Insider Restaurant Tips for Lisbon?

No insider but was there in end of September. Just outside of our apartment was A Cartola (small family place). In our limited joint language, they were very helpful with directions and information. Coffee, Pastries Bifana, daily menu etc. We enjoyed Zé da Mouraria 2 enough that we went back a second time. Huge Cod plate. Good chicken. A little touristic, but a nice and fun place. I think you could say both were authentic.

Tapisco Barrio Alta district, need reservations (best octopus salad I've had)
Ponto Final across the river, make reservations early. Looks like a dive but best seafood
A Gina Lot of locals go here.

Are reservations usually necessary? That seems like a pain but in my research, it seems the norm.

Other than the small family places I would make reservations. Especially on the weekends. Went to Tapabento. We had made reservations 45 days prior and lucky to get them then. There was a line outside of people waiting to get in without reservations. We were turned away at a steak place without a reservation. Wherever you are staying I would ask for a local place. You don't need to break the bank on expensive touristy restaurants. Ask for what you described. I was happy with a Bafana and a beer or two sitting outside.

Thanks. I'll be looking for "small family places" whenever possible then. I like them the best anyway. I honestly hate standing in lines or having to make reservations. We'll be headed to your country right after Lisbon. ;-)

Esquina da Fe located at 60 Rua da Fe might fit what you describe. The location is a few block from either the Avenida or Restauradores metro stops. It is on a narrow side street. It is run by two brothers, one cooks and the other serves. I think the menu was only in Portuguese. Other guests appeared to be locals when I was there. People were watching o soccer match on a TV above the bar. Food and wine were very reasonably priced and good. This restaurant was recommended to me by the B&B up the street where I was staying.

Esquina da Fe looks awesome. I like that I can't read most of the positive recommendations, which is a good sign that it's truly a local restaurant. ;-)

Did you need reservations?

Where are you staying? Bonjardim restaurant which specializes in roasted chicken is near the Libertadores Square. Also for a restaurant that truly caters to locals check Cervejeria Paco Real which serves lunch only. They are open until 8pm but do not serve food when lunch food is gone. But the lunch specials are very good and often sell out. I’m not sure that this is the non-touristy restaurant you are looking for.

In June 2019, I definitely did not need reservations at Esquina da Fe.

All great tips from everyone today, so thanks! We're staying near Roccio.

I found this video to be very helpful as well: https://youtu.be/pbWaiVTx088?si=ZyTMHlH4afYVkv-b

My family and I ate here twice and it was just lucky to find it as it was a few doors down from the apartment we were staying at. Service and food were fantastic. My kids are 12 and 15. They both wanted to go back. I am traveling for work there and this is the one restaurant I am making sure I eat at.

https://casatradicao.pt

We too like to eat what the people eat and found that lunch was the time to do it. Quite a few old places either open early or open only for lunch. They usually post a hand written or chalked notice of what the meal or meals of the day is. Our favorite only asked you when you came in, meat or fish. That with vegetables, a small carafe of wine and dessert with coffee were under 10€. One day they had a stew and when I asked what was in it the server pulled a full plate out from under a diners nose and showed it to us. Gourmet?Maybe not, but is was fun to sit on big tables with the local workers.