My husband and I stumbled on Bar Nelson by accident one day while we were in Lisbon and ended up going there a few times during our vacation. The menu is fairly simple--a few different types of fish, fresh caught and grilled perfectly, typically with the boiled potatoes so ubiquitous with meals in Lisbon and another side vegetable. My husband was in love with the sea bass, while I had sardines once and salmon another time. Fresh rolls and a few different types of cheeses come out to the table as soon as you sit, and we also ordered a plate of olives once--all were delicious. And so incredibly inexpensive: two meals with bread and cheese, and a small jar of white wine was something like 25 euros.
Service is fairly typical of Lisbon--sparse. Rather than the overly enthusiastic and often overly solicitous service that's common in the States, the service is more laid back and designed to let you enjoy your meal and your company without many interruptions. There's an older man who speaks little English and a younger man who speaks perfect English. The older man served us once, and the younger man served us another time. Despite my knowing very little Portuguese, there was no problem with communications in the former case.
I highly Bar Nelson for good fresh fish and a solid, enjoyable experience at a very good price. read more