No trip to Portugal would be complete without sampling some of the best wine bars in Lisbon. Even with a casual search, you’re sure to find a mind-boggling array of wine bars and wine shops that offer impressive European wine lists.
Wine culture is thriving in Lisbon, with an impressive array of wine bars and bistros to explore. I was pleasantly surprised to discover so many exceptional spots when I first began organizing my Lisbon food tours.
Photo credit: Garrafeira Alfaia
Garrafeira Alfaia calls Lisbon’s lively Bairro Alto district home. This is a lesser-known gem of a wine bar that embodies the rich tradition of Portuguese winemakers. It’s located on a somewhat quiet and unassuming side street which is a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the nearby Praça Luís de Camões.
The ambiance inside Garrafeira Alfaia has a warm and welcoming vibe with its vintage wooden decor, and walls lined with shelves of high-end wine bottles. The dim lighting also gives it a sense of privacy. Making it a great place to enjoy a glass of wine while you catch up with an old friend.
Garrafeira Alfaia carefully curates their wine bar selections, focusing mainly on Portuguese wines such as Quinta do Crasto Douro Reserva, Esporão Reserva Branco, and Adega de Borba Tinto. Their highly knowledgeable staff are happy to help guide you through a wine-tasting journey.
I was there at the end of a hot afternoon and needed something to refresh me after a frenetic day at Praça Luís de Camões. The staff recommended a Soalheiro Alvarinho Vinho Verde which was crisp, and modestly effervescent. They also suggested a plate of petiscos with curated local cheeses, and cured meats, which was a perfect counterpoint to the bright acidity of the Vinho Verde.
Garrafeira Alfaia €€ – R. do Diário de Notícias 125, 1200-143 Lisboa, Portugal – Open Monday to Saturday: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Closed on Sunday.
Photo credit: By The Wine
By the Wine is the brainchild wine bar of the renowned José Maria da Fonseca winery. It’s located in the heart of Lisbon’s Chiado neighborhood with its vibrant azulejos tiles. By The Wine is also very close to the Mercado da Ribeira as well as the lively Praça Luís de Camões. Thus, making it a popular stop for locals and wine lover tourists.
The ambiance in By the Wine has a clean modern look, and a ceiling festooned with hundreds of wine bottles. The bar area is open and spacious while the rest of the interior is laid out with a variety of communal tables and cozy nooks. This makes it equally appealing if you want to have a private conversation with an old friend or want a place that can host a family gathering.
By the Wine features some of José Maria da Fonseca’s finest wines. This includes great wines like classic Periquita Red, Domini Plus, and aromatic dessert wines like Moscatel de Setúbal.
I met one of my old mentors here for tapas and enjoyed a few glasses of Domini Plus. It’s a robustly complex red wine from the Douro Valley. I picked up the notes of blackberries, and plums, with a velvety soft hint of vanilla. It went perfectly with the nutty richness of the Jamon Iberico and curated Portuguese cheese tapas.
By The Wine €€ – Rua das Flores 41 43, 1200-193 Lisboa, Portugal – Open Sunday to Thursday from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
Tasca do Chico is a Portuguese tavern and wine bar, nestled in Lisbon’s Alfama district. They offer a small collection of European wines with an eclectic menu of Portuguese dishes. Tasca do Chico is near Lisbon Cathedral and the Fado Museum.
The ambiance of Tasca do Chico is rustic, with soft lighting and wooden furniture giving the interior an intimate warmth. Perfect for enjoying the soulful fado music that’s often being performed or playing in the background.
Tasca do Chico offers a variety of white and red Portuguese wines. This includes the port I had from the Douro region of Portugal. It was full-bodied with notes of blackberries and cherries.
I also appreciated that they serve wine by the glass. It allows you to enjoy multiple wine tastings in one sitting, to get a feeling of what authentic Portuguese wine has to offer.
Tasca do Chico €€ – Rua Diário de Notícias 39, Lisboa, Portugal – Open Monday to Sunday from 8:00 PM to 1:30 AM
Photo credit: Comida Independente
Comida Independente is a trendy wine bar and shop specializing in natural wines, holy wines, and small-plate tapas. Their wines come from biodynamic wineries that pride themselves in not using synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. This creates wines that truly reflect the terroir of the surrounding environment.
The wine list at Comida Independente features a carefully curated range of natural and low-intervention wines. Most hail from Portugal, but they do carry other natural wines from other regions. Making them one of the best natural wine bars in all of Europe.
During my visit, the sommelier at the wine bar recommended I try the bold Quinta das Bágeiras, a rich and full-bodied red wine with earthy tones and a hint of dark berries. Following their suggestion, the server brought out a charcuterie board featuring porco preto from the Alentejo region. The sharp tannins of the wine did a great job of cutting through the meat’s richness and keeping my palate enervated for more.
Comida Independente €€€ – Rua Cais do Tojo, 28, Lisbon, Portugal – Open Tuesday to Fri, 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Saturday 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Trying to label one establishment as the best wine bar in all of Lisbon is nearly impossible. Options range from casual bistros with a curated wine selection, to high-end outlets for renowned Portuguese vineyards.
I think the best method is to try a few at the start of your trip, to bring your preferences and wine-tasting palate into sharp focus. The perfect primer for an exciting Lisbon food and wine tour.
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