Green Wine and Dine In Lisbon
Green Wine or ‘Vinho Verde’ is one of the signature drinks of Portugal. Most people assume (as I first did) that this delicious wine is called “green” because of its light green color or that perhaps the winemakers use green, unripe grapes, but it actually gets its name from the Vinho Verde region in Minho, Northern Portugal. This is a wonderful summer drink choice because it is light, refreshing and a bit sparkly.
Leading up to my next trip to Lisbon and the Canary Islands in February 2024, I thought I would share some not-to-be-missed bars and restaurants in Lisbon. Lisbon may not be the first culinary capital that comes to mind, but if you know where to look you can find fantastic places to wine and dine yourself.
Here are some of the best bars to try…
Cinco Lounge is great if you are in the mood for live music, great cocktails and small plates. Cinco Lounge is intimate and cozy with fabulous cocktails (let the waiters ask you about what you like and choose for you)! This place is all about sophistication. Although the base of most of their drinks are traditional, they spice them up to perfection and the menu is constantly changing to include fresh new ingredients. It’s a perfect place to relax, unwind and drink with friends. The music is carefully curated to add ambiance and the sultry vibe of the interior design makes an excellent backdrop for pictures too!
The Topo is a stunning rooftop bar with outrageous city views. It was dubbed one of the hottest new spots on Conde Nast Traveller with a still unpretentious ambiance. It is a bit of a journey to find the six story rooftop spot right next to the Martim Moniz Plaza. But this is another wonderful location for cocktails and petiscos (tapas). If you last until later in the evening, the mood changes to vibrant when the DJ also arrives.
By the Wine is a perfect spot for any wine lover and the best spot to try the green wine that Portugal is famous for. By The Wine has a unique arched ceiling that mimics a traditional wine cellar in a Portuguese home. There are several thousand bottles to comb through in the shop, so if you want to begin getting to know the thrilling Portuguese wine scene this is a great place to start. By the Wine is located in the famous winemaker Jose Maria da Fonseca Chiado neighborhood.
Park Bar is one of the most beautiful ways to see the Lisbon skyline. The Park bar has a romantic, vintage, dark wood interior and a lush, urban garden outside exterior. Their breezy Mojito is one of their most popular drinks. Park gets its namesake because it transforms the top level from a normal parking garage to a picturesque sunset-filled oasis. The Park Bar really lives up to its name with its lush vegetation and airy openness. Park also features a number of live music and DJs. This trendy rooftop is a must stop on your next trip to Lisbon for the golden hour photos alone.
Like most of Europe, one of the best ways to experience the city of Lisbon is to eat your way through it. I have three great options, among many, for top cuisine in Lisbon.
The Attla restaurant is a little gem and a culinary treat for authentic Portuguese delights, including vegetarian options. There’s limited seating which gives the place a unique, small-town feel and helps to ensure the 5-star service. This intimate Portuguese experience includes mostly fish with vegetables and sometimes steak. A restaurant like this with a talented owner/chef gives you a personal experience in a simple, cozy, and comfortable space. The chef’s name is Andre Fernandes you can taste that he takes pride in all of his creative and delicious dishes.
The Prado restaurant offers a farm-to-table experience in a former fish factory with organic wines! This delicious and elegant restaurant is lovely inside with vegetation hanging from the ceiling and lining every window. The chef, Antonio Galapito, demonstrates his casual market cuisine style and prides himself on using seasonal produce. Located in the downtown Se area, the chef’s charred cabbage “tacos' are a must, but the best way to go is with a group of friends and have everyone order a little bit of everything.
The Alma restaurant is a more expensive choice with beautiful interior design and creative contemporary cuisine. The two-star Michelin restaurant can be found in the Chiado neighborhood in the historic center of Lisbon and the chef and staff work in clear view. It’s the perfect restaurant to go to after exploring the history of the city center. Chef Henrique Sa Pessoa experiments with every dish served which is influenced by his vision of world cuisine with a Portugues twist. The 18th-century residence is a fitting setting for this fabulous restaurant.
If my sipping & tasting ideas for Lisbon have piqued your interest, take a look at my upcoming Lisbon excursion and look into wining and dining with me.
