterfront and the square's monumental architecture.
Recommended:
- Museu da Cerveja
- Terra Nova
- Can the Can
- Baía do Peixe
À Margem
Doca do Bom Sucesso (Belém)
918 620 032
Opens every day
www.amargem.com
Come rain or shine, this is one of the most popular terraces in Lisbon. It’s a white iron-and-glass structure open to the water’s edge, serving light meals throughout the day, with a view of the Discoveries Monument.
Alameda dos Oceanos
Alameda dos Oceanos - Lote 2.11 (Parque das Nações)
Alameda dos Oceanos is the main avenue that crosses the Parque das Nações district, and by the Oceanarium it has several terraces. They face not just the Oceanarium, but also the waterfront and the top of the Vasco da Gama Tower. Which of the terraces you choose depends on your appetite, as each restaurant has its specialty.
Recommended:
- Arigato
- Honorato - Rio
- Zero Zero
- Honest Greens
Zero Zero (Príncipe Real)
Rua da Escola Politécnica, 32
213 420 091
Opens every day
www.pizzeriazerozero.pt
This pizzeria’s backyard faces the Botanical Garden , one of Lisbon’s green oases. That’s where marble-top tables and wooden benches are placed, inviting you to stay in the sun or in the shade of parasols, with a cocktail and some of the best pizza in town.
Pátio do Siza
Rua Garrett, 19 (Chiado)
This courtyard, sheltered from the bustle of Chiado (accessed through number 19 of Rua Garrett), has terraces for meals at any time of the day.
Recommended:
- Pizzeria Mezzogiorno
- Aprazível
Largo Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro
Chiado
This square, famous for its iconic tile-covered building, got a facelift and removed the parking spots, allowing for outdoor seating at the cafés and restaurants. It’s now one of the best destinations in the Chiado district for a drink in the sun or al fresco dining.
Recommended:
-Boa Bao
-Royale Café
-Café di Marzano
Noobai Café
Miradouro de Santa Catarina (Santa Catarina)
213 465 014
Opens every day
www.noobaicafe.com
This café has a terrace divided into three levels, where light meals are served. The main attraction is the view, especially at sunset, always accompanied by a varied soundtrack and a lively atmosphere.
Pharmácia
Rua Marechal Saldanha, 2 (Santa Catarina)
213 462 146
Opens every day
facebook.com/restaurantepharmacia
A yellow mansion facing the Santa Catarina viewpoint has a restaurant with a pleasant garden/terrace. It serves “petiscos” (tapas) for lunch, in the afternoon and for dinner, and also cocktails to enjoy on the lounge chairs on the grass.
Chapitô à Mesa
Rua Costa do Castelo, 7 (Alfama)
218 875 077
Opens every day
facebook.com/ChapitoaMesa
It has changed chefs, menus, and even the name over the years, but what has always remained is the wonderful view over Lisbon. The best angle is from the more formal dining room upstairs, but you can also admire all of downtown and the river from the terrace on the lower level. An alternative menu is served on the terrace, consisting of grilled meat and fish, salads and cocktails.
Praça D. Luís I
Cais do Sodré
When the Ribeira Market opened its food hall in the spring of 2014, it also cleaned up the neighboring Dom Luis I Square. The market’s terraces (now managed by Time Out magazine) face this square, serving meals from morning to night. On the same square you'll find a kiosk for light meals, the tables of the much-recommended Sala de Corte restaurant and those of Café Janis.
Plano
Rua da Bela Vista à Graça, 126 (Graça)
933 404 461
Opens every day
www.planorestaurante.com
The terrace only opens in the warmer months and reservations are required, but it’s a secret that deserves to be discovered. It’s in a patio of a 19th-century building that’s been completely renovated, and serves different dishes every day. It all depends on the products available at the market and on the inspiration of Vítor Adão, one of Lisbon’s most promising young chefs.
Lost In
Rua Dom Pedro V, 56 (Príncipe Real)
917 759 282
Opens every day
www.lostinesplanada.com
The décor takes you to India, the atmosphere is cosmopolitan, and the menu is a fusion of Asia and the Mediterranean, but Lisbon is a constant presence due to the great panoramic view. The terrace is open in the afternoon for light meals, and at night it’s a beautiful spot for dinner with the lit-up city as a backdrop.
Café Buenos Aires
Calçada do Duque, 31B (Chiado)
213 420 739
Opens every day
www.cafebuenosaires.pt
Calçada do Duque is one of Lisbon’s most picturesque streets and it has restaurant terraces facing the castle. The most popular one is Café Buenos Aires, a restaurant that’s a blend of the Argentine capital, Lisbon and Paris, on the menu and in the décor.
