Not Mandatory: Unlike the US, tipping in Lisbon is not mandatory, but it has come to be expected in the cities tourists visit most. For small orders, like a pastry and a coffee, leaving the change or 1-2 euros is sufficient. However, when dining out at a restaurant, a 5-10% tip is acceptable.
Couvert: A couvert is a selection of small dishes like bread, olives, and local cheeses, that servers will sometimes bring to the table for you to nibble on. They are not expensive, but if you’d rather not pay for extra food, then simply tell your server to take it away.
Check for Service Charge: Some restaurants might include a service charge on the bill. It’s not common practice in Lisbon, but in more touristy areas, it may be added on. Look for this before leaving an additional tip.
Restaurant Reservations
Fine Dining & Popular Spots: For Michelin-starred restaurants or highly-rated establishments, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner. These places can fill up quickly, particularly during peak tourist season (March-November).
Casual Eateries: Reservations are generally less necessary at casual tascas or local Portuguese restaurants like pastelarias. However, if you have a large group (more than 4 people) or are visiting during a busy time (weekends, evenings), it might be helpful to call ahead and secure a table. For lunch, lots of restaurants have what’s called prato do dia, or plate of the day. This could include a starter, main meal with a drink plus coffee and dessert. If you stick to less touristy areas, you may find you get more for your money.
Making Reservations: The most common apps for making reservations are OpenTable,The Forkand even Google. However, many restaurants still take reservations the old fashioned way - with a phone call!
Many restaurants in Lisbon have websites, Facebook pages, or Instagram accounts, where you can message them for a reservation.
