Lisbon

Book ahead - a month out is not crazy, though we once walked in at 8:30 on a weekday and sat right down. The carabinero shrimp and the edible crab are the orders; honestly most of the seafood is delicious.

Get the piri chicken and the meat croquettes with fries. Every dish that arrives somehow beats the last - we stumbled in on our first day in Lisbon and were so glad we did.

A tiny little gem in the heart of Lisbon - walk past and you'll just know. Book the night before; it's very small. Everything we ordered was 10/10, authentic and welcoming.

Show up at 11:45 and queue with the locals - office workers and building crews, not tourists. Traditional Portuguese done high-quality: the chicken soup, the codfish with potatoes, the pork.

A Lisbon seafood staple right on Praça dos Restauradores - the gambas de la costa are super fresh (they converted a non-shrimp-eating kid) and the seafood pasta delivers. Professional, friendly servers. Reliable rather than adventurous.

Bourdain was right - but so are the Airbnb hosts who send guests here, because the room stays full of locals. The steak is magnificent and the bifana (pork cooked in white wine, add mustard or piri-piri) is made in front of you. It's packed; take any seat you can find, or stand. Service stays good even slammed.

A truly local experience - get whatever the tuna dish is. I eat out a lot and this was the first time in a while I didn't leave thinking I could have made it better at home.

Let the staff choose for you - their personal recommendations were the best things we ate. Genuine, well-cooked Thai at reasonable prices for central Lisbon.

Get the trio of pates, skip the spiritual tofu (tastes mostly of nutritional yeast and turmeric). Portions run light - order more than you think. Super friendly staff.

Salmon-avocado sandwich and a cinnamon pastry with a smooth latte. Scan, order, and pay by QR at the table - easy.

The oldest fado house - the singing starts around 8 and runs through dinner. Cozy, elegant but simple, with the owner's daughter hosting. Get the octopus and stay for the music.

Tough door, but be chill, dress well, and look like you want to be there - we went early (midnight) and got in no problem. The sound system is absolutely banging.

Right on Praça Luís de Camões. Ask for a room facing the square and don't skip breakfast.

The coworking floor inside Mercado de Ribeira - come for the plants, stay for the crowd. Flawless setup and friendly staff; great place to meet people if you're nomading.

Portuguese brand, organic fabrics you can feel - lovely team.