Esplanada da Graça
Largo da Graça (Graça)
Here you may breathe in Lisbon (and the scent of pine trees), with a view of the castle, the river, and almost the entire city center. Open until late, this terrace is where tourists relax after walking up the city’s hills, and where locals meet to cool off with a beer and the breeze.
Topo Chiado
Terraços do Carmo (Chiado)
213 420 626
Opens every day
facebook.com/topolisboa
The bar of the “Carmo Terraces” has a beautiful view of the castle and Santa Justa Elevator, and serves cocktails and light meals. It opens daily at 11am, when it’s possible to sit in the sun. It’s shaded by lunchtime, so in the afternoon it’s a destination for those who prefer to avoid the sun.
Le Chat
Jardim 9 de Abril (Santos)
213 963 668
Opens every day
lechat.pt
It's right by the entrance to the Ancient Art Museum , and looks over the port and 25 de Abril Bridge. It serves meals and cocktails throughout the day, and on weekend nights there's often the soundtrack of a DJ.
Este Oeste/CCB
Praça do Império (Belém)
215 904 358
Closes on Mondays
gruposushicafe.pt/esteoeste
This terrace in Belém Cultural Center is shaded by olive and palm trees, and offers a beautiful view of the river and the Discoveries Monument. It serves lunches and dinners that curiously mix Italian and Japanese cuisines.
Darwin's Café
Avenida Brasília (Belém)
210 480 222
Opens every day
www.darwincafe.com
This terrace faces the Belém Tower, where the Tagus begins to flow into the Atlantic. It serves lunch and dinner, and there’s also a menu for snacks in the afternoon.
JncQuoi Avenida
Avenida da Liberdade, 182-184
219 369 900
Opens every day
www.jncquoi.com/avenida
The beautiful interior, featured in Wallpaper magazine, is one of the main attractions of this high-end restaurant, but the terrace is also very inviting, especially at lunch time. It has a capacity for 30 diners, but a reservation is recommended.
Rua Capelo
Chiado
Right in front of the entrance to the National Contemporary Art Museum of Chiado are two small but very popular spots for outdoor dining. One is the Austrian café Kaffeehaus and the other is the burger restaurant To.B .
Fauna & Flora
Rua da Esperança, 33 (Madragoa)
961 645 040
Opens every day
faunafloralisboa.com
The Madragoa neighborhood has received many more visitors since the opening of this café in 2017. It’s a favorite for brunch, especially on weekends, but its pancakes, bowls and other light and healthy options are served at any time. The plant-filled interior is attractive, but on sunny days it’s even better to sit outside.
Café no Chiado
Largo do Picadeiro, 10-12 (Chiado)
213 460 501
Opens every day
www.cafenochiado.com
Found between São Luiz and São Carlos theaters, this is where you get to see the trams rattling by. You may go for the restaurant's menu for lunch or dinner, or for a snack in the afternoon.
Rua Vieira Portuense
Belém
This small street facing a park in Belém has several restaurants in colorful traditional Lisbon houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. They all have tables on the cobblestone pavement, with most serving traditional Portuguese cuisine, and specializing in grilled fish.
Atalho Real
Calçada da Patriarcal, 40 (Príncipe Real)
213 460 311
Opens every day
grupoatalho.pt/atalho-real
The terrace of this restaurant in the palatial Embaixada shopping gallery, next to the Botanical Garden, only opens in the summer months, but is one of the city’s most popular spots on the warmest days. It has several meat choices (and a vegetarian alternative) and good cocktails to enjoy under the palm trees.
Quiosque Lisboa - Cais do Sodré
Rua da Cintura do Porto de Lisboa/Jardim Roque Gameiro (Cais do Sodré)
Opens every day
When Jardim Roque Gameiro (a square next to Cais do Sodré Station) was renovated, it was largely pedestrianized, so there was space for a traditional kiosk with several tables. It’s now a magnet for tourists, who sit admiring the river, as they enjoy a drink or a light meal.
Zambeze
Calçada Marquês de Tancos, 3 (Castelo)
218 877 056
Opens every day
zambezerestaurante.pt
The top of a former market that’s now a parking garage, is occupied by a restaurant with a huge terrace. The interior is attractive, but it’s on the terrace that everyone chooses to stay, as it offers a panoramic view of downtown all the way to the triumphal arch of Rua Augusta . Many tourists find it by chance, choosing to stay relaxing in the sun with a drink or light meal.
Quiosques Liberdade
Avenida da Liberdade
Half a dozen kiosks were placed down Avenida da Liberdade in 2011, each with its own specialty. One offers hot dogs, another "the world's best chocolate cake," but they're all places for light meals or simply a quick drink. There’s often live music to liven up the ambience.
