Lisbon is a city built on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River, a sun-drenched capital where the melancholic beauty of the past is fiercely intertwined with a vibrant, modern culinary renaissance. In the eighth season of No Reservations (2012), Anthony Bourdain traveled to Portugal’s largest city to explore a food culture that was rapidly stepping out of the shadows, balancing its profound historical traditions with a new wave of innovative chefs. This episode captured a city on the cusp of becoming one of Europe’s premier dining destinations. Bourdain’s exploration of Lisbon highlighted the stunning quality of its ingredients, particularly the incredible bounty pulled from the Atlantic. He reveled in the chaotic, high-energy perfection of a legendary seafood hall, discovered the surprising elevation of high-quality canned fish, and sought out the comforting, essential street foods like the iconic bifana sandwich. He also dined with a new generation of Portuguese chefs who were reinventing traditional peasant dishes—like pig’s trotters and offal—into refined, world-class meals. Here are the essential spots that showcased the dynamic, deeply flavorful soul of Lisbon.
When Anthony Bourdain visited Lisbon on his show No Reservations, he and his crew picked many restaurants. Here are all the addresses and the dishes showcased in a convenient list.
This is No Reservations, season 8, episode 4. It first aired on April 30, 2012.
READ MORE: DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON AND AROUND: DAY TRIPS
DISH – “Lisboetas’ Seafood”
WHAT IS IT?
They had goose barnacles, langoustines, clams, spider crab, scarlet shrimp, Sagres beer and a prego – a steak sandwich with garlic and mustard.
“A barrage of minimalist seafood of maximum quality.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Cervejaria Ramiro
Av. Alm. Reis 1 H, 1150-007 Lisboa, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
DISH – “Canned Foods” – Anthony Bourdain Lisbon
WHAT IS IT?
They had beer, smoked tuna fish, Portuguese sardines served in Portuguese bread, tuna roe served with sweet potatoes and horse mackerel.
“That’s good, that’s like total crack, oh man, also amazing.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Sol e Pesca
R. Nova do Carvalho 44, 1200-019 Lisboa, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
DISH – Ginjinha – Anthony Bourdain Lisbon
WHAT IS IT?
Anthony Bourdain had ginjinha, a beverage made of morello cherries.
“And watch out, it goes down smooth but packs a vicious punch.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
A Ginjinha
Largo São Domingos 8, 1100-201 Lisboa, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
DISH – “Traditional Portuguese Dishes” – Anthony Bourdain Lisbon
WHAT IS IT?
They had green beans tempura, blood sausage with rice, pig trotters with cilantro and coriander, a golden egg dish and for dessert they had hazelnut ice cream with hazelnut whipped cream and hazelnuts.
“Pig’s trotters or feet, classic peasant food and a perfect blend of textures. Meaty, crispy, fatty, sticky.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Cantinho do Avillez
R. Duques de Bragança 7, 1200-162 Lisboa, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
DISH – “Yugoslavia-Inspired Portuguese Dishes” – Anthony Bourdain Lisbon
WHAT IS IT?
They had codfish tripe, rabbit game pie with truffles and cheese, horse heart, bull liver and pork brain, young milk-fed goat roasted and served with rice made with its liver and stock made from tongue, mushroom and chicken.
“While I may not be familiar with the Portuguese pronunciation, in my language it’s…mmm, delicious” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
100 Maneiras
R. do Teixeira 39, 1200-459 Lisboa, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
READ MORE: WHAT TO EAT IN LISBON, PORTUGAL: 8 BEST THINGS – AND WHERE TO GET THEM
DISH – “Portuguese Fine Dining Dish” – Anthony Bourdain Lisbon
WHAT IS IT?
They had mackerel, baby pork with sweet potato puree and bok choi, semi-salted cod with chickpea puree.
“Oohh that looks good. Look at that mmm~ woah, beautiful.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Alma
R. Anchieta 15, 1200-224 Lisboa, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
DISH – Bifana – No Reservations Lisbon
WHAT IS IT?
Anthony Bourdain visited O Trevo located in Lisbon and had Bifana and beer.
“In Lisbon, that magical dish is something called a bifana. A much loved cure-all in a form of a sandwich.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
O Trevo
Praça Luís de Camões 48, 1200-283 Lisboa, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
READ MORE: THE HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS OF LISBON, WHERE THE PAST AND THE PRESENT INTERSECT
This episode of No Reservations was a pivotal moment in introducing the wider world to the incredible depth and quality of Portuguese cuisine, which Bourdain felt had been criminally overlooked for too long. His genuine awe at the staggering array of fresh seafood and his deep appreciation for the humble, expertly crafted bifana highlighted his belief that the best food cultures respect both their high-end dining and their street-level staples. By championing the chefs who were elevating historical, rustic dishes without losing their soul, he showcased a city that is fiercely proud of its culinary heritage. The episode remains a vital guide to navigating the exceptional flavors of the Portuguese capital. When you visit Lisbon, make sure to seek out the legendary seafood houses and the unassuming cafes serving the true taste of the city.
