Three amazing hotels and restaurants to visit in Lisbon
As the last of the summer rays begin to cool, it is an opportune time to head away for a last chance at the summer heat. So I was off to Lisbon, a land of sun, hills, seaside breeze and aircon! As ever, there’s so much going on in the Portuguese capital. Here are three of my best new discoveries, a collection of new hotels, all with great restaurants as part of their offering.
TARABEL
This nine-room 19th-century mansion, housed opposite the American Embassy, opened last year. Owned and designed by Rose Fournier, also at the helm of Riad Tarabel in Marrakesh, this homely building leans into a curated-antiques aesthetic, in both the living areas and the generous bedrooms, rather than conventional hotel styling.
The lounge and dining area overlook manicured gardens and a pool framed by lush lawn. It’s a great spot to watch sailboats marauding around the harbour, glass of rose in one hand, book in the other.
Stylish and exuding a spirit of adventure, the hotel is excellent for intimate dinner experiences. Tables mirror Fourniers’ unique design; antique candles sit complete with snuffers, the napkins look like frilly knickers and individual super mini salt pots adorn the tabletops like chess pieces. Details are eccentric and mean everything here.
Dinner begins with smoked pepper butters accompanying freshly baked raisin bread, served in an oyster shell! We were told that the menu is seasonal: even the butter will change, incorporating mushroom and squid ink flavours as autumn arrives.
My food highlight was the line caught scallops with a raspberry gazpacho which reminded me of the now iconic Orrery cold bouillabaisse. A very good raspberry tiramisu and a mango and coconut parfait finished the affair.
ME LISBON by Melia
Quite the opposite of Tarabel is ME Lisbon. Again around a year old this new, beautifully designed tower stands as a modern landmark connecting to Eduardo VII Park. The interior is modern and luxurious; cultural curator Guta Moura Guedes has selected sculptural ceramics and immersive video installations from immerging and prominent Portuguese artists, giving the tower a strong local-identity, beyond five star comforts.
The suites at ME Lisbon rival any five star offering, but are clearly prioritising unpretentious, subliminal luxury, rather than bling. The Spa is arguably Lisbon’s finest, as are breakfasts at Fismuler, which offers Nordic-influenced ‘shareable’ platters with menu selections including Moroccan eggs and French toast. A favourite of locals and well worth a visit, wherever you are staying in the city.
Attiko is the hotel’s rooftop offering and is similar to ME London’s Radio Bar in terms of being a vibrant rooftop scene. However, the Lisbon sibling raises the bar with its thirty third floor infinity pool, which overlooks the city with 360 vistas. Lying on the most comfortable loungers with Rock Angel on tap, there is a heavenly vibe. An unapologetic party place for the beautiful and cool.
In the midst of all this, surrounded by a great DJ, sun and fun; the poolside food consists of perfect Asian classics such as Yellow tail sashimi, rock shrimp tempura, excellent California rolls and wagyu sliders. The main Attiko restaurant is only a floor below is more serious. One for my next visit.
LOCKE DE SANTA JOANA
As hotels go, this is the most relaxed and accessible of my three recommendations. A former 17th Century convent, the property was converted and backed by London’s ‘White Rabbit Projects’, a seed fund founded by former Soho House Commercial Director Chris Miller. Like Soho House properties, the hotel feels both familiar and functional, but is not without luxurious touches in the drinking, dining and pool areas (Sunset in the Yard is a secret treat for those in the know).
Santa Joana is the pinnacle offering; Curated by Nuno Mendez who was awarded Michelin Star in 2026 for his premium restaurant, set within the vaulted nave of the convent’s church. Church venues can be stark, this one is warm and filled with buzz.
As we have come to expect from Nunez at VIajante, Chilton and Lisboeta, the menu is innovative and the exemplar of Modern Portuguese cuisine; snacks were amazing; bifana is slow cooked pork with churros and mustard, and a Devilled egg topped with a tartare of tuna and spiced mayo are memories forever, as were the Cockles in aqua collo sauce, samphire and lemon.
‘Conventual’ desserts offer a twist on the likes of Swiss roll (in this case, served with coriander seed cream).
Sommeliers, as at most Nunez venues, are excellent; offering the right balance of knowledge, passion and pith. We opted for a Quinta do Crasto ‘Xisto’ Roquette (a project of two friends Jean-Michel Cazes and Jorge Roquette who respectively ran Lynch-Bages and Quinta de Crasto) at £160.
While the City is served by the broadest range of global cuisines found in any capital, Portuguese food is underserved and only found in Nuno’s places, as well as Luso on Charlotte St, Jola in Battersea and in a more casual context at Casa do Frango.
A good excuse to jump on a plane next weekend…