Cais do Gás
Cais do Sodré
Cais do Gás is a pier in Cais do Sodré (next to the ferry station), and it has a group of old warehouses, most of them restored. Facing the river, they’re now bars and restaurants with outdoor seating, attracting a growing number of locals for afternoons and nights by the water, as the ferries go by.
Recommended:
- Vestigius
- Ibo
Jardim do Príncipe Real
Príncipe Real
This romantic garden offers the shade of century-old trees and sunny terraces. There's a traditional pink kiosk serving refreshments, a bigger kiosk for drinks in the evening, and the Esplanada do Príncipe Real café, which is also covered for the rainy days.
Monte Mar Lisboa
Rua da Cintura, Armazém 65 (Cais do Sodré)
213 220 160
Opens every day
www.montemar.pt
The specialty here is fish and shellfish, but there are other options for the afternoon, for those who just want to stay in the sun on the terrace on the water’s edge. It’s just steps from Cais do Sodré Station , offering a view of the bridge and of the ferries crossing the river.
38º 41'
Doca do Bom Sucesso (Belém)
210 400 210
Opens every day
This terrace looking out to the Discoveries Monument in the Altis Belém Hotel is known for its sunset parties. The late afternoon really is the best time to sit here and enjoy the view with a glass of wine or cocktail.
Cafetaria Mensagem
Doca do Bom Sucesso (Belém)
210 400 209
Opens every day
Facing the marina of Doca do Bom Sucesso and Belém Tower, this terrace in the Altis Belém Hotel offers brunch and a menu of Mediterranean cuisine for lunch.
Nosolo Itália - Belém
Avenida Brasília, 202 (Belém)
213 015 969
Opens every day
nosoloitalia.com
Standing on a pond facing the Discoveries Monument, this terrace gives you the feeling of being floating on the Tagus. It offers ice cream, pizza and other Italian specialties, as well as one of the best views of one of Lisbon’s most iconic monuments.
Doca da Marinha
Baixa, Alfama
Inaugurated in 2021 as a dock for traditional boats now used for sightseeing cruises, Doca da Marinha is surrounded by benches, a lawn, and three cafés with outdoor seating. At night, the cafés become an art installation, which was the last work of the artist Julião Sarmento. During the day they’re perfect to relax in the sun, after a stroll along the waterfront. They all serve light meals -- burgers, toasted sandwiches, pancakes and salads. To drink, there are cocktails and wine by the glass and bottle, in addition to coffee, teas and juices.
Linha D'Água
Rua Marquês de Fronteira
213 814 327
Opens every day
www.linhadeagua.pt
Found above Edward VII Park by the El Corte Inglés department store, this terrace is reflected onto a pond surrounded by vegetation. It attracts families and people of all ages.
Bar Terraço Santa Luzia
Miradouro de Santa Luzia (Alfama)
916 313 717
Opens every day
This small balcony, hidden in the Santa Luzia viewpoint and facing the Portas do Sol viewpoint , mainly attracts tourists who stop by to photograph the views. And it’s certainly a beautiful view that you get from here, inviting you to take a break for coffee, beer, caipirinha, sangria or a snack.
Praça da Armada
Alcântara
The once sleepy Praça da Armada was revived thanks to the new outdoor seating of its restaurants, placed by a drinking fountain from 1845 topped by a statue of Neptune. One of them has beanbags and Parisian-style chairs, while the others have the traditional Lisbon furniture, where you can enjoy dishes from Portuguese, Italian and Mediterranean cuisines.
After your meal, walk up Rampa das Necessidades to Largo das Necessidades, enjoy the view of 25 de Abril Bridge from the terrace faced by Palácio das Necessidades and visit the Tapada das Necessidades park .
Recommended:
- 31 d'Armada
- Zanzibar
- Ruvida
Pinóquio
Praça dos Restauradores, 79 (Avenida da Liberdade)
213 465 106
Opens every day
www.restaurantepinoquio.pt
When it opened in 1982, this restaurant kept the name of the toy store that occupied the space until then. Soon it became synonymous with afternoons of clams accompanied by white wine on the most popular terrace in downtown Lisbon. Today it’s where a variety of fresh seafood is guaranteed, served in a laid-back ambience.
Bonjardim
Travessa de Santo Antão, 11 (Avenida da Liberdade)
213 424 389
Opens every day
facebook.com/RestauranteBonjardim2016
Known as the “king of chickens” since the 1950s, this is where many locals and tourists enjoy what it’s said to be the best spit-roast chicken in Lisbon. Despite the location in one of the city’s most touristy areas, prices remain reasonable.
