The 5 best places for cheap eats

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.

Martim Moniz is a ‘fusion market’ located on a square in downtown Lisbon. It consists of about a dozen kiosks offering food from around the world. It’s also the place to be for many events that all aim to be an ode to and a celebration of the cultural diversity of this part of Lisbon.

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 décor. On the menu you’ll find Portuguese tapas.

This small taqueria (taco shop) is as genuine as it gets: the moment you walk through the doors, it feels as if you were in the heart of Mexico City. It’s a great place to enjoy good music and innovative cocktails, made mostly with tequila.

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.