one night at Lisbon airport - any good eats nearby or worth a taxi ride?

[myhal]

Or is this a crazy question?

We will only have flown from Bordeaux, so shouldn't be too tired.
Also, does Portugal dine as late as Spain?

Any recos for a hotel are welcome, too.

[monchique]

The answer depends upon many factors... How late are you arriving and what time are you leaving the next day an essential one.
Also the choice of hotel depends more on your budget than any other consideration. Everything in Lisbon is within taxi range.
If you give us some more info, I will try to help...
BTW Portugal dines at British time, not Spanish time: Lunch 12:30-2pm, Dinner: 7:30 - 10pm.

Also, Portugal is one hour behind France and Spain timewise.

[myhal]

We arrive at about 5:30 pm, leaving the next day at 10 am for London. And thank you for the time information, I would never have known that!

We will be trying to keep our hotel expense as low as possible - would rather spend money on food!

[monchique]

That gives you plenty of time!
There are no hotels at Lisbon airport; So it does not really matter where you stay, you will have to taxi in any case. I generally use the Hotel Mercure near the Zoo (v. good value for money... ask for a room with a view of the aqueduct).
One great dinner, tricky answer. I would suggest the restaurant Panorama at the Sheraton (no, I am not being sarcastic...): Top class food (modern portuguese) and a fantastic view over Lisbon and the river. Ok, it's not the little typical Portuguese tasca.
For these, this post is still accurate http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/652075
In between, Assinatura & 100 Maneiras stick out. The new hotel Altis in Belem has a Michelin starred restaurant (very good) and might be an option, but it's really the other side of town from the airport... Tavares and Gambrinus, both in the centre have this old Lisbon traditional feelin, and very good food.
Well, hope that helps you, enjoy your night in Lisbon!