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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Zambeze Restaurante
Review
About
Located in the historic center of Lisbon, between Largo do Castelo de Caldas and S. Jorge, the Zambezi Restaurant offers a superb view of the downtown Lisbon and the Tagus river. The Zambeze Restaurant retrieves the best gastronomic tradition of Portugal´s Beira region, recreated in its presentation and the amazing fusion of African flavors. The decor boasts many iconic elements of Portuguese culture, including earthenware pieces of Bordallo Pinheiro on the inside and outside, two tile panels designed by the artist Paul Ossião, with meals served in dishes Vista Alegre. The offer is complemented by a terrace of 300 m2. The ideal choice for late afternoon, valuing the splendid framework, a record cosmopolitan, modern and relaxed. Opening hours from 10am to 23h every day. Offering two hours of parking for customers of the restaurant
Features
CUISINES
European, Portuguese
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Buffet
Free off-street parking
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Television
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Baixa, Rossio & Restauradores
Free off-street parking, Parking Available
Does this restaurant have tables with seating?
Reserve a table

Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 10:00 AM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Contribute
3.5
717 reviews
Excellent
181
Very good
259
Average
119
Poor
70
Terrible
88
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Mad
Lisbon180 contributions
Sep 2023 • couples
Positive: The view is very beautiful, the restaurant offers 2 hours of parkland right below it, the restaurant is beautiful and the food is pleasant.
Negative: The service is not friendly and not very attentive. We ordered octopus rice and found a piece of glass inside it. Obviously we sent the dish back. An apology was made from the manager and the dish was offered. However, due to the seriousness of the situation and the fact that we hadn't even asked for the complaints book, I think it wouldn't have been bad for the restaurant to have offered the meal in full.

Written September 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Montebelo Hotels
Caro mad9111,
Muito obrigado pela sua avaliação. Pedimos, mais uma vez, que aceite as nossas desculpas e agradecemos a sua compreensão. O seu feedback é essencial para nos ajudar a oferecer uma experiência sempre à altura dos nossos padrões de qualidade e segurança e está a receber a devida atenção da nossa equipa. Esperamos que volte a visitar brevemente, para uma experiência feita só de bons momentos.
Atenciosamente,
equipa do Zambeze restaurante & Rooftop Bar
Written September 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
V7252EHdavidn
Stoke-on-Trent37 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
We discovered this rooftop restaurant opposite our hotel & thought what a great location for an evening meal.
TA reviews were very mixed though, especially concerning service but we took a chance & booked.
Unusually for Lisbon there was no “meet & greet”. We were invited to choose a table but then had to wait for menus & then again to order drinks & food. Our Mains ( which were basic & ok) turned up quite quickly - but before the starters had arrived!
We weren’t offered more drinks or a dessert so went elsewhere for those.
Main problem seemed to be shortage of staff with waiter covering Terrace & indoor restaurant area.
Wouldn’t return, better options elsewhere.
Written October 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zambeze Restaurante
Dear client,
We’d like to thank you for your comments, which we value very highly. This certainly will be shared with our team so that our service consistently meets our service standards. We look forward to having you for your next stay, one filled with good moments.
Yours faithfully,
Zambeze Team
Written October 3, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michelle T
Eastleigh61 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
An unexpected find as we’d parked in the parking garage below not knowing about this rooftop restaurant.
We sat outside where we had fantastic views which enjoying a drink.
The only disappointment was the extremely slow service we had to ask a few times for someone to actually come and take our order (table service only).
The inside of the restaurant was also lovely.
Written November 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Montebelo Hotels
Dear K553IImichellet,
Thank you for taking the time to review your unexpected find. We are delighted that you found us and enjoyed our fantastic views. We are sorry our service was a bit slow and we will share your feedback with our staff to help us speed things up a bit. Now that you know about us, we hope to see you again very soon, for another lovely experience.