São Jorge
Calçada do Marquês de Tancos, 1-1B (Castelo)
965 515 200
Closes on Mondays
grupochamp.pt/sao-jorge
Located a short walk from the castle, by an elevator that connects the castle’s hill to downtown, this terrace with a view presents a list of original petiscos (tapas) to accompany cocktails and sangria.
Largo do Intendente
Intendente/Mouraria
Several cafés with outdoor seating have opened in Largo do Intendente since its renovation in 2012. Once a rundown square that was best avoided, it’s currently a lively place worth visiting. Not only is it home to the charming store A Vida Portuguesa , it also has one of the most beautiful tiled façades in the city. For a drink or a meal at any time of the day, head to the terrace of Palma Cantina or of the O das Joanas café.
BananaCafé Torel
Jardim do Torel (Pena)
213 026 160
Opens every day
After the BananaCafé kiosks, came this café on the lower terrace of the Torel garden-viewpoint . It faces the hill of Bairro Alto and serves the same type of light meals and juices as the kiosks, plus cocktails and afternoons livened up by DJs in the summer.
Zunzum
Doca do Jardim do Tabaco
210 500 347
Closes on Mondays and Tuesdays
www.zunzum.pt
This restaurant with outdoor seating is found on the waterfront, facing the main building of Lisbon’s cruise terminal. It serves small plates imagined by one of the city’s top chefs (Marlene Vieira), using Portuguese products (many of them displayed on the shelves of the interior). Each option can be shared, and has a touch of haute cuisine but at affordable prices. Signature cocktails may accompany the meals, which should end with one of the delicious traditional and not-so-traditional desserts.
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros
Baixa/Alfama
The pavement has been temporarily painted blue (it will be covered with cobblestones), so many people now call it "blue street." It was closed to traffic and parking spots were removed in the summer of 2020, and restaurant tables and pedestrians have taken over the entire space, which links the district of Baixa to Alfama. Here you can enjoy the flavors of the sea or international cuisine.
Recommended:
- Basílio
- BaixaMar
Rua Nova da Trindade
Chiado
Just like Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, Rua Nova da Trindade had its pavement painted blue. The parking spots were removed and tables and chairs took the place of cars. Those of Bairro do Avillez are perfect to try the various dishes of Michelin-star chef José Avillez.
A Brasileira
Rua Garrett, 120-122 (Chiado)
213 469 541
Opens every day
www.abrasileira.pt
This terrace always has at least one customer -- poet Fernando Pessoa’s statue, usually being photographed by tourists. For this small monument and for the history of the café opened in 1905, this is one of the mandatory stops for anyone visiting Lisbon. It’s sometimes difficult to get a table, especially when the sidewalk in front is the stage of street performers.
Benard
Rua Garrett, 104 (Chiado)
213 473 133
Closes on Sundays
www.benard.pt
This is one of Lisbon’s oldest cafés, serving a variety of pastries at this location for over a century. It’s most famous for the croissants, which locals and tourists like to enjoy as they people-watch on the terrace.
Nicola
Rossio (Baixa)
213 460 579
Opens every day
This is one of Lisbon’s historic cafés, and faces one of the city’s main squares. The tables outside offer a view of the castle above, as well as of the façade of Dona Maria II Theater and of the square’s monumental fountains.
Largo do Carmo
Chiado
Several terraces belonging to different restaurants stand below jacaranda trees in this square. They’re faced by the ruins of Carmo Convent , and offer meals or drinks to those looking to rest after walking around Chiado.
Senhor Peixe
Rua da Pimenta, 35 (Parque das Nações)
218 955 892
Opens every day
senhorpeixe.pt
Rua da Pimenta, in the Parque das Nações district, has several restaurants with outdoor seating that attract those who work in the area and tourists who walk along the waterfront towards the Vasco da Gama Tower. One of them is also a destination for those who like fresh fish. The fish arrives daily from the port of Setúbal and is usually served grilled.
Eléctrico Banana Café
Largo dos Jerónimos (Belém)
213 026 160
Opens every day
A tram that ran through Lisbon’s streets until 1988 is now parked by Jerónimos Monastery and has been given a new life. After a restoration, it was converted into a café, serving smoothies and snacks throughout the day. The terrace is used by tourists who open their guidebooks and plan their itineraries.
Praça de São Paulo
Cais do Sodré
This is an elegant 18th-century square which has sadly been forgotten and neglected for many years. It’s now starting to get some attention, thanks to the outdoor seating offered by the restaurants and a traditional kiosk.
Rua Cor-de-Rosa
Rua Nova do Carvalho (Cais do Sodré)
After it was pedestrianized and its the pavement painted pink, Rua Nova do Carvalho in Cais do Sodré became known as Rua Cor-de-Rosa (“Pink Street”). It has Lisbon’s most popular terraces at night, but some also open during the day for meals or drinks in the shade.
