Why Tapa Bucho earns its place among the best restaurants in Lisbon to dine at and which unique dishes are bound to blow food enthusiasts away.

A toddler eating a tuna taco at Taba Bucho in Lisbon

In Lisbon, dining presents a golden opportunity to indulge in some of the world's finest Tapas and seafood. While locals don't commonly use the term "Tapas," it's adopted in the restaurant scene due to its universal recognition.

Pestico essentially embodies the Portuguese tapa concept, offering a delightful little nibble.

Tapa Bucho, situated in Lisbon's vibrant Bairro Alto, stands out as another trendy destination. This area is a hub of culinary delights and nightlife. Adding an enticing twist, the gastro-pub menu incorporates Asian influences for an extra layer of flavor. For those seeking more excitement, reserving a rooftop spot allows you to embrace the elevated outdoor ambiance fully.

TIP | Reservations are a must, especially if you are a larger group. This is a hot stop.

Where is Tapa Bucho located?

Tapa Bucho is located in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto near Matéria Prima (famous record shop) and the house Palácio dos Marqueses de Minas.

LOCATION | Rua do Diário de Notícias 122

Tapa Bucho Lisbon Menu

For first-timers to Tapa Bucho in Lisbon, I am sharing my favorite tapas dishes and fun flavors.

Cheese and Portuguese Sausage Board

Eating in Lisbon's culinary scene introduces you to delights like Iberian pork and an array of cured meats. At Tapa Bucho, a must-try appetizer awaits—one that presents an eye-opening medley of meats. Exclusively featuring the freshest cured selections, this dish stands as a table-wide essential. The addition of cheese and breadsticks infuses this petite plate with an extra punch.

Tacos - Tuna tartare, with lime mayo and chilli

Infused with delicate Asian nuances, a petite taco encases bold flavors and fresh raw tuna within its crisp shell. The interplay of mayo and chili meticulously balances the tuna's taste, leaving you pondering if you should have doubled your order.

Pork Belly

Enhanced with kimchi, this crispy pork belly screams both flavor and heartyness. Tapa Bucho takes a unique approach by adding chestnut puree, which gives an earthy undertone to this ham-infused creation.

Ceviche

Utilizing a sweet potato puree to enhance the essence of white fish, this petite dish flawlessly embodies the fusion of European and Asian influences. I would categorize this creation as award-winning due to its remarkable blend of flavors, captivating presentation, and exceptional creativity.

I am also partially biased because I love ceviche..

Codfish Tempura

Another recurring theme you see when eating in Lisbon is the prevalence of codfish creations on every menu. Tapa Bucho, however, embraced a Japanese culinary influence by crafting a tempura codfish dressed with ponzu aioli, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of cilantro. I would highly recommend this dish to cod enthusiasts with hearty appetites, as this petite plate defies its size by being incredibly filling.

Pica Pau

Thanks to its remarkable tenderness and bite-ready texture, the Pica Pau took the crown as the ultimate favorite at our table. The glazed sauce was downright irresistible, earning a "crack-like" reputation. It's a reassuring sign when a restaurant truly masters the art of cooking beef to perfection, devoid of any overcooking mishaps. This must-try dish might even give a vegetarian pause after experiencing its tantalizing flavors.

Black Angus sirloin

Contrary to its name, the dry-aged beef was far from dry in both flavor and texture. With a delicate seasoning of salt, the Black Angus sirloin presents itself as an ideal dish for communal sharing at the table.

Churros

Exploring the dessert menu for unexpected treats beyond the usual cake and ice cream is a delightful surprise. The churros arrive with a duo of dips. One is the Chocolate Sabayon, classically infused with red wine, while the other offers a velvety hazelnut foam dip. If you're enjoying your time in Lisbon with kids, this dessert is certain to capture their attention.

Creme Catalan

Spain's answer to crème brûlée, the Creme Catalan, took a unique twist here, featuring a goat cheese mousse and shiitake crumbles. This creative variation retained a comforting, classic essence, offering a familiar taste that could be savored in a few fast moments.

Tapa Bucho Photos

A few additional shots were captured while enjoying our meal on the terrace, adding to the collection of Tapa Bucho photos.

Family eating on terrace at Tapa Bucho in Lisbon

Tapa Bucho Lisbon Prices

For the quality of service and food presented at Tapa Bucho, the prices are a steal. Plates range from €10 - €16 Euros and you could expect to spend an average of €30 - €40 per person on food. If you indulge in libations the cost can easily double.

Looking for more family travel experiences in Lisbon? Get my Lisbon guides here.

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