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A truly unique Japanese dining experience in Lisbon. Unlike a typical sushi bar or ramen shop, Saikai captures the authentic spirit of Tokyo’s izakayas – lively, welcoming spaces where food, drinks, and conversation flow naturally.

Our menu blends Japanese tradition with creative touches flavorful small plates perfect for sharing. Guests also enjoy our carefully selected sake and signature cocktails, designed to complement every dish. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal with friends, a fun night out, or an introduction to authentic Japanese flavors, Saikai Izakaya Lisbon delivers the perfect balance of atmosphere, taste, and hospitality.

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The Spirit of Izakaya in Lisbon

at Saikai Izakaya Lisbon is designed to capture the essence of Japanese izakaya culture – variety, sharing, and discovery. Each creation reflects our ambition to combine authenticity with creativity, offering a dining experience that is lively, social, and memorable. Instead of focusing only on individual dishes, our menu is built around moments: the excitement of trying something new, the joy of sharing with friends, and the warmth of coming together at the table. More than food, it is an invitation to experience the energy and spirit of Japan in the heart of Lisbon.

Main Menu
Drink Menu
Saikai Izakaya place picture
Saikai Izakaya
4.8
Based on 2044 reviews
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Frederico S. profile pictureFrederico S.
13:38 23 Sep 26
Comida muito boa , ambiente impecável, a empregada Suzy espectacular 😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋
Jorge G. profile pictureJorge G.
19:50 28 Jun 26
Fui ao Saikai Izakaya ontem (27/06/2026), com reserva para 3 pessoas às 20h. Inicialmente a reserva era para 4, mas avisei com antecedência que a quarta pessoa já não ia conseguir ir.

O espaço é muito agradável, com um ambiente descontraído e perfeito para um jantar entre amigos ou família. A comida, no geral, estava muito boa, assim como as bebidas. O menu é variado e convida a pedir vários pratos para partilhar. O grande destaque vai para o takoyaki e o karaage, ambos divinais. O único prato que ficou um pouco aquém das expectativas foram os ovos de codorniz com bacon. Sobremesas estavam implacáveis*, destaque para o cheesecake de yuzo delicioso

Os preços estão um pouco acima daquilo a que estou habituado neste tipo de conceito e as porções servidas, principalmente no saké.

O que realmente me desiludiu foi o serviço. Senti que não acompanhou a qualidade da comida nem o conceito do restaurante. À chegada, fui abordado por cinco pessoas diferentes a perguntar o meu nome e pela reserva, o que acabou por ser um pouco estranho. Quando expliquei que a nossa ideia era ir pedindo vários pratos para provar, em vez de fazer um "jantar" tradicional, a reação não foi a melhor. Houve um revirar de olhos que tanto eu como os meus irmãos notámos, e ficámos logo com uma má primeira impressão.

Ao longo da noite o atendimento foi melhorando mas ainda assim aquém das expectativas. Percebe-se que poderá ser uma equipa nova, mas acho que precisa de alguma formação, sobretudo na forma como recebe os clientes. Ir a um restaurante não é só pela comida, é pela experiência como um todo.

Voltaria? Sim, pela comida, sem dúvida. Mas, para já, não entra, nem perto, no meu top de restaurantes deste género em Lisboa.
Suzane G. profile pictureSuzane G.
20:03 23 May 26
Excelente restaurante! Comida deliciosa, sabor maravilhoso, ingredientes frescos e apresentação cuidadosa. Nos surpreendemos muito com os pratos com porco e em especial com a enguia. Cerveja na temperatura certa, gelada (algo muito raro de se encontrar em Portugal) em especial no verão. Ambiente com música agradável num volume super adequado para uma boa conversa. A decoração é algo a parte, muito diferente e interessante, tudo muito bem pensado. Os atendentes foram extremamente cordiais e prestativos, sempre atentos as mesas e sem demora para trazer os pedidos. Queremos voltar para experimentar os camarões que vimos a mesa ao lado pedir, pareciam estar espetacular! Em resumo, ótima experiência, super recomendado.
Daniela C. profile pictureDaniela C.
22:33 17 May 26
Restaurante e experiência 5 estrelas. Tudo o que pedimos estava delicioso sendo que o arroz frito com barriga de porco foi o nosso prato preferido! O atendimento foi extraordinário com staff muito simpático e acolhedor. Recomendo a quem queira uma experiência de gastronomia japonesa autêntica.
Alexandra D. profile pictureAlexandra D.
20:50 26 Apr 26
Amazing service and amazing food definitely recommend! Highly recommend the octopus fried rice!
Ana Jones Do C. profile pictureAna Jones Do C.
20:28 26 Apr 26
Everything was absolutely incredible. From very friendly staff to stunning food. An awesome spot to come if you are by yourself, or take a small group.

