Our Story

A hidden gem in Bairro Alto

Tucked away on a quiet stepped alley in the heart of Lisbon's historic Bairro Alto, Rico Sabor brings together the warmth of Portuguese tradition and the soul of the Mediterranean — served with honest cooking and a smile.

✶

Authentic Cuisine

Portuguese, Mediterranean & European classics, prepared with care.

✶

Outdoor Seating

Dine on our charming terrace along the historic alley steps.

✶

Signature Cocktails

A full bar with crafted cocktails, Portuguese wines & local beers.

✶

For Everyone

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Pet-friendly & welcoming.

The Atmosphere

Step inside Rico Sabor

Vaulted stone arches, candlelit tables and a terrace tucked along the alley steps — a glimpse of the warm, unhurried vibe waiting for you in Bairro Alto.

Rico Sabor's interior dining room with vaulted stone arches, white-clothed tables and a stocked bar

Lantern-lit outdoor tables on the cobbled alley steps outside Rico Sabor in Bairro Alto, Lisbon

Elegant table setting at Rico Sabor with crystal glasses, fresh flowers and a wall of Portuguese wines

Rico Sabor's covered outdoor terrace with set tables on a quiet cobbled Lisbon alley

Cosy corner of Rico Sabor with a wrought-iron chandelier, vintage framed prints and a candlelit table under stone arches

Modern dining area at Rico Sabor with pendant lighting, leather chairs and a backlit bar shelf

Long communal table set for a group at Rico Sabor, framed by pendant lamps and warm wood panelling

Intimate dining nook at Rico Sabor with set tables, pendant lamps and warm wood panelling

Rico Sabor's main dining room with a curved stone arch, wrought-iron chandelier, stocked bar and white-clothed tables on a flagstone floor

Rico Sabor's dining room with an exposed brick barrel-vault ceiling, deep navy walls, framed prints and white-clothed tables with burgundy runners

Rico Sabor's outdoor terrace under yellow umbrellas on a cobbled Lisbon alley, with set tables, red-checked chair cushions and flower pots

Evening terrace table at Rico Sabor set with green plates, a flower centrepiece and cordless lamps, with a Reservado sign on the cobbled alley

Long table at Rico Sabor set for a group along a cushioned banquette, with teal plates, wine glasses, a chandelier and Lisbon artwork on the wall

Rico Sabor's long banquet room with woven pendant lights, a cushioned banquette, white-clothed tables and a gilded mirror on the panelled wall

Rico Sabor's banquet hall lined with a red-cushioned banquette, set tables, an ornate gilded mirror and a Lisbon sunset canvas

Tasted & Loved

Straight from our table

Fresh fish off the grill, garlic prawns, octopus and Portuguese classics — and a few words from guests who came hungry and left happy. Rated 4.6 ★ by 89 diners on TripAdvisor.

Grilled octopus à lagareiro with green beans, carrots and black olives at Rico Sabor

Grilled octopus with onions, green beans, carrots and baby potatoes

Grilled octopus served with green beans and carrots in a stone bowl

Spaghetti with prawns in a rich tomato sauce

Creamy spaghetti carbonara with bacon and grated parmesan

Sizzling garlic prawns (gambas) with parsley and a lemon wedge

Garlic prawns served in a black pan with lemon

Pan of garlic prawns in olive oil with parsley and lemon

Large grilled tiger prawns in garlic butter with lemon

Creamy prawn risotto (arroz de gambas) served in a blue bowl

Prawn risotto in a blue bowl alongside a glass of sangria

Portuguese seafood rice (arroz de marisco) served in a copper pot

Grilled whole sea bream with green beans, boiled potatoes and carrots

Grilled sardines with salad and potatoes on the outdoor terrace

Grilled sardines with salad and potatoes paired with a Sagres beer

Grilled sea bream with green beans and a glass of sangria

Grilled whole sea bream with green beans, potatoes and carrots

Grilled whole sea bream with potatoes, carrots and green beans on a dark plate

Grilled fish fillet with a garlic and herb crust, carrots and green beans

Pork in creamy mushroom sauce with rice, fries and salad, with grilled fish

Grilled salmon with vegetables and a Portuguese rice salad with olives

Carne de porco à alentejana — pork with clams and fried potatoes

Pork and clams à alentejana with carrots and a lemon wedge

Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato — clams in garlic and coriander — served with bread

