Empanar is Lisbon’s hidden empanada haven

Tucked away beside one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks – the Elevador de Bica tram – and taking on a cavernous appearance like something out of The Flintstones, Empanar is an adorable bar, coffee shop, and restaurant, all wrapped into one. 

When I first stepped in, I was welcomed with neutral-coloured walls and dark wooden seating and tables. Although there’s not a lot of space – around three tables with two seats each and three seats at the bar – it’s cosy and inviting, albeit strange and unusual when compared to the other traditionally designed Portuguese bars and crevices located nearby. 

Empanadas are the restaurant’s namesake, with Empanar giving you a choice of four types: vegan, vegetarian, traditional (Meat), and seafood.

Most hover around a €4 price point, although there are a few that cross that by utilising richer ingredients, as you can see in the English menu snap to the left (Click to enlarge it!).

The restaurant manages to cater to all foodies, and whatever your palette preference or dietary requirements may be, you’ll have no trouble finding something to snack on.

My experience visiting Empanar in March 2024

On my visit to Empanar in early March 2024, I entered the restaurant and was welcomed by the single staff member present, a friendly man who could speak Spanish, Portuguese, and English, so there was no worrying about language barriers.

After sitting down and soaking in the cosy atmosphere and chilled music, I opted for a traditional beef and traditional chicken empanada, which was served after a 10-minute wait on a gorgeous handmade plate with an edible flower – if you hadn’t guessed yet, Empanar clearly cares about its aesthetics.

Now, the empanadas were just as good as their presentation. Crunchy on the outside and filled with soft delicate flavours on the inside. The potatoes within the empanadas were perfectly cooked, and the chicken paired beautifully with the homemade béchamel sauce and red peppers.

The braised beef empanada was my preferred of the two, with its boiled egg and onion mixture. A spicy variation of the beef is available for those seeking more adventurous flavours, and you can pair any of the empanadas with a pot of chimichurri, spicy chimichurri, or tomato and basil sauce for €1,50 each.

In Portuguese tradition, I followed the empanadas with a quick espresso (A “bica” as the Portuguese say), which was served with a deliciously sweet biscuit in the restaurant’s handmade cups and saucers, which you can buy for upwards of €20 each.

It was a wonderful way to end my meal, as I ventured back out onto the streets of Lisbon.

The stuff I didn’t try but you should

Now don’t be fooled into thinking that’s all Empanar has, as there is a LOT more. Like all other Portuguese restaurants, Empanar takes dessert seriously, and it gives you several options to try.

Although I didn’t take a picture of the dessert menu, you can see on Empanar’s website a great selection of sweet empanadas, as well as two vegan-based desserts, frozen raspberries, and the classic Pastel de Nata.

The restaurant has also earned rave reviews for its selection of alcoholic drinks, from daiquiris and sangrias to gins and more. With the site open most days until 11.30 pm, it’s the perfect place to snack and drink.

Empanar offers a whole lot, and it’s situated in a very convenient location. It’s cosy, has a great atmosphere, the staff are friendly, and it’s relatively cheap for what it offers. Anyone looking for a quick afternoon or a late-night snack, or anyone who is after some casual dining in a unique, chic environment should pop a visit to Empanar.