Christmas in Lisbon is a truly magical time. The city’s multiple Christmas markets sell chestnuts, sausages, and hot wine as locals dance in the streets. Like many other countries throughout Europe, Portugal’s biggest Christmas celebration happens on Christmas Eve. If you find yourself in Lisbon without a family to spend Christmas Eve with at home, we’ve highlighted a wide range of options where you and your friends can enjoy Christmas Eve or Christmas Day lunch in style. Here are ten of the best places to enjoy Christmas Eve dinner in Lisbon in 2025.
1. Varanda de Lisboa
Address – Praça Martim Moniz 2
Cost – €105
Located on the top floor of Hotel Mundial, Varanda de Lisboa offers one of the most breathtaking views in the city. The restaurant is known for its refined take on Portuguese classics served with elegance and flair. For Christmas Eve or Day, diners can expect traditional festive dishes elevated with modern touches accompanied by excellent Portuguese wines. The panoramic windows overlooking downtown Lisbon all lit up for Christmas make it a picture-perfect spot to celebrate the holiday season.
2. Mensagem – Restaurante & Bar Panorâmico
Address – Rua da Oliveira ao Carmo 8
Cost – To be announced
Situated atop the Lisboa Pessoa Hotel, Mensagem combines contemporary design with a cozy festive spirit. Its Christmas menus focus on high-quality ingredients and a refined presentation. It features Portuguese favorites like octopus, tenderloin, and seasonal desserts. The restaurant has two rooftops that provide a romantic backdrop for couples or small gatherings who want to toast the holiday above the twinkling lights of Lisbon.
3. Sacramento do Chiado
Address – Calçada do Sacramento 40-46
Cost – To be announced
In the heart of Chiado, Sacramento serves up history and holiday cheer in equal measure. The restaurant occupies a beautifully restored 18th-century building, with vaulted ceilings and warm lighting that set a festive mood. Expect a menu that honors Portuguese Christmas traditions. Think bacalhau, roast turkey, and desserts such as bolo rei and arroz doce. It’s an excellent option for families or groups seeking a classic yet elegant Christmas dinner experience.
4. Dinner at a Sana Hotel
Address – Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco 15
Cost – Plan on around €160 for adults, €80 for children, price varies depending on location
Should you choose Christmas Eve dinner at a Sana Hotel property this year, you will be spoiled for choose. There are not one, not two, but eight restaurants to choose from at SANA Hotels in Lisbon alone. Choose from either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day lunch. The ambiance at these restaurants is elegant without being overly formal, which makes for a relaxed place to spend with your family and friends. Note: Restaurante Allora below features an Italian Christmas dinner.
| Hotel / Restaurant | Address |
|---|---|
| EPIC SANA Lisboa | Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco 15 |
| MYRIAD by SANA | Cais das Naus, Lote 2.21.01, Parque das Nações |
| EPIC SANA Marquês | Av. Fontes Pereira de Melo 8 |
| Restaurante Allora (inside EPIC SANA Marquês) | Av. Fontes Pereira de Melo 8 |
| EVOLUTION Valbom | Av. Conde Valbom 56 |
| EVOLUTION Lisboa | Praça do Duque de Saldanha 4 |
| SANA Metropolitan | Rua Soeiro Pereira Gomes – Parcela 2 |
| SANA Malhoa | Av. José Malhoa 8, Sete Rios |
5. Maxime Restaurante-Bar
Address – Praça da Alegria 58
Cost – From €68
Maxime is Lisbon’s oldest cabaret and, on Christmas Eve, it opens its doors for an unforgettable evening that is known for its “Ceia de Natal” special. The restaurant blends tradition with a theatrical twist, and diners can enjoy classic Portuguese Christmas dishes surrounded by vintage décor and a touch of old Lisbon glamour. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something memorable and slightly unconventional.
6. Capítulo Restaurant & Bar
Address – R. Dom Antão de Almada 4
Cost – €125
Capítulo Restaurant & Bar offers one of the most atmospheric Christmas dining experiences in Lisbon as it is housed in a former 13th-century convent. Chef Isaque Cunha and Sous-Chef Raquel Sampaio bring your culinary Christmas dreams to life with seasonal Portuguese dishes and fine wines. If you’re looking for the most unique setting to spend this Christmas Eve dinner, you’ve found it!
7. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon – Varanda
Address – R. Rodrigo da Fonseca 88
Cost – €350 per adult; €175 per child
Call to make a reservation at +351 21 381 1400
Get ready for the most expensive Christmas Eve dinner that we’ve found in Lisbon. With a location like Four Seasons Hotel Ritz and a menu that includes oysters, lobster, and black pork lard, it’s no wonder that this experience will set you back €350 for one meal. You can imagine that this is quite an exclusive experience so be sure to call way ahead to secure a table. Christmas brunch is also available.
8. Guelra “Ocean to Table”
Address – Rua de Belém 35
Cost – To be announced
Or call ahead at +351 939 002 081 or email at [email protected]
This seafood-forward restaurant in Belém offers a coastal spin on Christmas dining. Guelra’s holiday menu features dishes such as sea bass, shrimp stew, and grilled octopus. They all highlight the freshness of Portuguese seafood. It’s a lighter, more modern alternative to the heavier holiday meals and is served in a bright, contemporary space close to some of Lisbon’s most scenic landmarks.
9. Tasca da Memória
Address – Travessa da Memória 62
Cost – €95
Hidden away on a quiet street, Tasca da Memória offers a cozy setting that is perfect for an intimate Christmas dinner. The 2025 Christmas menu includes traditional dishes like codfish, alheira sausage, Portuguese cabbage, and Christmas cake for dessert. With its warm atmosphere, attentive staff, and focus on authenticity, it’s an excellent spot for anyone wanting to celebrate the Christmas season.
10. Clorofila
Address – Rua Sousa Martins 20
Cost – €35 to €75, Group dinner
Time – Christmas Eve, to be determined, Call to inquire at +351 210 547 416
Inside the Lumen Hotel, Clorofila turns into a winter wonderland each December. Artificial snow falls twice a night in the hotel courtyard at 7:30 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. and creates a festive atmosphere that feels straight out of a movie. The restaurant offers multiple group menus crafted by chef Celso Dias that feature dishes such as slow-cooked lamb with rosemary sauce, bacalhau with a broa crust, and stuffed turkey leg. Guests can also enjoy a special Christmas videomapping show projected across the courtyard walls inspired by “The Nutcracker” and the “Christmas Factory.”
Be Sure to Plan Ahead
Celebrating Christmas in Lisbon does take a bit of planning. Reservations should be made early, as many restaurants fill up weeks in advance. Be sure to check whether the menu is for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. As we mentioned in our introduction, Portuguese families typically celebrate with their main meal on the evening of the 24th. Since most venues offer fixed menus, it’s a good idea to ask about vegetarian or other special diet options in advance. Dress smartly, as many restaurants adopt a semi-formal holiday atmosphere, and keep in mind that public transportation and taxi availability can be limited on both days. With a little preparation, your Christmas dinner in Lisbon can be an unforgettable and truly festive experience.
