The 5 best places for cheap eats in Lisbon

This restaurant in Mouraria was created by photographer and cooking aficionada Adriana Freire, as part of a social project: Freire is committed to helping vulnerable people integrate by providing jobs for them at her restaurant. Calling it a restaurant doesn’t quite cover the load actually – this place also serves as a community kitchen that residents can use as an operating base for their own small food businesses.

Lupita offers naturally leavened pizza and natural wines to its crowd of loyal fans who come to eat pizza with their hands, standing up or sitting at the low tables. It's a mix between a restaurant and a street food counter, which turned out to be the perfect recipe for a local hit.

Botequim da Graça was founded in 1968 by famous writer Natália Correia and for decades it has been a meeting place for artists and intellectuals. There are poetry nights and live music, all set in a retro atmosphere that’s created by the antiques-filled decor. On the menu you’ll find Portuguese tapas.

The best and coolest Middle Eastern restaurant in Lisbon, by far. Farès is also a cocktail bar, offering signature drinks that match the mood of the food served. It's always busy and lively, full of happy people who come to enjoy the tasty bites.

Osteria is probably Lisbon’s closest thing to a true Italian restaurant; it’s owned by an Italian cook who prepares genuine Italian home-style dishes. The service is like the food: friendly, warm and easy-going.