My husband, 10 year old son, and I will be arriving in lisbon around noon on Christmas Day. We would like to eat soon after arriving at a casual, cafe-type restaurant. When I’ve searched for restaurants open on Christmas Day, I’ve found several fancier hotel restaurants, but I haven’t been able to find any more casual establishments. I’ve been contacting individual restaurants to see if they are open, and I haven’t found one yet. If anyone knows of any casual restaurants/cafes open on Christmas Day, I’d love to hear it. Thank you!
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1826 posts
Unfortunately, you are likely not going to find what you are looking for. Christmas is the only day that virtually everything closes in Portugal. It is very different than in the states where you can still find groceries and restaurants open. I’ve been told that some of the Indian restaurants are open but I’ve not checked that out.
Try googling Indian restaurants close to your accommodations. If that doesn’t work, I’m afraid it’s going to be a fancy hotel restaurant.
Posted by
Connecticut
99 posts
As usual, Kathryn is right.
Especially as it is your first day, why not plan for dinner at your hotel? If they are not serving, ask them to recommend the nearest place that is. Where are you staying?
I don't think you want to be prowling around looking for that "authentic Portuguese" place on Christmas with a 10-year-old and jet lag.
Much regard,
Dennis
Posted by
92 posts
When I was about your son’s age, my family ate at a Chinese restaurant in Europe on Christmas Day. It was obviously memorable for me - but it was also the only thing that was open! I agree with what others are saying. Your options are definitely limited on Christmas Day!
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you all for your replies. We are staying at an airbnb, and I had already asked the host about restaurants on Christmas; however, I was hoping to find some helpful recommendations from seasoned travelers here excatly because I don't want to "prowl" around. Also, I never mentioned I wanted "authentic Portuguese." Nicolau looks exactly like what I was hoping for! I've contacted them to see if they will be open Christmas Day. Thank you again!
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1826 posts
Since you are staying in an Airbnb, you might want to ask the host if they would be willing to buy any essential groceries for you to have in the flat that day and night. There won’t be any mini markets (or larger supermarkets) open for anything you can’t live without until the next day.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Asking the host for basic groceries is a great idea. Thank you!
Posted by
2 posts
We are also arriving on Christmas Day, staying at a hotel (Avenida Palace), and they've been extremely helpful - have found us a dinner reservation for the six of us in walking distance to the hotel. Just FYI! Good luck and have fun!
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you. I've found a couple of casual restaurants, and am looking forward to being in Lisbon!