O Ponto Final, Lisbon, Portugal

Food: Seafood plus other Portuguese classics. It's hit or miss. When it hits, it's pretty good.

Wine: Drink here! Good list. You could go to drink a bottle of wine early in the evening to enjoy the sunset and wonderful views.

My take: This is a magical (but touristy) place because of the boat journey there and the view across the river to Lisbon as you are sitting at an outdoor table getting misted by the waves. To get there take the ferry from Cais do Sodre to Cacilhas. It's around 1 euro and takes 10 minutes. And then it's a 10 min walk going west along the river to the restaurant. It gets chilly at night but the waiter will bring blankets.

Pharmacia, Lisbon, Portugal

Food: A satisfying, modernized take on classic Portuguese food inside the Pharmacy school. 

Wine: Thoughtful, short list of fine producers. Some international producers available too.

My take: Of the trendy places in Lisbon, this is one of my faves because of the fun setting. And the outdoor area (with great views on the Tejo and Jesus) is nice for a pre-dinner beverage. Try the tasting menu. You will not leave hungry (well, you won't leave hungry anywhere in Portugal!). More on Pharmacia

Sea Me Mercado da Ribeira, Lisbon, Portugal

Food: Creative Portuguese take on sushi! 

Wine: Small (it's the market) but good list by the glass.

My take: You can eat at the market location and have the Sea Me experience without spending as much. And they have some dishes specific to the market. More on Mercado da Riberia

Fabulas, Lisbon, Portugal

Food: Fresh, trendy take on Portuguese classics in a pretty, fully covered courtyard (shared with two other restaurants--but separate).  Just through a large door off of the busy Rua Garrett.  

Wine: Small, focused list of good wine producers.

My take: One of those places that's great for lunch with a friend but also for a date!  Recommended! More on Fabulas

Tartar-ia, Lisbon, Portugal

Food: Delicious, very fresh fish, beef and veggies creatively prepared tartar-style. 

Wine: Good small rotating selection by the glass. They usually have Soalheiro, my favorite alvarinho producer!

My take: A top pick in Lisbon. You gotta go. I crave it. (Especially if you need a break from the typical, hearty Portuguese cuisine). More on Tartaria.

Taberna Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugal

Food: Pretty decent petiscos (tapas)! The tasting menu is the thing to do here. You get to sample big portions of several traditional petiscos with unlimited wine or beer for 25 Euros. It is a lot of food so come hungry.

Wine: It's a house white and a house red. Don't ask, just drink. And don't be afraid to ask for refills.

My take: It's touristy but fun. It's not really about the quality (although the food is totally fine); it's about the indulgence. It's also crowded and there's a line outside anytime after 7:30pm. Go around 7 to get right in. More on Taberna Portuguesa.

Bica do Sapato, Lisbon, Portugal

Food: First-class food in a chic setting.

Wine: Great list of fine producers both by the glass and bottle. They offer several by the glass which is unusual in Lisbon. Tasting time!

My take: Of the higher end/more pricey spots, this is a fave because of the location at the base of Alfama on the water. Take a nice walk along the river and head to brunch there! More on Bica do Sapato.