Restaurant Review: Alma Lisbon – Heavenly Dining at a Two-Michelin-Star Level

Location in Chiado – One of Lisbon’s Best Food Districts

Alma sits in the heart of Chiado, one of Lisbon’s most vibrant and historic neighbourhoods. It’s an area full of elegant façades, boutique shops and some of the best Michelin restaurants in Lisbon. If you’re looking for top gastronomy in the city, this is where you want to be.

Warm Welcome in a Monumental Building

The restaurant occupies a beautiful historic building with a warm, modern interior that avoids the stiffness many fine dining spots fall into. The front room seats six tables, with eight more in the back, creating an intimate and calm atmosphere.

Two large textile art pieces on the wall ensure excellent acoustics — a detail that makes the space peaceful and refined without being formal.

The Open Kitchen: Passion and a Chef Who Shows Up

The small open kitchen is the heart of Alma. Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa and his team move with impressive precision and calm energy. Watching them is part of the experience.

But what truly stands out is that the chef doesn’t hide behind the kitchen pass — something that happens often in the Michelin world. Instead, he visits every table personally. He radiates calm, takes his time and connects with guests, trusting his team to run the service flawlessly. It adds a human touch that makes Alma feel unique.

His list of awards includes:

• 2 Michelin Stars
• 2 Repsol Suns
• Best Chef Portugal Award
• Garfo de Ouro – Boa Cama Boa Mesa
• Top 50 Best Discoveries

A Parade of Amuses

Before your tasting menu begins, Alma treats you to a series of small amuses that immediately set the tone. They are refined, surprising and beautifully balanced — a perfect introduction to the meal.

The Menus: Classical, Creative or Vegan Michelin

Alma offers three tasting menus (around €200 per person):

Costa a Costa
A tribute to Portugal’s coastline, featuring sustainable fish and shellfish with elegant, clean flavours.

Alma
The signature menu that reinterprets classic Portuguese dishes with creativity and sophistication.

Vegan Menu Options
Beautiful, plant-based creations at true Michelin-level — a rare find in Lisbon and a fantastic choice for vegans and non-vegans alike.

Wines: Proudly Portuguese

Head Sommelier Gonçalo Ramalho curates a list focused on Portugal’s most exciting wines, including refined sparkling options. Pairings are thoughtful and elevate each course.

A Fresh, Young Audience

Unlike many two-star restaurants, Alma attracts a surprisingly young crowd. It gives the restaurant a fresh, modern energy.

Service: Friendly, Skilled and Never Stiff

The team of six handles the room with perfect timing and relaxed professionalism. They explain, guide, smile and engage without ever overdoing it. It’s friendly fine dining — one of the reasons Alma feels so welcoming.

Lunch or Dinner? Both Stunning

Alma is open for Michelin lunch in Lisbon, which is a huge plus. A long, elegant lunch here is one of the best culinary experiences you can have in the city.

Opening hours:
12:00–15:30 & 19:00–00:00
Closed Sunday & Monday.

Reservations

Phone: +351 213 470 650
Email: alma@almalisboa.pt

Fully booked? Belcanto (also 2 stars) is only a two-minute walk away.

My Experience

Everything was perfect: the food, the service, the chef’s presence, the acoustics, the wines, the atmosphere. Alma is easily among Lisbon’s best restaurants — refined yet relaxed.

No improvements needed.

Conclusion

Alma is more than just dinner. It is a complete, soulful experience where creativity, warmth and precision come together. A place worth returning to — again and again.