Highly recommended.
David M. profile pictureDavid M.
14:05 24 Apr 26
Authentic.

Many restaurant's nowadays claim authenticity when it comes to japanese cuisine and styling, but few stay true to these premises.

Saikai Izakaya is one such rare instance where i can definitely vouch for such authenticity.

A gorgeous interior design, decoration and furniture, easy to catch the eye of not only those inside but also the passerby's on the street (i saw many people gawking through the glass window).

A true beauty, not many japanese restaurant's in Portugal can match the style and aura of Saikai Izakaya. The wooden furniture and the attention to small details (like those small lights under the counter for example) make this a restaurant that provides food for your eyes before your stomach.

That's not to say that it doesn't have it's shortcomings:

The tables are low and even with an average height i felt somewhat uncomfortable as my thighs chafed against the wood (see the attached picture).

The space is a bit small and it can get a bit cramped inside, specially around the tables.

As to the food, the menus are simple and rather straightforward.

You get your usual chicken, pork, beef dishes with a good ammount of vegan options.

The Buta Gyozas are truly delicious, and, quite honestly, among the best i've ever had.

Crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, i really have nothing bad to say.

The Gyu Tan was another positive surprise.
Lean, tender and juicy beef strips, accompanied by white rice and a special sauce that really went perfect with the meat, it was a pleasure from start to finnish.

The Asahi beer was fresh and it's a good opportunity to try it drafted as most japanese restaurant's in Portugal usually only have the bottled version.

As desert i ordered the cheesecake mochi, which was good but a bit pricy considering the rather small dosage.

And that's probably the main negative aspect i could point out.

It's a pricy restaurant. A full course meal (starter, main dish, drink and dessert) costed me 42€.

It's definitely not a restaurant where you can expect to eat a lot and feel like you got a bargain when the bill comes up.

But then again, not every restaurant needs to be like that. And quality does have a price.

I'd rather pay more money and get a good service than paying maybe 10€ to 12€ less but leave disappointed.

In conclusion, i do reccomend Saikai Izakaya a lot to everyone. It's one of those restaurant's that is worth visiting even if you're not particularly a japanese cuisine aficionado. You might be surprised.

Instead of the usual sushi and ramen offering, you find other japanese dishes that don't have the same popularity in the current portuguese restaurant scene.

5 stars, a place in my favourite restaurants (the first asian to do so) and a certain return in the near future.
Michelle H. profile pictureMichelle H.
20:32 23 Apr 26
Super nice place!
The food was amazing, as well as the drinks!
The restaurant it self was really nice decorated and staff was super friendly.
I will Definitely recommend coming here.
Filipa R. profile pictureFilipa R.
23:04 06 Apr 26
Não tenho palavras para descrever o quão maravilhoso é este restaurante , desde a entrada à sobremesa a cada detalhe do interior ao staff super atencioso e tranquilo, eu estou apaixonada por este local e não consigo colocar em palavras quão bom é cada prato, experimentamos um pouco de tudo e não consigo quantificar o quão bom toda eles eram. Acho que uma descrição por palavras nunca vai explicar a incrível experiência deste local. Recomendo muito
tasha M. profile picturetasha M.
20:01 05 Mar 26
I have never had Japanese cuisine in my life, and I stumbled upon this absolute hidden gem! It was incredible!!!! Definitely worth a trip to, the staff are ridiculously friendly and lovely, such a cosy wholesome vibe. The crab croquettes were 10/10 would recommend to everyone!! my life has been changed!
C X. profile pictureC X.
19:54 16 Feb 26
Total Tokyo vibes in the heart of the city! Love the cozy atmosphere with all the Japanese decor. Sitting at the counter to watch the live grilling is a must. The dishes are beautifully presented, and the service is excellent. Highly recommend their sake and Japanese beer. A perfect place for a night out
bianca S. profile picturebianca S.
21:24 02 Jan 26
Very beautiful place, very kind workers, delicious food, and amazing atmosphere!! We were blown away by the looks of this place and the atmosphere, it was very cozy and warm. The food was great; we had the octopus balls, kimchi, pork ramen, shrimp ramen, matcha mochi, and Japanese silky pudding and everything was SO delicious but I wish the shrimp ramen and the shrimp itself was more flavorful. The service was very good and the people were super kind. Would definitely go again 👌
Mafalda C. profile pictureMafalda C.
13:50 02 Oct 25
Saikai is one of those places where the atmosphere is just as memorable as the food. The space feels both intimate and authentic: warm lighting, thoughtful details in the decor.