Best regards,
the Zambeze restaurante & Rooftop Bar team
Written December 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KarenMo132
Essex72 contributions
Sep 2023 • couples
After walking back from Sao Jorge Castle and feeling in need of food and refreshment we came across Zambeze Restaurant. They have a lovely rooftop terrace where we enjoyed a simple and inexpensive lunch with drinks whilst enjoying the Lisbon rooftop and waterfront views, all served by a really nice chap. It was so nice there we ended up having a few drinks and spent a couple of hours enjoying the ambience.
Written September 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Montebelo Hotels
Dear KarenMo132,
Thank you so much for the top marks in every single category. We are delighted you liked our lovely rooftop terrace and had such a nice time that you even stayed for a couple of hours more after lunch. We hope to see you again very soon.
Best regards,
the Zambeze Restaurante & Rooftop Bar team
Written September 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BSF-Lx
Lisbon119 contributions
May 2022 • none
The terrace is cluttered with an afterthought addition to the main restaurant room, which while nice, does not provide any view. All doors were open on a windy day, we complained of the air draught and although were promised one of the doors would be closed, they remained open during the entire meal. The bread served was stale and the olives tasted as having been poured out of a cheap jar from a discount supermarket. We complained, the waiter apologised and came back with bread which was not as stale and the olives had some shavings of garlic. Overall quite poor. The "Couvert of the chef" composed of fair samosas, a good tapenade, a so-so cheese and cottage cheese (rather white plaster) with half cherry tomato. We went directly to the mains, good fried octopus but the rice literally drowning in tomato sauce, the shrimp curry and the Laurentia prawns were ok, but quite forgettable. Service is appalling. Waiters without basic training, putting soaked plates on the table, asking if we are enjoying the dishes after we had all finished eating, crossing their furry forearms in front of your face to serve, bringing red wine glasses to serve wine we did not ask for, forcing the client to do all the work with the payment machine instead of giving it ready just to insert the code, and rushing away without asking if we wanted an invoice although we had provided the data on the bill. A tourist trap, serving mediocre food, with a terrible service and priced as a fine dining restaurant.
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MontebeloHotels
Dear BSF-Lx,
We appreciate you taking the time to rate our service and share your experience. We ask that you accept our sincere apologies and we are sorry that your experience did not live up to your expectations. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and your feedback will definitely be shared with our team so that we can avoid similar situations in the future. We hope you will consider us again, for a dining experience that meets our high standards.
Best regards,
the Zambeze Restaurante & Rooftop Bar team
Written May 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Clare T
Ventimiglia39 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
Absolutely awful service
Visited during October. Restaurant wasn’t at all busy. Took a while to receive a menu, drinks arrived ok. Food was taken to the wrong table and chips were cold.
Nobody popped by to see if we were Pk or if we wanted more drinks. When we paid the bill the server just shrugged her shoulders when we told her of the awful service.
Written October 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zambeze Restaurante
Dear Clare,
We appreciate you having taken your time to share your experience with us. We regret not having lived up to your expectations during your meal, but your feedback will be shared with our team so that in the future we may better avoid similar situations. We do hope you may consider us for your next restaurant, one that can show how our service matches with the highest of standards.
Best regards,
Zambeze Team
Written October 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ann H
York2618 contributions
Mar 2024 • family
Wished we had found this place earlier in our stay! We used the lift in the supermarket with the intention of visiting the castle area. We got somewhat waylaid when we found this amazing place with its lovely outside seating with great views. We treated ourselves to some tasty cod fish and delicious chips accompanied by some wine. Could have stayed longer!
Written March 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Montebelo Hotels
Dear Client,
On behalf of the entire team, thank you very much for your kind comment. We are very happy to know that you had a pleasant experience with us and that you found our cod fish amazing! We love it too! We hope, in the next opportunity, to welcome you back to our restaurant, maybe in the summer when the sun is hot and, makes the view from the rooftop even more beautiful!
Best regards,
Zambeze team
Written March 27, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Harleybloke
Welwyn Garden City184 contributions
Sep 2022 • couples
Inside like a high end hotel restaurant outside the large terrace area has stunning views across the city.
