Josephine Bistro — Restaurant in Lisbon

This is our first trip to Portugal and Lisbon. We were here for a few days, left for the Algarve, then returned staying in a different rental.

While walking about the city on our first stay here, it was recommended by our wonderful e-bike tour guide, Duogo, to visit a nearby restaurant. The arrangement for getting a seat was tedious so we decided to look elsewhere. This is how we luckily discovered Josephine!

The place is super cool and casual. We seated ourselves at a small patio table for two, the only table available when we arrived. Our server this first visit was Eldon / Elton. A young man with a tremendous smile and personality, he introduced the menu offerings and provided excellent service.

Loving the vibe and food offerings, we made sure to return for a second visit before being off to Burgau for a few days and were not disappointed. Our server was Renato. Again, the food and service was outstanding.

While in the Algarve, we commented to each other how we would like to visit Josephine when we returned to Lisbon. Our second rental was a little further away, but we made it a point to visit twice more.

I had heard of the Bifana sandwich, but had never tried it. Our server on this third visit, Ami, recommended the Bifana Especial. A tremendous recommendation it was! Paired with the Humus Classico, a large Heineken, and a Coca-Cola, splitting the sandwich between the two of us was sufficient.

Yesterday was the culmination of our visits. We walked there and back on a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon from our rental - about 3.5 km total.

We were greeted by our "old" (he is not) friend, Renato. Not only did we get the fantastic meal we have come to expect, but a Portuguese history and language lesson from him while we were there.

The people-watching in the area is superb. When you visit, be sure to venture inside for what feels like a mini-museum of the life and times of the iconic Josephine Baker. The music that fills the air inside and out is mostly an homage to...

James thought Josephine was absolutely delightful. He said he would go back to her again.

The photograph of James in front of the lit up building is not actually Josephine’s, but it’s nearby, and James thought we should get a photograph of himself in front of it, so we did.

James has some very opinionated opinions, and our table chatter at Josephine’s was extremely religious. The nice folks on their first date next to us didn’t seem to mind the nature of our discussion about whether or not their eternal damnation is inevitable. That was nice of them.

Fortunately, Josephine saved the day and brought out the nacho chips and guacamole, which I ate all of myself.

During the appetizers an unhoused man came by (a few stopped in throughout dinner to strike up a conversation with various patrons of Josephine’s). James wasn’t feeling charitable, so we waived the kind gentleman away. But the man (from the couple on their first date beside us) was feeling charitable. Or perhaps wanted to impress his tinder date. So he left his date to walk inside to talk with Josephine about what they could do to get this unhoused man a warm meal. Wow, what a great guy! You scored a lucky one young lady!.. sorry that he left you sitting there alone for twenty minutes while he worked it all out. And sorry you had to listen to our conversation. James was not in an agreeable mood that evening.

Since James is a growing boy, he ordered two appetizers for himself, and an entire bottle of wine (pictured) and then proceeded to order an entire entree. Wow James was hungry! And it was all so delicious. Josephine was simply...

This spot offers a truly authentic and local dining experience. It’s not fancy, and it doesn’t try to be—but that’s exactly what makes it so charming. The food is simple, tasty, and clearly made with care. Nothing overcomplicated or overly styled—just good, honest cooking that hits the spot. It feels like the kind of place locals go to regularly, which adds a layer of realness that’s often hard to find in more tourist-heavy areas.

The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious. The space and facilities are a bit dated, but that only adds to its character. If you’re looking for polished interiors or trendy design, this might not be your place—but if you can look past that, you’ll find a warm and welcoming setting where you can enjoy a proper meal.

The service is a real highlight. The staff are friendly, always smiling, and genuinely seem to care that you’re enjoying your time there. That level of hospitality makes a big difference and leaves a lasting impression.

Overall, this is a lovely little find if you're after good food, kind service, and a local feel. A place that doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not—and is all the...