A Merendinha do Arco Bandeira

We loved everything about this local gem. Much like other amazing restaurants, they don’t do anything fancy - they start with fresh, local ingredients and let them shine through simple cooking. The soup, which I think was a shrimp bisque, was full of flavour and just had croutons as garnish for additional texture. I’m pretty sure they grind the shells to get the maximum flavour and then sieve them out. Absolutely delicious! Octopus salad was also one of the best we’ve had so far in the trip. Octopus was super tender and piled on with tons of olive oil and acid (I think it’s lemon juice) with other veggies. But by far, my favourite was the grilled sardines. I think it’s their signature because almost every table got them. And it’s easy to see why. On the plate, are five grilled sardines and potatoes. The fish was so full of flavour, they didn’t need to do anything other than season them. I would say all three are must tries. I would definitely be coming back when I’m back in Lisbon and you need to go eat there if you’re ever in the city.

Price and food were both good. It is a bit of a wait, but it is worth to wait for decent, authentic food. I Do not recommend the shrimp soup though, only 1 small shrimp in my bowl of soup (yes, just one small shrimp)

Another must-visit when in Portugal! We came here after seeing that Mark Wiens had visited a couple of years ago, and it did not disappoint. The food was delicious, and the service from everyone was outstanding. Such a lovely place—enjoy!

Finally found a local gem after avoiding all the tourist traps! I was struggling to find an authentic local spot since this area is full of tourist restaurants, but I’m so glad I discovered this place! The food was absolutely incredible - authentic flavors and such generous portions I could barely move afterward. Everything tasted genuine and fresh, not like the watered down tourist food everywhere else. The staff was amazing too so friendly and welcoming, they made us feel like family. You can tell they genuinely care about their customers and take pride in what they serve.

Went for lunch. Shared a seafood bisque (very nice) and clams with garlic in broth and rice. I expected a bit more out of the clams but it was a very straightforward good preparation. It has coriander (cilantro) so be prepared as my partner did not care for that at all. Ambiance was good for a small local taberna under the hotel. Very central and good came fast.

Cozy little restaurant which has dates decor adding to its charm. It's tucked away from the main hustle and bustle. You have to wait in line, we went at peak lunch and waited about 30mins. Once we were seated and ordered, the food and drink came quickly. We ordered the clams, octopus salad and the pork. The seafood was fresh and flavourful. Would recommend. Card accepted. Overall a great atmosphere and experience.

I’m rating the restraint, not the hotel. This place is really popular. It’s better to have a reservation. We had the clams, the prawns and the sardines. We love all the seafood but the prawns were the best. The dishes came with salad and flavored rice. The rice went really well with the sauce from the prawns dish. We would love to go back again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If I could give six stars, I absolutely would! I first discovered this restaurant on Mark Wiens’ YouTube channel, and when I walked past it myself, I hesitated—thinking it might just be another tourist trap because of the location. But it turned out to be the opposite: a truly local experience with incredible food. The sardines, especially, blew me away—I never imagined they could taste this good.

Very good food! Sashwot is a good server! highly recommended ! Sardines are really tasty and fresh, everything is good !will come back

So sad! We walked for 30 minutes just to get here and were welcomed with this sign! So sad to not be able to experience this place.

Great authentic Portuguese food at a reasonable price. Our server went above and beyond, even helping to hook into the free wifi! Food was fabulous! Hearty caldo verde, followed by cod cakes with rice and beans. My friend had the garlic shrimps and they were great. If you want a place where locals and tourists get together for a meal and some drinks, this place is it

Omg delicious huge fresh fish inexpensive and same for wine! I am in love with this restaurant. First restaurant we went to in Lisbon. Was recommended by our Airbnb host as a local favorite

This Portuguese quaint restaurant was referred by our tuk tuk driver Nuno Bessa of tuk tuk tours. Great host and even better restaurant suggestion. The food here was exceptional. Fast service, great customer service with a family feel. You will not be disappointed. Cheers eat up

Last night and eating where the locals eat. Enjoyed a delicious white wine cod fritters (patanisca), grilled cod, grilled Lubina. For dessert they bring out a dessert tray. Had chocolate mousse and the coconut mousse. Ended with a café

Wow! Our Tuk Tuk driver took us here to enjoy ginja, a very sweet brandy with sour cherry. When the servers found out we were American, they got so excited they made us Cuba Libres. We didn't have any pastries, but they looked delicious. What a fun little stop!