We ate lunch there, the toasted Brie and ham sandwich was large and at €6.90 great value.
Our waitress was lovely and rain had stopped and the sun was out, perfect!
Recommend!
Written September 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MontebeloHotels
Dear Harleybloke,
Thank you so much for the top marks and for recommending us. We're delighted to hear you loved our stunning views and lovely staff and we hope to see you again soon for another perfect experience.
Best regards,
the Zambeze Restaurant & Rooftop Bar Team
Written September 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TheEd
East Molesey2 contributions
Oct 2021 • couples
The best thing served at this restaurant was the bottled water. The sautéed mushroom starter tasted like it was made several days ago. Veal was hugely over salted - couldn’t taste the meat (I love salt on my food but this was inedible). During COVID time where everyone is still wearing masks, the bread brought o my table in error is served to another customer.
The service …it’s difficult to understand how a place with so much potential is capable of getting it so wrong.
Positioned on a hillside which looks out onto Lisbon, staff are running around a mostly empty restaurant. Perhaps it was just a case of poor leadership on the evening we visited, but it was the perfect example of the blind leading the blind. A lady which appears to be the manager is marching around without displaying any care for customer service. Inexperienced staff, serving terrible food at hugely inflated prices. I hope that I’ll be able to digest whatever it was that I ate and make it for my flight tomorrow morning without an upset stomach. With so many good places to eat in Lisbon, I would avoid this place at all costs.
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MontebeloHotels
Dear Client,
In the name of the entire Zambeze team we wish to thank you for your feedback, which we value highly and will analyse with utmost consideration. Your satisfaction are our top priority, and so we ask you to please accept our sincere apology for services that merited an unsatisfactory rating.
Please be assured that your commentary will be shared with our team for such a situation to be avoided in the future and so that our service may be improved. We look forward to you considering us again in the future for another meal at our restaurant, one which meets our high standards of service.
Yours faithfully,
Zambeze Restaurante & Rooftop Bar Team
Written February 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Garny_65
Preston417 contributions
Jul 2022 • couples
Booked mid evening on a Friday afternoon whilst visiting with friends.
Booking carried out online through Fork app.
A beautiful elevated view across the city accompanies the dining experience at Zambeze.
Although eating inside there is a view out toward the city, there is a viewpoint outside the restaurant also.
Staff were attentive and knowledgeable when presenting the wine list and main menu.
We ate meals from across the varied menu.
Of note two of the mains were Octopus rice and I chose Goat curry. Both were substantial dishes which saw the pan returning to top up our bowls on a number of occasions.
The staff ensured that our glasses were never empty be it wine or water. They were very engaging and interacted well.
The meals were ample
in size and well priced.
I’d recommend a visit to this great restaurant with an even better vibe.
Overall this was a great dining experience, enjoyed by all four of us.
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MontebeloHotels
Dear Garny_65,
Thank you very much for your great detailed review and top rating. We're delighted to hear you loved our vibe, food, staff, beautiful view, everything. Thank you again for recommending us and we hope to see you again soon for another great dining experience.
Best regards,
the Zambeze Restaurant & Rooftop Bar Team
Written July 4, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pioneer26838913745
7 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
Fantastic restaurant, the best of Lisbon. Fantastic food, of great quality and variety. The service is, too, excellent, with very attentive employees. I was very curious to try other dishes and will come back more often, as it became one of my favorite restaurants.
Automatically translated
Written August 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Montebelo Hotels
Estimado cliente,
Muito obrigado por nos ter escolhido e pelo tempo que dispensou a avaliar os nossos serviços. Foi um prazer recebê-lo e esperamos voltar a dar-lhe as boas-vindas muito brevemente.
Atenciosamente,
Equipa do Zambeze
Written August 20, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kevin M
Lasne-Chapelle-Saint-Lambert53 contributions
Sep 2021 • none
We took a group of 17 people to Zambeze for a 60th birthday dinner after working in Lisbon all week and had a very special evening.
