Martinhal Lisbon
Why it matters: Martinhal is a Portuguese family-hospitality group co-founded and led by Chitra Stern, whose vision shaped a brand built around genuinely family-friendly luxury rather than an aftertho
Lisbon
The Late Birds Lisbon
Why it matters: The Late Birds is a gay urban resort built by and for the LGBTQ+ community, created out of the founders’ own experiences travelling the world to give gay travellers a place to feel at
Taste of Lisboa Food Tours
Why it matters: Taste of Lisboa was founded and is owned by Lisbon local Filipa Valente, who built the tours around the everyday food of ordinary lisboetas and the family-run shops and restaurants tha
Migrantour Lisbon
Why it matters: Migrantour Lisbon is run by the neighbourhood nonprofit Renovar a Mouraria as part of a Europe-wide network of migrant-led intercultural walks, guided by residents with migrant backgro
Treasures of Lisboa Food Tours
Why it matters: Treasures of Lisboa is co-founded and co-owned by Ruthy, a woman entrepreneur who runs the tours alongside her Portuguese partner, sharing a personal love of Portuguese food and the ci
Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel
Why it matters: Opened in 2010 as what it calls Lisbon’s first sustainable hotel, Inspira Liberdade runs on 100% green energy and holds ISO 14001, Biosphere and Travelife certifications, pairing envir
Frangasqueira Nacional
Frangasqueira Nacional is a tiny Príncipe Real grill that locals treat as the benchmark for takeaway frango: flame-grilled piri-piri chicken, plus ribs and pork sausage with garlic rice and homemade crisps. There are barely three tables, so most people carry dinner home wrapped in foil. It is cash only and opens Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm to 10pm — arrive right at opening, because the queue builds fast.
O Forninho Saloio
Tucked down a quiet alley off Avenida da Liberdade, Forninho Saloio has been serving home-style Portuguese cooking since 1995 — grilled octopus, charcoal-grilled sea bass and bacalhau com arroz de feijão in portions made for sharing. Prices stay honest despite the big-city address, which is why the lunch crowd is mostly local office workers. The dining room is tiny and fills fast, so book ahead or arrive right at noon.
Indie Rock Café
Located in the fringes of Bairro Alto, Indie Rock Café is both in the center of the action and off the beaten track. It retains the lively partying spirit of the neighborhood…
Pois Cafe
A cosy, laid-back cafe-bookshop near the cathedral in Alfama, long loved for its sofas, brunch and easygoing charm. It has since closed.