The 7 Best Cheap Eats in Lisbon

European city breaks are undeniably fun – typically weekends are chock full of culture, architecture, great nights out, and even better food. However, they can be heavy on the bank account. By European standards, Lisbon is one of the least expensive cities to visit. But those euros here and there do add up, so we’re looking at ways to keep European city breaks affordable and accessible – especially in a time where money doesn’t seem to go as far as it used to. Food takes up a big amount of the spending budget, but it doesn’t have to be such an eye-watering chunk. If you know where to look, there’s plenty of affordable, delicious spots to energise you for further sightseeing and miradouro hopping. Don’t spend a fortune on good food – these are the 7 best cheap eats in Lisbon.

1. O Triangulo da Ribeira

Price: €6 - €8

Lisbon and sandwiches go together like strawberries and cream. You might see prego (a beef sandwich) or Francesinha sandwiches (more associated with Porto) around, but the bifan reigns supreme. It’s the ultimate cheap eat in Lisbon. This pork sandwich is a local favourite for lunch, and although the prospect of a few slices of pork in a Portuguese roll seems simple, not all are made equal. O Triangulo da Ribeira is a hole-in-the-wall spot in Bairro Alto, serving thick cuts of perfectly cooked pork for over 40 years. There aren’t any tables and only room for around six people against the counter, but it’s the kind of meal that tastes even better when you’re sat on the pavement outside – cold beer in hand. Douse your sandwich (served with or without an egg) with the homemade piri piri sauce for the full experience.

2. Ze dos Cornos

Price: Nearly all dishes are under €10

For a local atmosphere, lip-smackingly good food, and of course, very good prices, head to a Portuguese tasca. These are small, traditional taverns serving up homely, local food. The key to spotting a tasca? Avoid anywhere that has the word ‘tapas’ – Portuguese small sharing plates are called petiscos. There are, of course, many tascas in Lisbon, but save yourself the guesswork and enjoy a delicious meal at Ze dos Cornos. It’s a popular spot with both locals and in-the-know tourists, so expect to wait, but it’s worth it. There’s no need to compromise on quality for price here – think grilled meats, fish, and other traditional dishes, in a classic setting.

3. Floresta Das Escadinhas

Price: €5 - €10 per dish

Who said excellent seafood has to be expensive? While good fish can be some of the priciest meals, Floresta Das Escadinhas has mastered it on the cheap. Think grilled octopus, cod, sardines, sea bass, and more – all of which come with their signature potatoes and salad. The excellent quality doesn’t seem to match up with the low prices – the wine is delicious, too. It does get busy here, so we recommend making a reservation in advance.

4. Fabrica da Nata

Price: Around €2 per pastel de nata

No trip to Lisbon is complete without eating your body weight in pastel de nata. Many people visit the city in search of the perfect one – the smoothest custard and the butteriest pastry. Fabrica da Nata ticks those boxes. While a sweet treat might seem like just that – a ‘treat’ – pastel de natas are eaten a lot by locals, be it for breakfast or dessert. They’re not expensive, but the ones at Fabrica da Nata are cheap even by Lisbon standards. Stop in for a pre-sightseeing coffee or for a post-dinner glass of wine and enjoy the freshly baked, warm pastries.

5. Frankie

Price: €10 or less 

Don’t be fooled into thinking of Frankie as just a fast-food spot. They serve up ridiculously good hot dogs, especially for being in the heart of Lisbon. Tuck into their BLT hot dog, made with Frankfurters and topped with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, and crispy bacon cubes for €4 or €10 depending on the size. Their Crispy Cheddar is the same affordable price – who can resist a Frankfurter topped with plenty of mustard, cheddar, and crispy cheesy flakes on top? Finish it off with the Frankie fries, smothered in melted cheese and crispy bacon bits, for good measure. There are vegetarian hot dogs, too.

6. New Himalaia

Price: €10 or less

For high-quality food at affordable prices, New Himalaia knocks it out of the park. The Indian/Nepalese spot is as popular for its lip-tingling curries as it is for the impeccable service provided here. Think authentic, rich dishes, with irresistible sides – like the cheese naan and vegetable fritters. And most of the dishes are under €10, including the spicy fish curry, coconutty chicken curry, and more. The price can rack up with multiple dishes, but unlike many other curry houses, rice is included in the curry price. Stick to their curries for one of the best cheap eats in Lisbon.

7. El Santo

Price: €8 for three tacos

This hip Bairro Alto spot should be high on your Lisbon wish list. You might think a good Mexican restaurant is hard to come by in Lisbon, but El Santo’s menu of spicy burritos, overflowing tacos, churros with dulce de leche, and much more, is a knockout. The Carnitas de Pulpo Confitado is a particular standout for us – tender octopus cooked in orange juice with a purple sweet potato puree. And it all comes at reasonable prices. If you’re looking to keep it cheap and easy, they do three tacos for around €8. Not only is it one of the best cheap eats in Lisbon, but it also has a fun and energetic vibe – the perfect spot for sipping margaritas and snacking on nachos in one of Lisbon’s coolest neighbourhoods.