Fado restaurants
Fado is a traditional music that was probably born in the 18th century. Since 2011, it has belonged to UNESCO’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage” list. Some say it’s sad — thus avoid it — but it really can’t be separated from its people. In the beginning, it used to be played on the poorest streets, a spontaneous act. Today in Lisbon, you can mainly listen to it while having dinner. Very often these venues — casas do fado — have reduced capacity. When you call, make sure of the final price of the show and dinner — avoid tourist traps!
Maria da Mouraria — Casa de Fados €€€
Best for: Culinary and musical experience
When: every day except Monday and Tuesday
Maria da Mouraria is a traditional Fado house and the birthplace of the most scandalous Fado singer of the 19th century, Maria Severa.
To reach the restaurant, walk along Rua Capelão, and on the buildings’ walls, admire the most important Fado musicians (fadistas) photo gallery museum. A set meal with Fado here costs €50 per person. Besides fresh fish and traditional dishes, there is an excellent selection of spirits. The musical performance comes close to the non-commercial shows I have seen in traditional contexts outside of Lisbon.
Book your table at: +351934450130 or The Fork
Best for: Authentic and cozy atmosphere
When: every day
Seven tables and — despite what you may imagine — lots of smiles. This is a tiny traditional Fado house where glasses are always full of wine. During the summer, musicians play fado vadio outside — the most traditional and bare bones version. Come here to find a laidback, unpretentious crowd.
To be admitted to the show, you have to spend a minimum of €25 each.
Book your table at +351 218 867 284
Best for: Happy hour
When: everyday except Sunday and Monday
Along the steep paving stones that comprise Calçada do Carmo, just a two-minute walk from the renowned roofless church, find this intimate place which is chosen by many Portuguese as well. Combine Fado with a glass of red wine from Alentejo and petiscos (starters): toasted bread with sardines, cheese, pumpkin jams, tuna, anchovies and serrano ham. Bookings at: +351 917 216 761 or web.
Best for: Familiar atmosphere and hospitality
When: every day except Monday and Wednesday
This Fado house is located next to the National Pantheon, inside a 1904 building. Generally, customers are a mix of locals and tourists. Fado musicians take turns and entertain while you enjoy traditional meals (with two vegetarian options). Cash only.
Book your table at +351 965 440 897 or +351 918 762 495 (Whatsapp message/SMS) or ocorrido.booking@gmail.com
Best for: Contemporary experience
When: Every day from 8pm (show starts at 9pm)
The restaurant has an à la carte menu with a €15 fee for the show. Sitting and eating in such an immaculate setting is an experience per se: the restaurant is located inside a Renaissance palace that belonged to the Linhares family. Musicians and singers that perform inside these noble walls aren’t the only VIPs. The two young chefs Samuel and Ivo already have five-star careers behind them.
Bookings: +351 910 188 118 or info@casadelinhares.com
Best for: Contemporary art and culture lovers
When: every day except Tuesday
Make yourselves comfortable. This setting close to the cathedral has a special atmosphere — like a breath of fresh air. Excellent choice also for lunch, its strongest point is the possibility of listening to Fado, immersed in a different atmosphere compared to the traditional Fado houses. The venue hosts conferences, art exhibitions and book readings.
Telephone: +351 2188 500 41 or geral@duetosdase.com
Best for: Tiles and religious settings aficionados
When: every day except Sunday
Have a seat at the friars’ table to be part of a religious masterpiece: it takes only a minute to guess that this site used to host a chapel. Dim lights, faded blue on centenary ceramic, sparkling glasses and the warmth of music will give you an unforgettable evening. More than just the set meal (€60 excl. drinks), the experience inside an historical piece of the city is worth it.
Book your table at +351 917 029 436 or +351 218 871 452 or The Fork.
fado without dinner
Best for: A drink
When: every day
In this VERY popular spot located in Bairro Alto, you can listen to Fado without having to sit down for a proper meal. It’s tiny, and visitors take turns. Once the place fills up, the show starts behind closed doors — as in a traditional Fado houses. Excellent choice if you want to meet other people and have just a bit of Fado. Get ready to queue, especially during weekends — they don’t take reservations.
Telephone: +351 961 339 696 or Facebook
Best for: Artsy types
When: every day
Since the end of the dictatorship (1974), this circus school located near the Moorish castle has been a social and artistic institution of Lisbon. Among the many cultural events and activities, they periodically offer Fado shows for €5 inside their suggestive venue, bar Bartô. Simply fantastic!
Various locations
Fado Bicha
Best for: LGBT or LGBT-genre lovers
When: Check their Facebook or Instagram
Portuguese LGBT pride has a Fado soul!
Marvel at the artistic union of Tiago (aka Lila Fadista) and the guitarist João. Their music creates a social analysis that entertains — in their own words: “Our music is a subversion of the heteronormative rule, which, in the traditional Fado and Portuguese society, is very strong. We want to claim the right to appropriate [Fado] which is also ours, to explore it according to our identities and experiences.”
Best for: Families
When: First sunday of the month at 9 a.m.
Fado inside an aquarium? Yes, please! A €40 ticket gives access to the musical show and the aquarium entrance for two adults and a child. After being suspended due to COVID — it’s now back again!
For a comprehensive fado concerts list, check this page.
