Ellie Howard, author of The Best Neighborhoods in Lisbon for Digital Nomads shares her picks for the Portuguese capital's best restaurants, bars, cafes, and coworking spaces.

The Best Restaurants in Lisbon for Digital Nomads

Taberna do Flores: With a no booking policy and long queues around the corner, Taberna do Flores is hard to get into. But those who are patient enough are rewarded by the experimental twists on traditional Portuguese dishes. 

Prado: Favoring a “farm to table” concept, Prado focuses on simple, seasonal dishes but with serious creative flair. Booking in advance is a must.

O Velho Eurico: This is a tightly-packed rustic restaurant in the heart of Mouraria. You’ll find meaty dishes here, from sweet bread to chicken liver.

Cafe Tati: A cute corner bistro, with tables on the peaceful street, Cafe Tati serves up generous plates of Portuguese tapas. The natural wine selection washes it all down perfectly. 

Taberna do Calhau: Foodies interested in a taste of Southern Portugal should flock to this unpretentious taberna, for its cozy atmosphere and regional Alentejo dishes. 

Ao26: Portugal isn’t known for its veganism, but Ao26 is re-shaping the capitals’ palate. With experimental dishes, many mimicking traditional ones like Porto’s Francesinha sandwich, it's a must-visit for non-meat eaters. 

Taberna do Mar: Run by one of Lisbon’s noted chefs, Filipe Rodrigues, Taberna do Mar offers exquisite Portuguese-Japanese seafood dishes in a simple setting. It’s an absolute bargain for the tasting menu.

Restaurante Clube de Jornalistas: One of the most romantic restaurants in the capital, Restaurante Clube de Jornalistas is hidden away in an 18th-century house with a creeping garden. Ask for the tiled room to soak up the antique ambiance, and enjoy the ‘petit tour' of six delicious courses.

Ramiro: It’s possible to get lost in Ramiro. The conventional three-story restaurant is vast, but it refuses to compromise on quality. Buttery seafood dishes make for a delightful mouthful. Grab your seafood hammer and tuck into the crab. 

‍Ni Michi, LX Factory: A funky Latin-American restaurant, with a rainforest mural and small garden space, Ni Michi does good food with Amazonian roots.

The Bests Bars in Lisbon for Digital Nomads

Boa Vista Social Club: Small but with excellent taste, Boa Vista is Cais do Sodré’s newest arrival. The bar has warm light and excellent tapas, but you'll want to stay for the vinyl records that play all night long. 

Java Rooftop Bar: Java’s rooftop doesn’t only have breathtaking views over the Jardim Dom Luis and the Tagus river, but it’s also the height of cool. Music, food, and service all make it worth the price. 

Mini Bar: Enter through a mysterious red-velvet curtain into Mini Bar, and discover chef and restaurateur José Avillez's playful small bites and exquisite cocktails. Sitting down in this deluxe cavernous space is an experience in itself, but make sure you get reservations.

Comida Independente: For those who take wine seriously, the wine bar here has some very unusual and obscure bottles lining its shelves. Give your wine preferences to the sommelier, and you’ll be served something to remember. 

Lumi: This is a refined and elegant restaurant and bar with a spectacular rooftop, overlooking Lisbon in its glory. Take a seat in the sun, and soak up the atmosphere, with a cold glass in hand. 

Galeria Zé dos Bois: An exhibition space and gallery, you’ll find a full program with interesting artists and live music at Galeria Zé dos Bois. Come sundown, you’ll want to be on its alfresco rooftop bar overlooking lively Barrio Alto.

Vino Vero: Tucked away in the backstreets of Graça, this natural wine bar has a boutique feel. Although you might have trouble booking a table, the team’s knowledgeable suggestions hit the nail on the head, every time. 

Palacio Chiado: Soak up the regal atmosphere of this 18th-century palace, turned venue. Make like the aristocrats and bons vivants that once danced in its fresco-painted hall and splurge on an expensive cocktail.

Foxtrot: In this intimate, speakeasy bar, you’ll immediately want to cozy up in a nook and order a hand-crafted cocktail to while away the hours. 

‍Damas: Just off Largo da Graça, this industrial-style restaurant artfully transforms into a funky bar and dance floor with a colored array of lights. Check for the live music and DJ-sets planned.

The Best Cafes for Digital Nomads in Lisbon

Hello Kristof: A small space designed for cozy coworking with magazines that line the shelves, just in case you need a hit of inspiration on your coffee break. 

Copenhagen Coffee: A popular chain you’ll find around Lisbon, this cafe has cinnamon buns and cold-brew coffee ready for remote workers. The minimal concrete space, and hard seating, means you can buckle down and get your work done fast. Beware the location in Cais do Sodré gets busy early. 

Teatro da Garagem: This experimental theater space hides a cozy relaxed cafe with a vast window overlooking a heavenly, run-down garden. 

Dear Breakfast: This is another much-loved chain, known for its white-washed minimal decor and plants, and if you like a good working brunch with your morning meetings, they cook up a mean eggs benedict.

‍Café São: Café São is spacious, light, and quiet: three ingredients needed for productivity. But the real draw is the smell of coffee and pastries that lure remote workers off the street.

The Best Coworking Spaces in Lisbon for Digital Nomads

Outsite: The Outsite coworking cafe is limited in terms of facilities. But it is a central, beautifully designed space that stays warm during winter and has excellent WiFi. Although it feels expensive, the upside is its quietness. No distractions here. 

Avila: As a chain, Avila wins frequent praise from remote workers in Lisbon. The Saladinha location is a solid option as it's comfortable, clean, and quiet and they cater to start-ups and lone workers, from hot-desk to virtual office management. 

SCAPE: For those who like the idea of harborside views, SCAPE is a well-designed and calming space housed in a warehouse in Doca de Santo Amaro. Although there are no phone booths, this coworking space has a terrace with deckchairs and a private eating area. 

Second Home: Taking a plant-loving design, Second Home feels as if you’ve stepped into a jungle offering a sense of quiet and privacy. Bonus points for its meeting room facilities and networking and wellness programs, alongside the Time Out Market downstairs.

‍Heden: Heden has large skylights, tall ceilings, and an ample lounge area. Perks include on-site showers, free printing, monitors-for-hire, and art studios.