Finding a restaurant that is open on Christmas Day in Lisbon is not as challenging as you think. If you don’t feel like preparing a meal on Christmas Day, there are actually several options for you in the city. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to enjoy a festive meal in Lisbon.
8 Places to Eat on Christmas Day in Lisbon
1. Flor-de-Lis
Location: Hotel Epic Sana Lisboa, Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco 15, 1070-100
The Epic Sana Hotel offers a memorable Christmas Day meal that embodies the festive spirit of the season. Enjoy a range of traditional Portuguese dishes and a warm, inviting atmosphere enhanced by festive decor and seasonal music. The meal typically features a variety of starters, main courses, and desserts, showcasing the rich flavors of Portuguese cuisine.
On Christmas Day, the Epic Sana Hotel’s menu often includes specialties like bacalhau (salted cod), a Portuguese Christmas staple, and tender roast meats. There’s also an array of side dishes and seasonal vegetables. Desserts include options like bolo rei, a traditional Portuguese fruitcake. The hotel’s attention to detail and commitment to quality make the Christmas meal a truly luxurious dining experience.
2. Sacramento do Chiado
Location: Calçada do Sacramento, 40-46, 1200-394, Lisboa, Portugal
The Sacramento do Chiado Christmas Day meal comes with two options at a special price for the Christmas night. The setting, in a beautifully restored 18th-century building, adds to the charm.
For this special occasion, the chefs at Sacramento do Chiado craft dishes that honor Portuguese Christmas traditions. The menu typically features a mix of seafood and meat. Desserts are a highlight, with sweet treats like bolo rei and arroz doce. Paired with fine Portuguese wines, this meal embodies the joy and warmth of the holiday season in Lisbon.
3. Mensagem
Location: Altis Belém Hotel & Spa, Doca do Bom Sucesso, 1400-038, Lisboa, Portugal
Mensagem offers a laid-back and casual dining experience. The Christmas menu is kept simple to allow guests to enjoy conversation with family and friends. Main dishes include codfish confit or lamb, and the quintessential Christmas sweet treat, rabanada, is served for dessert. The Christmas Day buffet will set you back 65€.
The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with the Belém location offering views of the Tagus River.
4. Varanda de Lisboa
Location: Praça Martim Moniz 2, 1100-341, Lisboa, Portugal
Varanda de Lisboa serves up an excellent Christmas Day lunch, although you will have to pay quite a lot for the privilege, with last year’s price being 80 €.
The menu features fresh mussels, roasted tomatoes, sea bass fillet with bulhāo pato sauce, a dessert buffet, and your choice of Portuguese wines. Reservations are required and can be made here.
5. Rua do Benformoso (Martim Moniz)
Location: Rua do Benformoso next to Praça Martim Moniz and Martim Moniz Metro Station, Lisboa, Portugal
Rua do Benformoso is a culturally diverse street in Lisbon, offering a range of international cuisines, including Indian, Bangladeshi, Chinese, and Vietnamese. For a hearty Indian meal, Tulsi Restaurante is a recommended option.
6. Lumbini
Location: Rua da Esperança 42, 1200-658, Lisboa, Portugal
Lumbini Restaurant offers exquisitely flavorful Nepalese and Indian dishes in a quiet setting with incredibly friendly service. Curries are served in a little metal pot with a candle, and the rich flavors come highly recommended if you’re looking for a warm meal on a cold Christmas evening. Be prepared to wait for a little while for your meal to be served, but the wait is well worth it.
Like many Indian/Nepalese restaurants, Lumbini offers many vegetarian and vegan options, providing something for everyone if you’re planning to get together with a group on Christmas Day.
7. BAHR & Terrace
Location: Praça Luís de Camões, 2, Chiado, 1200-243, Lisboa, Portugal
Situated on the fifth floor of the Bairro Alto Hotel, BAHR offers fine dining with a special Christmas menu. The restaurant is known for its great service, open kitchen style, outstanding cocktails, and waterfront views. Reservations are necessary.
Bahr and Terrace restaurant offers a creative culinary experience on Christmas Day from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Overlooking the Tagus River, the restaurant’s ambiance is both elegant and cozy. Their special Christmas menu is a blend of traditional Portuguese flavors and contemporary culinary techniques. Dishes like bacalhau com natas (creamy codfish) and leitão (roast suckling pig) are highlights.
The dessert menu at Bahr and Terrace is equally impressive, featuring classic Portuguese sweets with a modern twist. Arroz doce (sweet rice pudding) and pastéis de nata (egg custard tarts) are given a festive makeover, and, to complement the meal, the restaurant offers a selection of fine Portuguese wines.
8. La Paparrucha Steakhouse
Location: Rua Dom Pedro V, 18 20, 1250-094, Lisboa, Portugal
La Paparrucha Steakhouse is an Argentinian parrilla that is one of Lisbon’s top steakhouses. They usually serve Christmas dinner each year and offer top-quality steaks and an array of side dishes. A wide range of wines is also available to elevate your Christmas cheer. Check out the website to make a reservation.
As you can see from our list, there are a number of options available in Lisbon to make sure that you don’t go hungry on Christmas Day. A few tips for success: Call ahead if you can and check the Facebook or Instagram page to ensure that the restaurant will be open. Also, check whether you will need a reservation and be sure to make one in advance. We hope you find the perfect place for you!
