Lunchtime might be the best way to eat at some of Lisbon’s more popular spots. Taberna Sal Grosso, a tightly packed cubby hole in Alfama with a chalkboard menu, is well known to both tourists and locals for its flavor-filled small plates. Dinner tables are snagged weeks in advance – but daytime bookings can often be made online a day or two before.

If you’re looking for ingenious petiscos which are decidedly Portuguese in character but that go beyond the usual recipes, such as the ones we’ve highlighted above, visit Taberna Sal Grosso. This contemporary tavern near Santa Apolónia train station, crafts very original recipes which most Portuguese folks would recognize as local, even if they have never had the chance to try them in this very same shape or served along unusual complementary ingredients. We’re for example talking about the very traditional stewed pork cheeks, here paired with apple and celery purée, or the chicken with suckling pig sauce.

Situated in the quaint neighborhood of Santa Apolónia, very near the historic Alfama district, Sal Grosso is another pivotal establishment in Lisbon’s contemporary tasca scene. Originally making waves for its simple yet exceptional culinary offerings, dedicated service, and the palpable camaraderie between the staff and patrons, Sal Grosso faced temporary closure due to the pandemic. In 2021, the torch was passed to new management under the stewardship of chefs Jorge Melgas and Luís Pimenta, who were determined to bring Sal Grosso back to its former glory.

If you’re a fan of eating tapas or petiscos style, that is, enjoying little plates of a variety of typical foods, and trying as much as you possibly can, you should most definitely come to Taberna Sal Grosso!. As the tavern’s team explains, they focus on traditional Portuguese recipes, and keep things “rustic but sophisticated”. Sal Grosso stands for coarse salt, a basic ingredient in the Portuguese kitchen, along with white wine, bay leaf and garlic, which along with olive oil are at the base of many of the flavors we identify with our national dishes.

Calçada do Forte, 22 (Alfama) 215 982 212 Opens every day Price per person: €20. It’s hidden between the Military Museum and the Santa Apolónia train station, but was quickly discovered by those looking for good traditional cuisine and reasonably-priced meals in a tourist area. It’s a very small restaurant that recalls the taverns of the past, with dishes of the day plus petiscos (small plates) listed on a chalkboard on the wall.

Solo seafoodies feel at home alongside locals at this cash-only neighborhood corner tap house. Soak up the lively buzz of tourist radar as Lisboetas feast on ultra-fresh fish and shellfish sourced daily from Setúbal fish markets just 40 miles south. Watch the talented chef grill tender octopus, juicy shrimp, and whole dorado to smoky perfection over hot coals behind the narrow zinc-topped counter.

Taberna is one of four incredible establishments in the Bairro do Avillez, a Michelin Guide-recommended food hall, the vision of legendary José Avillez. The space has seafood, pizza, and a bar, but I’d especially recommend the delicious tapas at Taberna. It’s a perfect spot for any time of day, casual enough for lunch or a snack, quality good enough for a fancy dinner.

Taberna Sal Grosso Alfama is a cheerful tavern tucked away in one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods. It was among the first spots in the city to serve affordable, contemporary twists on traditional recipes. With a warm, relaxed atmosphere and a changing menu, it’s a great place to gather for a genuine taste of local life.

Taberna Sal Grosso has a hype status but keeps the menu very focused on Portuguese cuisine, with some twists. The options are written in chalk on a board on the wall, and the idea is to order several small portions to try a bit of everything. The beers are handmade, in a variety of styles, and produced in-house.

Location: Calçada do Forte 22, Alfama, 900 m from Terreiro do Paço (11-minute walk). Why Dine Here: A hidden gem with just 20 seats, Taberna Sal Grosso offers homestyle dishes like cozido à portuguesa (€16) and amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (€12). Locals love its intimate vibe, ideal post-Feira da Ladra market.

This is one of my favourite spots to eat in Lisbon, and it’s open seven days a week. You’ll need to reserve a table online to dine at this relaxed modern Portuguese diner. Taberna Sal Grosso serves up traditional Portuguese dishes reimagined with some chef techniques.

Taberna Sal Grosso is a welcoming restaurant in Alfama, just a few steps from the Pantheon. It has some of Lisbon’s top petiscos. Every day, the crew writes the menu on a chalkboard outside, so you know what’s on the menu.

Taberna Sal Grosso is a cozy tavern located in Alfama, just a few steps away from the Pantheon. It has some of the best petiscos in Lisbon (you know, those small homemade dishes that you can share with friends).

Taberna Sal Grosso: Set in Alfama, this cozy tavern offers a modern take on Portuguese cuisine. The idea here is to order a mix of dishes to share. They also have their own craft beer.

I’m afraid there are no tables for the next week or so.” This has become the most-repeated phrase lately at Taberna Sal Grosso, a small space which first made a...

Even on a Monday night, crowds of eager diners queue up outside Taberna Sal Grosso for their chance to eat at one of Lisbon's best restaurants.

• Taberna Sal Grosso (Alfama - €€) – Stand-out restaurant in Alfama with wonderful Portuguese food and a cosy atmosphere, but always busy.