The Best Food at Time Out Market Lisbon

The Time Out Market in Lisbon is a food lover’s paradise. During our recent trip to Portugal’s capital, we were eager to check out this famous food hall that brings together some of the city’s best chefs and restaurants all under one roof. With so many delicious options to choose from, it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best food and drinks you absolutely must try at the Time Out Market Lisbon.

After visiting the market multiple times during our stay, we’ve curated a list of our favourite dishes and drinks. In fact, there was so much great food here that we couldn’t fit it all in our rundown of Lisbon’s best restaurants and needed to dedicate an entire article to it instead. From elevated Portuguese cuisine by renowned local chefs to traditional dishes from long-standing institutions, you’ll find some of Lisbon’s best all in one place. The market is also home to unique concepts you won’t find elsewhere in the city. The variety of high-quality dishes at reasonable prices makes the Time Out Market a must visit during any visit to Lisbon.

Keep reading for the definitive guide to the best food and drink options at the Time Out Market Lisbon. We’ll tell you about the Michelin-starred chef stalls, classic Portuguese sandwiches and seafood, the city’s favorite beer, and more mouthwatering finds. With this guide, you’ll know exactly what to order at the Time Out Market to experience the very best of Lisbon’s buzzing food scene.

What is Time Out Market Lisbon?

Time Out Market Lisbon opened in 2014 as a modern food hall concept by Time Out. Having visited their food markets in New York City and Chicago, we can confidently say the Lisbon location offers an experience like no other. The market stalls showcase both Michelin-starred chefs and traditional, local eateries that have been institutions in the city for decades.

The variety gives foodies the chance to sample top dishes from across Lisbon under one roof, without having to commit to multiple high-end tasting menu experiences. The market is cashless, so visitors should come equipped with a credit or debit card to pay at the stalls.

Where is Time Out Market Lisbon Located?

Time Out Market Lisbon is housed within the historic Mercado da Ribeira, a 19th century market hall along the Cais do Sodré riverfront. The building has centuries of history as a commercial hub, serving as a major marketplace for Lisbon since 1775.

The original market still occupies half of the space, with Time Out Market installed in the other half. The food hall is open daily from 10am to 12 midnight, making it easy to visit for a meal or snack at just about any time of day. The prime location right in the center of the city makes Time Out Market a great spot to sample some of Lisbon’s eclectic food scene.

Miguel Castro e Silva

Starting off with the chef-driven cuisine is Miguel Castro e Silva. This Porto native is a figurehead of Portuguese cuisine and his stall is a must-visit for elevated takes on classics from northern Portugal. The Francesinha sandwich layers meats, melted cheese, and a rich tomato sauce, then gets topped with a fried egg for the full experience. For a lighter option, try the Bacalhau à Brás – shredded salted cod bound with scrambled eggs, potatoes, and onions. Both dishes showcase Miguel’s skill in balancing flavours and textures.

Don’t miss out on Miguel’s stall to taste Portuguese cuisine at its finest. The Francesinha is a decadent highlight, like a next-level croque monsieur. And the Bacalhau à Brás lets the top-notch ingredients shine through it’s humble nature. Miguel Castro e Silva brings Portuguese cooking to new heights at Time Out Market Lisbon.

Henrique Sá Pessoa

Next up, we’d recommend famed Lisbon chef Henrique Sá Pessoa who brings some of his most iconic dishes to the Time Out Market. Having dined at his restaurant Tapisco, we can confirm that his food shines brightly here as well. The Ovo a 64° slow cooks an egg for unmatched creaminess, served with truffle potato puree, asparagus, and prosciutto. Each element combines beautifully to make this a decadent standout. It’s an indulgent yet balanced dish that exemplifies Henrique’s stellar cooking.

Henrique Sá Pessoa’s stall allows you to experience his inventive approach to Portuguese cuisine without the Michelin star price tag so don’t leave without trying his food.

O Prego da Peixaria

As we move into the traditional Portuguese dishes we have O Prego da Peixaria. Head there for a prego, a classic Portuguese sandwich made up of sirlion steak served medium rare on a crusty bread roll, with herb butter and zesty mustard. They truly have perfected the art of the prego here with the simplicity of the high-quality ingredients making it a delightful experience.

On our second visit tried a version with basil mayo and bacon, but the original version highlighting the flavour of the meat remains our favourite. While the more inventive options with creative toppings make for a heartier sandwich, the original prego keeps the focus on the stellar produce. For an authentic local specialty done right, this is the stall to visit.

Monte Mar

There’s great seafood all over Lisbon and you need to try the classic snack of garlic prawns if you get a chance. Monte Mar is your spot for expertly prepared seafood classics in the Time Out Market Lisbon and they serve up some of the best garlic prawns in the city. Plump prawns are doused in olive oil and loaded with garlic and then sautéed until cooked just right. The combination highlights the natural flavour of the prawns with the sprinkling of fresh parsley providing a lighter counter balance. Another wonderfully simple traditional dish that is dangerously moreish.

Super Bock Beer Experience

You’ll obviously need something to wash down all that food and where else to start than with a Super Bock? Super Bock is the most popular beer in the city and the bar here has a great selection of lesser known offerings from Super Bock. Beyond the classic lager, their Time Out Market stall showcases unique brews like the Super Bock Stout and the hazy Coruja IPA which we opted for.

Taylor’s Port Bar

If you’re not a beer drinker then why not indulge in another Portuguese classic? At Taylor’s, indulge in some of the world’s most famous port with one of their tasting flights, allowing you to sample of range of Port wines in different styles.They also offer wine based cocktails including a fantastic sangria which we highly recommend.

Manteigaria

If you’re anything like us, no matter how much you’ve eaten already, you’ll need that final bite of something sweet to cap off a meal. Manteigaria serve up what Lisbon’s quintessential dessert – pastéis de nata, or egg custard tarts. With the ideal balance of crispy pastry and luscious filling, their tarts are our favourite in the city must try. The right accompaniments make them even better – pair with Portuguese coffee or a glass of milk, and dust with cinnamon and sugar. After your market feast, a few tarts make the perfect light and satisfying finale.

Wrapping Up

With its vast selection of stalls curated by Time Out, the Time Out Market Lisbon offers an unparalleled variety of high-quality food and drink in one vibrant location. The combination of internationally renowned chefs, beloved local joints, and innovative concepts makes it the perfect place to experience the diversity of Lisbon’s dining scene.

The reasonable prices provide access to Michelin-starred cuisine and artisanal products that would be significantly more costly otherwise. And the central riverfront address in the historic Mercado da Ribeira is atmospheric and easy to access. Whether you’re a Lisbon first-timer or a regular visitor, the Time Out Market is a must-visit to taste the city’s buzzing food scene. With options to please all preferences and budgets, plus culinary gems around every corner, it’s no wonder the market is always bustling.