Lisbon

Alma – Chiado, Lisbon, 1/30/16

~ hsnixon ~ 1 Comment
Entrance
Entrance

A smallish place that’s only been open for 3 months – it is already quite popular. This could be due to the notoriety of Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa who has not only worked at a number of good restaurants but also published cookbooks and has his own TV cooking show.  In fact, when they pour the olive oil at your table you’ll notice his picture on the label.  He stands at the edge of the kitchen providing finishing details and making sure all plates are perfect before they are brought out. He brought out a number of our courses which made for wonderful detail about their composition – and he is a master here combining texture, flavor and color.  All the staff were friendly and most helpful. They made it look fun to work there!  It sure was fun to dine here – a winner meal! Continue reading →

Restaurante Feitoria – Altis Belém Hotel & SPA, Lisbon, 1/29/16

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
exteriora4
exterior

This is a fairly large place that has been open 5 years. They offer 3 tasting menus as well as a la carte options. We chose the Viagem menu.  The staff was attentive but rather serious and aloof.  Their nicely embroidered table clothes are not floor length but are nice quality and all tables are adorned with non-functional black wine glasses.  Continue reading →

Tasca da Esquina, Lisbon, 1/29/16

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
Exterior
Exterior

This is a medium sized place with the main dining room feeling like an enclosed porch and affording street views. It was fairly empty the day we went but we did arrive when they first opened. They played a funky mix of music on a short loop that it didn’t take long to hear any song again, which were from a variety of places – German, English, Portuguese, etc. They offer an a la carte menu but also have the option of “Chef’s choice” and you just pick how many courses you want. We chose the 7 course option. Continue reading →

Restaurante Eleven, Lisbon, 1/28/16

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
exterior
exterior

This is a relatively large and lovely place which wasn’t too busy the night we were there. One wall is made up of windows looking out over a part of the city. The staff was exceptionally helpful and friendly and also spoke good English. Many were happy to have Frankie in the house and even offered to bring her, her own plate.  What fun they made the evening. The sommelier’s suggestions of wines by the bottle instead of pairings were quite nice. Continue reading →

A Taberna da Rua das Flores, Lisbon, 1/28/16

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
Exterior
Exterior

A really small place with a chalkboard menu that changes daily. They have bottles of wine but most seemed to order carafes or portions thereof. The service was helpful and very friendly. Portions are large, reasonably priced and they are happy to have you share them and will bring out as courses instead of all at once.   Continue reading →

Cervejaria Ramiro, Lisbon, 9/25/14

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
Entrance to Cervejaria Ramiro
Entrance to Cervejaria Ramiro

This bustling spot was as fresh as the seafood! Lots of locals and tourists eating at shared tables. While you didn’t feel rushed you could see the line of people waiting to get in but being from the US we were early and missed that. The waiters were most helpful in making selections of preparation and wine. The prices are reasonable on everything and sharing is encouraged.

Continue reading →

Assinatura, Lisbon, 9/25/14

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
Entrrance to Assinatura
Entrrance to Assinatura

A very lovely space for dining which was only half full the night we were there, probably due to the Metro strike that kept people home. The dining room is all red and cream and the stairway down to the kitchen’s ceiling is hung with an upside down table service-complete with flatware. The back wall is covered entirely with a mural that hides the service doors well.

Continue reading →

Gambrinus, Lisbon, 9/26/14

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
Exterior
Exterior

A really old school kind of place with white table clothes, every piece of tableware labeled and more waiters than customers. Lots of table side presentation which surprised me with the entrée as they brought this huge plate and served me some and took the rest back to the kitchen. I was really glad they didn’t put that huge portion in front of me but wondered what happens to the returning food? Not to worry too much cause I probably won’t be going back.

Continue reading →

Belcanto, Lisbon, 9/26/14

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
exterior
exterior

A delightful little place with pretty and good tasting food! Their tasting menu is about 20 courses and is supposed to tell a story with each course, many to do with Portuguese life. They are big on freshness, flavor and less fat and it works. Lovely details like the orchid and linens as well as a helpful and friendly staff make it a wonderful experience.

Continue reading →

100 Maneiras, Lisbon, 9/27/14

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
Exterior
Exterior

This is one of 2 restaurants of Chef Ljubomir Stanisic in Lisbon. It is a tasting menu only for about 30 people and has 2 seatings each evening. Wines, run around the top of all the walls and they offer wine pairings in classic or premium style. We chose the classic and they were fine and generous pours.

Continue reading →

Clube de Jornalistas, Lisbon, 9/27/14

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
Exterior of Clube de Jornalistas
Exterior of Clube de Jornalistas

What a surprise this place was! It was a fair walk and seemed to be in a residential community but it was a delight and worth the effort. It was a rainy day but otherwise the tables overlooking or in the back garden would be a wonderful place to eat. Apparently it was a place journalists often met over food and in fact that day a group was in a bigger room and the waiter said they were writers. Who knows?

Continue reading →