We have selected 15 restaurants, which we have divided into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The restaurants are listed alphabetically within these different categories, which serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments.

The restaurants below have been classified into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over €80)
$$$ (€50 to €80)
$$ (€20 to €50)
$ (up to €20)
The prices quoted below are for an average three-course meal for one person and a bottle of house wine or cheapest equivalent; they include VAT but they do not include tip.

Cipriani
The service and setting at the Cipriani Restaurant in the Lapa Palace is immaculate, with an outside terrace on hand in the warmer months for a spot of al fresco dining. Mediterranean specialities, with a focus on Italy, are on the menu. As popular for business lunches as it is for romantic dinners.

Lapa Palace, Rua do Pau de Bandeira 4
Tel: (21) 394 9494.
Website: www.orient-express.com
Price: $$$$

Concha D'Ouro
Most people like to think of baccalhau as a 'love it or hate it' dish, but whichever camp you fall in you should still try it here. Seafood is the speciality at Concha D'Ouro, with baccalhau (salted cod) the highlight, presented in a number of different ways. As this is the Portuguese national dish, you at least owe it a try.

Rua Augusta 238
Tel: (21) 342 8369.
Price: $$$

Restaurant Eleven
This chic and stylish modern eatery is a favourite with the city's movers and shakers and is the only restaurant in the city with a Michelin star. Purpose-built in the business district, the international menu caters for all tastes. The views over Lisbon are to savour too, especially at night, when the restaurant caresses customers with smooth music and candles. The wine cellar is one of the best in the city.

Rua Marquês de Fronteira
Tel: (21) 386 2211.
Website: www.restauranteleven.com
Price: $$$

Casa da Comida
This is a real favourite of the local business community, especially in the colder months. When the mercury slips in Lisbon, the suited crowd flock here to enjoy the warming fireplace and heartening traditional food. The menu consists of a mix of Portuguese dishes and French cooking, with something for every taste.

Travessa das Amoreiras (Rato) 1
Tel: (21) 388 5376.
Website: www.casadacomida.pt
Price: $$$

Clara
Clara specialises in a tried-and-tested formula that makes it a popular choice with local workers. They don't fiddle with the menu or fuss too much, just allowing the range of Portuguese and international traditional dishes to speak for themselves. In summer the terrace in the garden is the place to be at lunchtime.

Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 49
Tel: (21) 853 3053.
Website: www.lisboa-clara.pt
Price: $$$

Restaurante Valle Flôr
This is a hotel restaurant well worth checking out if you are on business and looking to impress. Arguably the most elegant dining space in the country (there are two epically grand rooms), it really catches the eye and the food is not shoddy either. Smooth service from immaculately clad waiting staff completes an impressive picture.

Pestana Carlton Palace, Rua Jua 54
Tel: (21) 361 5600.
Website: www.pestana.com
Price: $$$$

Alcântara Café
A firm favourite with the local beautiful people, this handsomely decorated restaurant is a winner all round. The past of the historic dockland neighbourhood is evoked, but updated, with smart, chic waiting staff on hand to smooth your journey through. With cocktails and drinks served until 0200 at weekends, when an array of locals who would not look out of place in a fashion shoot descend en masse, the food sometimes struggles to remain the main attraction.

Rua Maria Luisa Holstein 15
Tel: (21) 362 1226.
Website: www.alcantaracafe.com
Price: $$$

Bica do Sapato
Housed in a revamped warehouse on the waterfront, this lounge bar-cum-restaurant-cum-sushi bar attracts the local smart set with a number of different dining areas. One of the owners is rumoured to be John Malkovich. Seafood is a strong point, and can be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace in summer. The only criticism remains that style can sometimes be at the expense of substance.

Avenida Infante D Henrique
Tel: (21) 881 0320.
Website: www.bicadosapato.com
Price: $$$

Panorama
Revamped and now supremely stylish, this hotel restaurant boasts remarkable views of the city and delivers thrills on the plate too. Head chef Henrique Sá Pessoa is using his considerable skills, honed in France and the USA, to create a fusion menu that plays with the various cuisines of the world; think the likes of prime Aberdeen Angus married with mango and a rich sesame soy reduction. The extravagant degustation menu offers a choice of five or seven courses.

Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa, Rua Latino Coelho 1
Tel: (21) 321 0000.
Website: www.sheraton.com/lisboa
Price: $$$$

Cervejaria da Trinidade
The setting is grand in a tiled old monastery building, but there is nothing too flash about the menu. They dish up pleasingly large portions of seafood and meat and also have their own microbrewery on site. In summer they open their outdoor terrace.

Rua Nova da Trinidade 20
Tel: (21) 342 3506.
Website: www.cervejariatrindade.pt
Price: $$

Patio 13
The time to come to this great place in the historic Alfama district below the castle, is in summer. Diners are coaxed in by the aromas emanating from an outdoor grill. Fresh fish are cooked with a minimum of fuss and served straight up. Good value too.

Calcadinha Santo Estevao 13
Tel: (21) 888 2325.
Price: $$

Picanha
A carnivore's heaven with only one main dish - beef. This tile-lined eatery is a favourite of local families who come to enjoy the all-you-can-eat portions of beef, rice, roast potatoes, black-eyed beans and salad. The tender beef is cut into thin strips and grilled with staff always on hand to cook another plate to your preference. It may not be haute cuisine, but for an unpretentious and filling meal in a relaxed environment, this is a good option.

Rua das Janelas Verdes 96
Tel: (21) 397 5401.
Price: $