This was our first meal in Portugal, and unfortunately it was a letdown. We chose it for its authenticity, and while it definitely did seem authentic and mostly full of locals, the food didn't impress. The seafood soup was more like a salty seafood broth with no hint of actual seafood. We were glad we only ordered a small bowl of it to share. I got the cod cakes (pataniscas), which came freshly fried but lacking in crispiness and in cod. It was honestly 90% fritter dough, 10% cod. It also wasn't seasoned at all, and the bacalhau didn't have enough salt in it to sufficient carry through the whole cod cake. The best part of my meal was the rice and beans that came on the side, which had all the salt that the cod cakes were missing. My husband got the grilled bacalhau, which had a texture that was a little too firm and chewy for us, but maybe that's just the nature of bacalhau. I did enjoy the vegetables it came with. The restaurant itself is charmingly authentic, and our waiter was very nice. Maybe we ordered the wrong things given all the good reviews here, but we wouldn't come back.

The foods are delicious although a little on the salty side. The waiter was friendly.

I think this was my favorite meal in Lisboa, Portugal. We stumbled across it and it was open when others were closed between lunch and dinner. The place was full both times we went. A jug of good wine was a great price and the codfish cakes with beans and rice was my favorite. I got the fried clams and they are not fried. They look steamed. Maybe they are cooked different but they were good and plentiful. But the beans and rice that come with the cod cakes were the best! And the Cod cakes were also very tasty. We went twice with 3 people each time and everyone left full and happy. What a local feeling establishment. And just what I want whenever I go to Lisbon!

One of my top three restaurants in Lisboa! Great wine, great service and awesome food. Their octopus is always tender and their cod is always delicious! This one of the reasons I visit

After seeing the YouTube vlog of Mark Weins and since I was in the area, tried to popped in early in the restaurant. And I was the first costumers they served! This is the taste of real authentic Portuguese cuisine. This restaurant deserves a Michelin star!!!

My wife and I enjoyed this restaurant very much. The service was excellent, and the food was delicious. We would love to return.

When it comes to visiting a restaurant in another country, I am picky since my time to try food is limited. I first heard about Merendinha do Arco after seeing Mark Wiens rave review on his youtube vlog. And, I knew I just had to try it! I am so glad I did. Can't believe I did not write my review sooner. Immediately, I was seated upon entry and offered water and a menu. My waiter was very attentive to my needs and also brought fresh bread, butter, and cheese right away. While it was a simple appetizer, it was very tasty and satisfying. For my main course, I ordered the Carne de Porco à alentejana (pork with clams) that came with a side of house-made chips, tomato, and lettuce. After two months, I am still raving about this dish. I can not even pick a favorite part of the dish. Each portion of the meal was so good, and I enjoyed every bite that was bursting with flavor.The pork was very tender, and the bread layered underneath simply terrific. The seasonings the chef added in the sauce/juice made everything come together perfectly. When the juices seeped into the chips and the bread, the taste made me want more. Actually, I was determined to eat everything on my plate because I did not want to waste a single bit. Needless to say, when I return to Lisbon this restaurant will definitely be one of my first stops. The atmosphere is casual and inviting. Give it a try if you ever visit.

Really enjoyed this local joint. Did not feel touristy and loved the caldo verde. The waiter was great for us, very friendly and accommodating.

Defiantly a five star in the heart of touristy area. This place is better than Michelin star for me at least. It closes at 8pm so you better be there early. I ordered chicken stew and it was awesome and tasty and true authentic.

We were early to lunch and they kindly opened for us. Food is delicious Portugese seafood. Your meal is preceded with delicious bread, octopus and prosciutto! Yum, even though you have to pay for it, it's worth it to experience the flavors!! I had the grilled sardines which were the largest I've had while in Lisbon and grilled to perfection. My husband had the mixed grille-- all fish and wonderful!! Thank you!!