First the view worked its magical surprise - every person that emerged from the scruffy dark elevator was blown away by the panorama from the terrace. The glass room on the terrace was a great place to eat and see the city lights.
Then we had excellent food and wine all enjoyed by everyone. If there is any minor complaint it would be that they run a skeleton staff for the number of diners, but the team worked really hard all night. We just decided to go with the flow and it didn't matter that we finished at midnight!
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MontebeloHotels
Dear Kevin,
On behalf of the entire team, thank you very much for your kind comment. We are very happy to know that you had a pleasant experience with us and we hope to welcome you again on a next visit to our destination.
Best regards,
Zambeze Restaurante & Rooftop Bar Team
Written February 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janet M
Cordova817 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
We were on our way walking uphill to the Castle de São Jorge, but instead found this lovely rooftop bar and outdoor terrace and decided to have an afternoon snack and see the beautiful view over downtown Lisbon. The Zambeze terrace provided a relaxed atmosphere. We ordered some drinks with fries (batatas fritas) and a Portuguese sandwich (tosta mista). Service was a bit slow, but we were OK with that. There is a panoramic elevator that will take you down to the Loureiro do Chão Market that includes the Pingo Doce Supermarket.
Written August 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Montebelo Hotels
Dear Client,
Thank you very much for visiting and for posting your review. We are glad that you found us during and that you had a great time with us! We hope to welcome you again in our restaurant.
Best Regards,
Zambeze Team
Written August 20, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ness C
53 contributions
Dec 2022 • couples
We went here for nye.it was a hugely overpriced set menu. Meat in main was nearly raw.. we saw several customers send it back. The place was bedlam .. loud and way too bright. Food very average at best. Staff looked stressed and the whole atmosphere was manic and chaotic. We didn’t even stay to see the fireworks from the balcony .. which was dirty and had electric bikes out there. Definitely would not recommend this experience for nye.
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MontebeloHotels
Dear 218nessc,
We are very sorry your New Year's Eve didn't go as well as you expected and we tried our best to provide. Please accept our sincere apologies and wishes of a happy and less chaotic New year. We hope you will consider us again in the future.
Best regards,
the Zambeze Restaurante & Rooftop Bar team
Written January 3, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
emfi
208 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
ZamBeZe was recommended by a friend, so I expected a beautiful place and a lovely gastronomy experience. Unfortunately, the reality was different. The place is cold and uninteresting in all senses. The entrance to the restaurant can be scary especially at night - the elevator is full of graffiti, not very clean, and not working after a certain hour. The chef de maître was quick to understand that the customers are a bit disappointed with the menu and the place, and tries his very best. The food is uninteresting, the prices are similar to what you find in London yet the rest is missing... Herdade dos Grous (white, served at the right temperature and timing) saved the night, and so did the service. There's a lot to improve.
Written November 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MontebeloHotels
Dear client,
We appreciate you having taken your time to share your experience at Zambeze Restaurante with us. Your feedback will be shared with our team so that in the future we may better avoid similar situations. We do hope you may consider us for your next stay, one that can show how our service matches with the highest of standards.
Yours faithfully,
Zambeze Restaurante Team
Written November 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Baixa, Rossio & Restauradores
A pending candidate to become a World Heritage Site, Lisbon's downtown (the "Baixa Pombalina", or simply "Baixa") is a perfect example of anti-earthquake construction, having been rebuilt following the 1755 earthquake by the famous Marquês de Pombal (hence its name). Its offer is vast: restaurants and cafes in Rossio and Restauradores, outlets and shops in the Áurea, Augusta, Prata and other famous streets, the imponent Praça do Comércio and its Arch, the luxury shops along the Avenida da Liberdade, this is the beating heart of the city center. The Baixa also grants easy access to trains leading to Sintra, the trams that go around the Castle hill, old neighborhoods or even take you to Belém, and Lisbon's traditional restaurants and cafes. Considering a visit to the Fashion and Design Museum (free entrance) and don't forget to try the famous liquor, "ginjinha"!
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