Lisbon is bursting with life and light. The capital of Portugal, the city is one of the most visited destinations in the country. Travelers from everywhere visit the magical city, and every time they leave, they take a bit of Lisbon back home with them. The Black-owned restaurant and culinary scene in Lisbon is steadily growing, and it may be worth popping your head into a few establishments when visiting the city. For good eats and a taste of the culture in Portugal, here are nine Black-owned restaurants in Lisbon to try.
Soul Kitchen And Bar
One of the first restaurants travelers should visit when in Lisbon is Soul Kitchen and Bar. Food and music join hands and dance at this creative restaurant serving a fusion of international flavors. Located on Rua da Manutenção, Soul Kitchen and Bar has a homey vibe that is familiar and welcoming. Reservations are always an option, and guests are encouraged to try one of their signature cocktails after dinner.
Location: Lisbon
Type of Cuisine: International
Menu Spotlight: Classic Buffet Brunch
Before You Go: Travelers can find many live music events happening every week at Soul Kitchen and Bar.
Dede’s Cafe
Dede’s Cafe takes guests on a journey through culinary mastery in a setting where they can relax and be themselves. They have an incredible brunch on the weekend, and the owners wanted the restaurant to be a place where the community and family could gather. You’ll find them there, ready to serve delicious food, and locals enjoying the good vibes during the day and evening. They also have a vegetarian menu for the weekend brunch.
Location: Lisbon
Type of Cuisine: International
Menu Spotlight: Dede’s French Toast
Before You Go: Dede’s recently reopened in Lisbon with a new concept, but it still serves the same great food and vibes.
Roda Viva
Lisbon has various African restaurants, and Roda Viva is one of the best places to get it. The restaurant serves authentic Mozambique cuisine. Travelers can try different types of rice, seafood, curries, chicken, and more during a dinner outing at Roda Viva. It’s hidden in the streets of the old Alfama Square and is a tucked-away gem in Lisbon. They also have plenty of vegan options for non-meat eaters looking for delicious African grub.
Location: Old Alfama Square
Type of Cuisine: African
Menu Spotlight: Methapa
Before You Go: Roda Viva specializes in cuisine that represents Southern Mozambique and is a Lisbon twist on traditional favorites.
Restaurante Chiveve
With a five-star rating on Trip Advisor, many guests say Restaurante Chiveve in Lisbon has the best chicken they’ve ever tasted. Like other Black-owned Lisbon restaurants, they have a mix of meat and vegan menu options. However, one reviewer said the chicken at Restaurante Chiveve made them pause their vegetarian lifestyle. The food is just that good. Restaurante Chiveve is a good place to try new and fresh cuisine representing Africa in Lisbon.
Engin Akyurt/Pexels
Location: Lisbon
Type of Cuisine: African
Menu Spotlight: Chicken Entre
Before You Go: Travelers should make a reservation at this Black-owned restaurant if they want to ensure they get a table.
Sofia’s Place
Another must-visit Black-owned restaurant in Lisbon is Sofia’s Place. The chefs there are making culinary magic happen each day. The restaurant is filled with aromas and flavors representing the best of Cape Verdean and Portuguese cuisine. Guests are transported right from Lisbon to destinations around the world. Other travelers said the restaurant filled them with joy after every bite. The hospitality is amazing, and visitors can’t get enough of the Sofia’s Place experience.
Location: Lisbon
Type of Cuisine: International
Menu Spotlight: Costelantes Borrego Grelhadas
Before You Go: At Sofia’s Place, travelers can try a slew of African favorites and dishes representing the owner’s travel experiences.
The Fam Kitchen
The Fam Kitchen is a Black-owned restaurant in Lisbon that makes everyone feel like family. The staff is extremely friendly, and both locals and tourists alike love this establishment. They have a relatively inexpensive lunch menu with a bright and warm ambiance throughout the restaurant. The Fam Kitchen is an excellent choice for good food and drinks after exploring Lisbon. Online reviews can’t stop expressing how accommodating the staff is at this restaurant.
Location: Lisbon
Type of Cuisine: Family Style
Menu Spotlight: Bolo de Chocolate
Before You Go: Although you can make reservations at this restaurant, many online reviewers said they were able to walk in and get a table without one.
Freaky Tiki Rum Shack Bar
For incredible tropical vibes in Lisbon, travelers should check out the Freaky Tiki Rum Shack Bar. This Black-owned restaurant has both food and drinks designed for guests to unwind and relax in the ultimate Aloha energy. You’ll find a variety of cocktails, craft beers, and agave spirits at Freaky Tiki. When it comes to food, the menu is limited. However, they have a handful of customer favorites, like their vegetarian gyoza, that guests can’t get enough of.
Location: Lisboa
Type of Cuisine: International
Menu Spotlight: Japanese Chicken
Before You Go: The Freaky Tiki Rum Shack Bar was formerly known as Rum and Tickles before rebranding.
Mambo
A Black-owned gem in Lisbon, Mambo has been changing the game in the Portuguese city since opening during the pandemic. Now, it is a local favorite, attracting guests from all corners of Lisbon and beyond. Located on Green Street, Lisboa was one of the first neighborhoods where Black citizens lived in the city. Years after opening, the residents are still excited about Mambo and look forward to seeing what’s next for the business.
Location: Lisboa
Type of Cuisine: African
Menu Spotlight: Mambo’s Classic Food
Before You Go: Not only is Mambo a restaurant, but it is also a lounge where travelers can enjoy amazing music, events, and community vibes.
Social B
Social B has all the kick-back energy you’re looking for in a Black-owned restaurant and bar in Lisbon. Owner Mikas has curated the space to make it feel familiar and “at home.” It’s the reason locals continue to wander into the hidden gem between Cais do Sodré and Santos Street, looking for a good time. Social B is creating a new legacy for Black-owned businesses in Lisbon, and everyone who enters is having a good time along the way.
Location: Lisbon
Type of Cuisine: Bar
Menu Spotlight: Pasteis De Milho Com Camarao
Before You Go: Social B is another great spot in Lisbon for live music and entertainment.
Lisbon has a rich history as Portugal’s capital city. Now, these Black-owned restaurants add to the history of the great city. Individually, they add their own flavor and flair to Portuguese fare while showcasing the beauty of their backgrounds and cultures. Make sure to support a Black-owned restaurant the next time you’re in town.