A shared spread of Portuguese dishes — steak in sauce, clams, fried rings and sides

Chef's fish tartare with shiso leaves and herb oil, fine-dining plating

Shredded salt cod salad with black olives on a fresh garden salad

Salt cod salad with olives, cucumber and tomato

Salt cod salad with black olives on a bed of lettuce, tomato and cucumber

Pastéis de bacalhau (salt cod cakes) with tartar sauce and grated carrot

Crispy golden fried rings with a creamy garlic dip and fresh lettuce

Rich chocolate cake dessert drizzled with chocolate sauce

Tropical tequila-sunrise cocktail with an orange slice

A Sagres beer and a fruit sangria with mint

Guests enjoying dinner on Rico Sabor's outdoor terrace on a Bairro Alto evening

What guests say

★★★★☆

“We ordered the polvo à lagareiro — the octopus was tasty, served with potatoes, spinach and carrots. A huge portion for the €21 we paid.”

Lucas S · Dec 2025 · via TripAdvisor
★★★★★

“The apéro spritz was perfection on the patio, and the shrimp pasta was the best thing I’ve ever had in my life. Our queen Nancy made the experience so special.”

Meghan B · May 2025 · via TripAdvisor
★★★★★

“I went for the Chef’s special steak — veal with Serrano ham, homemade fries, salad and rice. The quality was high, a valid alternative to fish.”

Francesco D. · Jan 2026 · via TripAdvisor
★★★★★

“Honest and friendly service. Very fresh products in their dishes — the spaghetti came with lots of fresh scampi! Highly recommended.”

Stijn · Aug 2025 · translated via TripAdvisor
★★★★★

“A very nice lunch — the staff couldn’t have been more attentive. They even finished off our lunch with a couple of shots to see us on our way. Obrigada, Rico Sabor.”

Michael G · Mar 2025 · via TripAdvisor
★★★★★

“We loved this restaurant so much we came back again for dinner. Delicious food and superb staff — no visit to Bairro Alto is complete without it.”

Jo S · Jul 2024 · via TripAdvisor
★★★★★

“A beautiful spot in a side alley, with seating outside and in. Very attentive service, and rarely such good quality for comparatively cheap prices.”

Mighty T · Sep 2024 · translated via TripAdvisor
★★★★★

“We shared the clams to start — very tasteful — and the pork with mushroom cream sauce was tasty too. The chocolate cake was really delicious. Nice price.”

CindyK1988 · Sep 2024 · translated via TripAdvisor
★★★★☆

“Lovely choices on the menu and welcoming staff. We had the carbonara, which was tasty, and a complimentary shot of ginger liqueur at the end was a nice touch.”

Lynn P · May 2024 · via TripAdvisor
★★★★★

“Pretty terrace on a quiet stepped alley. Dish of the day plus a drink for €12.95 — you couldn’t do better. Plentiful and very good. A great discovery.”

Françoise G · Feb 2024 · translated via TripAdvisor
★★★★☆

“Lovely atmosphere in the stepped passage. No hard sell, friendly staff who didn’t rush us, and we really enjoyed our fish — nicely cooked.”

David L · Sep 2024 · via TripAdvisor
★★★★★

“What a hidden gem. Greeted with friendly smiles, outstanding food and great pricing, in a quiet alleyway setting. We’d love to go again.”

Roam826284 · Sep 2024 · via TripAdvisor
★★★★☆

“We had dinner here twice, minutes from our place in Bairro Alto. Friendly, good food, intimate — better than the touristy spots around. They speak Italian too.”

tiziaroma72 · Jun 2024 · translated via TripAdvisor
★★★★★

“A quiet spot on the stairs with very good service. They made sure we understood the menu and recommended well. Several small dishes, all delicious — and great sangria.”

Arno F · Oct 2023 · translated via TripAdvisor