Downunder is Australian chef Justin Jennings's restaurant, on a quiet street in Santos. It's recommended by the MICHELIN Guide and builds an intriguing bridge between two sides of the world: Portuguese produce with the ease and creativity of Australian cooking. An unlikely combination that, at the table, makes perfect sense.
An Australian cooking Portugal
Contemporary Australian cooking thrives on mixed influences, and that's what you taste here. The starting point is Portuguese ingredients, cooked with techniques and seasonings from elsewhere, with fresh, lively flavours. Dishes are made for sharing and for sparking conversation. The menu changes with what the market offers, so every visit can be different.
There's attention to wine too, with Portuguese choices that go well with this borderless cooking. If in doubt, take advice: the team likes explaining what it serves.
The room and what to expect
The atmosphere is informal and welcoming, far from the solemnity of some chef-driven restaurants. You come here to eat well and have a good time, with no dress code and no forced silences. The price level is €€, which makes Downunder a great entry point to chef cooking in Lisbon.
Expect a relaxed meal with several dishes in the middle of the table. A good choice for a dinner for two or a small group of curious friends.
Santos and the riverside
Santos sits between Cais do Sodré and Alcântara, an area of design, studios and good restaurants, with fewer tourists than the centre. Before dinner, you can visit the National Museum of Ancient Art on Janelas Verdes, a few minutes' walk away, and take a look at its garden overlooking the river.
The Tagus promenade is close too, and Cais do Sodré, with the Time Out Market and Pink Street, is a short walk or one train stop away. For those who want to stretch the night, there are bars all around.
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Read the guideFrequently asked questions
Who is Downunder's chef?
It's Australian chef Justin Jennings, who gives the restaurant its name. The cooking combines Portuguese produce with Australian influences.
Is Downunder recommended by the MICHELIN Guide?
Yes, it's recommended by the MICHELIN Guide. It has no star, but it's one of the addresses to know in Santos.
How do I book?
Bookings are made online through TheFork. For weekends, it's best to book a few days ahead.
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Get in touchEditorial guide: restaurants don't pay to be listed and aren't affiliated with Voylar Tour. Check opening hours, prices and bookings on the restaurant's website. Distinctions as in the MICHELIN Guide Portugal 2026.