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Latest update: 10 August 2023
I never go to a restaurant alone at home. When traveling, I sometimes don’t have a choice and have to eat by myself. It feels a bit uncomfortable dining alone. I’m not looking forward to it, but eating out in Lisbon (Portugal) alone is pretty ok. In fact, I enjoy eating out alone!
Yikes, dinner for one
I have been to Lisbon a few times now, also alone. And solo travel also means that sometimes I have to go to dinner with myself. Yes, ‘have to’, because it feels like overcoming a barrier. Obviously, I’ve eaten alone more often during my travels. Sometimes entirely voluntarily, sometimes because there was no other option. Still, I can get pretty nervous about the dinner for one experience. In my mind, everyone in the restaurant looks at me and thinks I’m weird and pathetic. But even if that’s true, I still have to eat. And I refuse to drag myself to McDonald’s and Pizza Hut in a country like Portugal.
Wines and snacks in Lisbon
Maybe I’m fortunate, but when I go out to eat alone in Lisbon, I end up in friendly restaurants. I am genuinely comfortable. I get a decent table (no back corner), and the service is very helpful and service-oriented. I would almost make it a habit to eat out alone! I’ve been to a few spots in Lisbon that are a bit similar: good wines and small bites. This way, I can try several things while reading a book (and quickly leave if I feel uncomfortable).
Tip! I feel perfectly fine having breakfast or lunch on my own. Check out my tips for awesome breakfast spots in Lisbon.
Eat alone in Lisbon at Mini Bar Teatro
The first evening I immediately got hold of the fanciest of all my solo meals in Lisbon: Mini Bar Teatro is a ‘gourmet bar’. It is housed in a former theater, and that also inspired star chef José Avillez to create something unique. The menu is divided into acts, and I can mark what I want to eat; it’s almost like ordering all-you-can-eat sushi.
The waitress is very helpful and shows me which dishes I can also halve so that I can try more things. Which I love because nothing is what it seems on this menu. An edible caipirinha, an olive made from olive oil, and Ferrero Rocher from foie gras… It’s all possible here. I have a lovely spot by the window with a good chair and enough light to read. For now, I don’t have to leave here!
Eating out by/with myself at Grapes & Bites
Grapes & Bites is a tapas bar and wine bar. I can choose from more than 200 wines! I can’t handle that many choices, so I trust the waiter’s choice. I order some tapas, and he recommends a red wine. I’m glad I took the advice because the wine is delicious.
As I read a few pages in my book, a guitar player sits down beside me. He plays at Grapes & Bites four nights a week. Classics, but also his own work. We chat for a while about books. The other staff are also friendly and chatty. I’m having the best time actually. By the way, you can also spend the night at Grapes & Bites. The have several rooms available.
Wine bar Comida Independente in Lisbon
I’ll throw in another wine bar: Comida Independente. You should not go here if you are starving because they mainly have small bites and snacks. And they have a huge wine collection. I order, and the lady behind the counter cheerfully helps me out. Without haste, with a lot of explanation. The products are sourced locally. If you like one of the wines you can also take it home / to your hotel, as the wines are also sold separately. You can even buy merchandise if you become a huge fan of this place.
Tip! I also always enjoy participating in a food tour. This way, you get to different places, taste everything, and are not alone! Check the options at WithLocals or GetYourGuide.
Eating alone at Rebel Asian
If you prefer an Asian meal, try Rebel Asian. The design of the restaurant alone is worth a visit. They did a great job! On the dishes too, by the way. The bao buns are nice, sticky, and well-filled, and the tuna is delicious. The menu contains Asian classics such as pad thai, mango sticky rice, and many modern Asian dishes. One visit to Rebel Asian is probably not enough. 😉
The bar is in the middle of the restaurant, so the tables have quite a bit of privacy. That way, you don’t feel so watched on your own.
Solo dinner at The Old Pharmacy–Wine Inn
I stick to my formula of wine and tapas and end up in The Old Pharmacy – Wine Inn. Here too, I am warmly welcomed, and the waiter helps me choose a wine. The menu is somewhat limited. However, the portions are generous. But if you are looking for a hearty meal, you should probably get that somewhere else first and then come here for a nice glass of wine. Even though it’s busy, I get assigned a table that could accommodate at least four people. They could easily have made more money at that table. So nice that they let me sit comfortably there.
Bonus tip: Ressaca Tropical wine bar
You can’t eat at this wine bar, but I’m including it in this list of solo travel restaurants in Lisbon because it’s so chill, and you can drink a glass of wine alone. Ressaca Tropical is a bit hidden in a side street. It has a dark interior with many candles and many, many, many bottles of wine. Not all wine is available by the glass, but there are always some between 5 and 10 euros a glass. You order at the bar and tell them about the flavors you want and what you like. Then you get to taste some options, and that’s how I end up with a surprisingly salty white wine and a beautiful red wine from the east of Portugal. I could sit here for hours…. but my liver can’t. 😉
So now you have a few options for solo dining in Lisbon. Restaurants where you can eat alone in Lisbon without feeling uncomfortable. And don’t worry, you can also have fun at all of these with a plus one. Or plus more.
More Portugal inspiration?
Useful links for your Portugal trip
- Accommodation. All-time favorites: Booking.com and Campspace. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. Try WithLocals for experiences with Portuguese locals. Book your ‘free’ walking tours with Freetour.com or GuruWalks, and try bike tours with Baja Bikes.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Car rental. My go-to car rental companies are EasyTerra and Sunny Cars as they have all-inclusive / worry-free offers. If you want to compare prices, check out Discover Cars.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Momondo, Transavia, Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Guidebooks. I love paper guidebooks to flip through. Buy them at Bol.com or Amazon.
- Money. Your debit and credit cards may not get accepted everywhere. You could opt for a Revolut card as an additional card when you travel.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? There is plenty of choices all over. For the Dutch: ANWB vakanties, Tui or Vakantie Discounter. Or choose a trip with Shoestring, Sawadee, or Corendon. Other options are D-Reizen and Sunweb.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Train and Bus Travel to Portugal with Busbud or FlixBus. And reserve buses and trains on the go with 12Go or Omio.
- Travel gear. Buy your gear at Bever or Decathlon, or simply at Bol.com.
- Yoga retreat. Or maybe treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Portugal.
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First published: November 2016. Updated since.