The menu is designed for sharing, which makes the whole experience even more fun. My husband and I especially loved the buta gyoza, the fresh namagakis, the oniguiri, takoyakis and the yasai ramen, which was comforting without being heavy. And to finish, the matcha mochi — soft, light and just sweet enough — was the perfect ending.

We also tried their cocktails and loved them — especially the Koganeji and the Shima no kioku, both beautifully balanced and full of flavor. They really added to the experience and matched the dishes perfectly.

Between the atmosphere, the sharing-friendly tapas style, and the attentive service, Saikai quickly became one of our favorite spots in Lisbon for Japanese food. Can’t wait to be there again, this time maybe with a selected group of friends and family.
Moises C. profile pictureMoises C.
22:26 14 Sep 25
Excellent service and the food was amazing!
Photo from customer review
Response from the owner 13:13 15 Sep 25
Arigatou gozaimasu,Moises-san!Hope to welcome you back soon!By@Saikai Izakaya 🏮
Janet L. profile pictureJanet L.
20:13 14 Sep 25
Amazing place. Great food (unique flavors), very original decor 🤩. Very friendly and professional staff (Jenny took great care of us! We will definitely be back🥰)
Photo from customer review
Response from the owner 13:13 15 Sep 25
Arigatou gozaimasu,Janet-san!Até à próxima!By@Saikai Izakaya 🏮
Vane U profile pictureVane U
20:11 14 Sep 25
From the moment you walk through the door, the decor is absolutely magnificent: a Zen atmosphere, subdued lighting, and natural wood 🇯🇵

The food is simply delicious—refined, fresh, and flavorful dishes.

The service is impeccable, discreet, and attentive.

A place as beautiful as it is delicious, a must-see if you're in Lisbon 🇵🇹
Photo from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer review
Response from the owner 13:14 15 Sep 25
Arigatou gozaimasu,Vane-san!Até à próxima!By@Saikai Izakaya 🏮
dhonduptersey A. profile picturedhonduptersey A.
20:03 14 Sep 25
Food was delicious.
Service was excellent.
Jenny was very friendly.
Miguel P. profile pictureMiguel P.
12:38 14 Sep 25
A welcoming and authentic atmosphere, with genuine Japanese snacks and a well-priced full lunch menu, served with attentive service and friendliness.
Response from the owner 16:28 14 Sep 25
Arigatou gozaimasu,Miguel-san!Até à próxima!By@Saikai Izakaya 🏮
Carolina C. profile pictureCarolina C.
12:37 14 Sep 25
Good food served with friendliness and an authentic atmosphere!
A place to return to with friends and family!
Response from the owner 16:29 14 Sep 25
Arigatou gozaimasu,Carolina-san!Até à próxima!By@Saikai Izakaya 🏮
Sandra A. profile pictureSandra A.
21:44 13 Sep 25
Very beautiful space, friendly staff, very good food. We followed Jenny's suggestions and really enjoyed it 🫶🏻 Thank you very much 🙏🤍
Photo from customer reviewPhoto from customer review
Response from the owner 16:30 14 Sep 25
Arigatou gozaimasu,Santra-san!Até à próxima!By@Saikai Izakaya 🏮
Caz M. profile pictureCaz M.
20:37 13 Sep 25
Service makes the place. Incredible food and jen was amazing!!!!!
Response from the owner 16:30 14 Sep 25
Arigatou gozaimasu!Thank you for your kind words and it means a lot to our team!Hope to see you soon!By@Saikai Izakaya 🏮
Body F. profile pictureBody F.
09:13 17 May 25
Um dos melhores restaurantes asiáticos contemporâneos que provei ultimamente. Nota-se que tudo foi pensado nos mínimos detalhes. O conceito e o lugar é bastante acolhedor, a comida é extremamente saborosa com preço mais do que justo tendo em conta a qualidade e o serviço é 5 estrelas. Os funcionários estão sempre atentos às necessidades dos clientes sem serem invasivos, a Jeny em especial. Não podia me esquecer da localização que esta super central. Se por ventura adona estiver no local vale a pena trocar umas palavras com ela, você vai se sentir ainda mais acolhido. Recomendo e voltarei com certeza.

we are wherever you want

Lisbon

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