Aug 16, 2025

Cantina das Freiras Lisbon

Secret Spot #1

""Cantina das Freiras" in Lisbon is a truly secret cantina/restaurant, with a stunning view and amazing prices. You must promise not to tell. I'm serious."

First time I went there, it was packed with locals catching sun and chatting while having lunch. The place is not difficult to find, but you can hardly imagine there's a restaurant worth a visit inside this building. Once I checked the amazing rooftop view, this became my favourite place in town.

I wasn't sure if I should share this or not: the place is quite small and it gets packed around 13:00 (Tip:get there earlier!). Also I was afraid I would "destroy" it. Later I realized that no one can change it. There will never be trendy gins, gourmet burgers, organic salads and kefir... So, usually there's only three main courses to choose from (besides the usual snacks). It's just a canteen (it used to be a canteen for the nuns!), and well... sometimes they might serve squid (most people can't even imagine having that for lunch right?).

The food is modest, tasty and homemade. The prices are inviting and as for the view, let's be honest: there's no place in Europe where you can have a meal with a view for anything close to that price!

Here it goes, so make sure you follow the rules or I'll take the article offline.

1st rule about this place is: You don't talk about this place.

2nd rule about this place is: You don't talk about this place.

3rd rule about this place is: You'll never upload a photo for Instagram and you'll never review it on Tripadvisor or anywhere else.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

About this spot

Travessa do Ferragial 1

Whole meal:

6.50

213240910

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