- Insiders Profile -
Stéphanie Pons
Founder
Lisbon Insiders
For four years, she’s been the voice behind Lisbon Insiders, a project born from curiosity, shaped by encounters, and fuelled by a deep love for Lisbon and gastronomy. Until now, she preferred to let the chefs, founders, and designers take the spotlight. But for the first time, with the launch of the Lisbon Insiders Restaurant Week, Steph steps forward to share what this new chapter means for her, for the city, and for everyone who loves good food and genuine hospitality.
Photo credits: Joana Freitas
◆ Lisbon Insiders started as a side project with just an Instagram page where you shared your favorite spots. Today, it’s become a full ecosystem: weekly newsletters, a print magazine, the Awards, digital maps, and now the Restaurant Week. Which project makes you proudest, and why?
Honestly, each project has its own story and soul. The magazine will always be special because it was our first printed piece, something tangible in a world that’s mostly digital. The Awards were powerful too, because they brought together everyone who makes Lisbon’s food scene so unique. But if I had to choose, I’d say I’m proudest of how everything connects now: the maps, the editorial content, the events, they all serve the same purpose: to celebrate the city’s hospitality industry and to tell the story of Lisbon through the people who shape it.
◆ You’ve been curating other people’s stories for four years. What made you decide that now was the right time to step forward personally?
Lisbon Insiders has always been and will be about shining a light on others: the places, the people, and the ideas shaping the city. For years, I felt my role was to stay behind the scenes and let those stories speak for themselves.
But the Restaurant Week somehow brought everything together: the chefs, the restaurants, the community, the trust we’ve built over time. And for the first time, I felt the need to step forward, to explain what this new initiative stands for, and to share my own perspective. It also felt important to reveal the human side of Lisbon Insiders, to remind people that behind it, there’s a person who deeply believes in Lisbon’s creative energy and in the magic that happens when people connect around food.
◆ Tomorrow marks the launch of the Lisbon Insiders Restaurant Week. Can you tell us about the concept and why you think it’s a game-changer for the city?
Lisbon has its Fashion Week and its Design Week; now it finally has its Restaurant Week! For ten days, some of the city’s best restaurants will be offering exclusive menus at €25 or €35. The idea is to democratize dining, to make great food accessible while still celebrating quality and creativity. It’s also about encouraging people to go out, to discover new places or revisit old favorites, to reconnect with friends, family, or partners around a good meal.
The goal is to turn Lisbon into a playground for foodies: from neighborhood gems to the city’s top tables, everyone can take part. It’s also a way to reinforce Lisbon’s place among Europe’s most exciting food capitals. For this first edition, we were genuinely amazed by how warmly the restaurants welcomed the idea. Having more than 70 participants right from the start is incredible, and I think we achieved a really beautiful mix that reflects what Lisbon’s food scene is today.
◆ If you had to describe the Lisbon Insiders Restaurant Week in just three words, what would they be?
Discover – Dine – Enjoy!
◆ What makes these ten days unique?
It’s the first official Restaurant Week in Lisbon, but what truly makes it unique is its ephemeral nature. It only lasts ten days. During this short window, you’ll find special menus all across the city, all at accessible prices. Most of these menus were created exclusively for Lisbon Insiders Restaurant Week, which means you won’t find them anywhere else. That sense of now or never makes the experience even more special.
It’s a citywide celebration: restaurants offering limited-edition menus, chefs creating just for the occasion, diners exploring new favorites, and Lisbon buzzing as a collective. I hope this initiative gives everyone the chance to (re)discover some amazing places, the line-up is honestly a banger!
◆ How does the Restaurant Week work, and how can people book their tables?
It’s super simple. Go to our website, check the list of participating restaurants, and explore their menus. Make sure to check which service they’re offering it for; some menus are available for lunch, others for dinner, or both. Once you’ve chosen, just click the booking button and reserve directly through the restaurant’s own system.
◆ What have you learned about Lisbon’s restaurant scene since starting Lisbon Insiders?
I’ve been working in the hospitality industry for over 15 years, across different countries, and each place has its own rhythm, its own way of doing things. What I’ve learned about Lisbon is that it’s incredibly human. Behind every restaurant, there’s always a story of risk, of passion, of resilience. I’ve also learned how collaborative the scene has become. Chefs, bartenders, sommeliers, PRs, and even guests, there’s a real ecosystem here now. And I think Lisbon’s strength lies in that mix of authenticity and ambition, people want to create something meaningful, not just trendy.
◆ What do you think people today crave most when exploring the Lisbon food scene?
Today’s diners, especially our community, are true food lovers. They care about what’s on the plate, but also where it comes from, who’s behind it, and how it’s served.
They’re more informed, more attentive, and naturally more demanding. They notice the small things: the ingredients, the hospitality, the atmosphere, the music, even the light. What they seek are experiences that feel authentic and intentional, places where you sense the chef’s personality, the team’s energy, and the story behind each dish.
I think people are tired of concepts that feel overdesigned or soulless. They want to feel emotion again when they eat, to connect with something real. Lisbon is no longer just about discovery; it’s about depth. About returning to the places that make you feel good, that stay with you long after you leave. That’s exactly what we try to highlight through Lisbon Insiders: places with both substance and soul.
◆ Where will we find you when you’re not working?
Probably still around food somehow, sharing a meal with friends, exploring a restaurant, or cooking at home. Or near the ocean. I always need that connection to nature to recharge.
◆ What’s your favorite local hangout in Lisbon?
That’s a tough question; I actually have several favorites for different moods. But for reasons of proximity and ease, I’d say Insaciável is the one I go back to the most. The service is always warm, the atmosphere effortless, and the food perfect for sharing, just a few small plates, a good glass of wine, and suddenly the day feels lighter. Their terrace has this relaxed, neighborhood charm that makes it the ideal spot to unwind. (The photo above was actually taken there.)
