Time Out Market Lisbon: What makes it so special from other food markets around the city

What makes Time Out Lisbon different from other regular food courts in the capital?

Figure 1 - The Time Out Market in Lisbon (Time Out, 2018)

The Time Out Market is an all-time classic food market in Lisbon which attracts thousands of tourists and locals every month for its large variety of restaurant options, all under one single roof. Time Out is an ideal place to eat around the city. With more than 40 restaurants, including seafood options, delicious hamburgers, fish, pizza, codfish, and much more! I thought it would be a great idea to investigate and discuss the current evolving success of the food market with its growing popularity over the past few years.

The Time Out Food Court resides in a large 19th century market hall around Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré neighborhood. The Mercado da Ribeira, which is the building’s original occupant, occurs in the other half of the structure. This ancient food shed has history following the devastating earthquake that took place in 1755, where it was known as a major shopping hall for the inhabitants of the damaged capital. The mercado sells fresh produce in traditional market stalls like fish, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and grains.

The idea behind the market was constructed by Time Out Lisboa Magazine in 2014. The Time Out food hall is not just an ordinary market in Lisbon but rather a modern food court with multiple of small stalls serving fascinating dishes such as sweet deserts from Santini, savory food, and tropical smoothies. Some of the stalls present cuisine created by Michelin starred chefs whilst others showcase traditional Portuguese gastronomy and assorted global cuisine.

The Time Out Market is one of the only food locations around the city where one could enjoy Bacalhau à Brás, Margherita Pizza, Spicy Pad Thai, and Sushi all at once while drinking an exotic juice. The range of food is varied enough to satisfy any visitors regardless of age group or food preferences. The market features some of Lisbon’s best restaurants, including from Chefs Alexandre Silva, Vítor Claro, Miguel Castro Silva, Henrique Sá Pessoa or even Marlene Vieira to well-known businesses such as Arcádia, Santini, Conserveira Nacional and Monte Mar.

Furthermore, other popular food chains around Lisbon and Portugal such as Sea Me, Honorato, Prego da Peixaria and Confraria have revealed their place in the famous food hall. The Time Out Market is an excellent opportunity to grab a quick snack or dive into a unique gourmet experience with the 30 establishments which have covered approximately 500 seats and 250 terrace chairs in a perfect location near by the Tagus River.

I would personally recommend visiting a few stalls including Ground Burger and its delicious burger bread and quality ingredients, Santini with its amazing ice cream flavors and fresh texture, Croqueteria with delicious Portuguese croquettes filled with beef and pork and finally L’Éclair which offers artisanal French éclairs such as the salted caramel or café éclair. I would also suggest arriving to the hall earlier to avoid having trouble finding a seat, as it can become quite crowded and busy, especially during the weekend at busy hours.

Address: Mercado da Ribeira, Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa, Portugal

Operating Hours: 10AM-12MN, daily

Sources – Work cited:

Daryl. “Time out Market Lisbon.” 2foodtrippers, 18 June 2021, www.2foodtrippers.com/time-out-market-lisbon/.

karlssonwilker inc. “TimeOut Market.” Cityguidelisbon.com, 2023, www.cityguidelisbon.com/place/timeout-market/.

JB Macatulad. “Time out Market: 6 Stalls to Visit at Mercado Da Ribeira in Lisbon, Portugal.” Will Fly for Food, Will Fly for Food, 29 Aug. 2019, www.willflyforfood.net/time-out-market-6-stalls-to-visit-at-mercado-da-ribeira-in-lisbon-portugal/.

Time out Started in 1968 and Is Now Rolling out Time out Market Globally - the World’s First Food and Cultural Market Based Wholly on Editorial Curation. www.timeoutmarket.com/london/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20191122-Time-Out-Time-Out-Market-Story-Overview.pdf.

Lisbon, Out. “A Guide to All the Time out Market Lisboa Eateries.” Time out Lisbon, Time Out, 30 June 2019, www.timeout.com/lisbon/time-out-market/eateries.