My girlfriend and I did a date night during the week to avoid having to deal with weekend only COVID restrictions and as we entered were greeted by an empty bar/lounge area and a bottle of hand sanitizer because the Portugese Government is bordering insanity. We were then greeted by one of the staff and walked upstairs to the restaurant where we were the only patrons in the place and were seated at the main window overlooking Praça Duque de Saldanha. My girlfriend ordered a beer, and I ordered a dry martini (which they were unable to manufacture), so I ordered two fizzy waters. I could have ordered a gin and tonic (which they could make, in addition to other cocktails) but decided against it. (what would be so difficult about a dry martini?)
I ordered a rib eye, my girlfriend ordered a filet. The steaks were cooked to perfection, but a bit under seasoned which was quickly solved by the salt and steak pepper shakers on the table. The steaks were delicious and the chefs did the meat proud. FYI, this is the first time I've ordered a rib eye when the steak did not include the bone. To be fair, the menu did not say bone in rib eye, but the menu did list the weight of the steak. This is more of an informational comment than criticism.
Now for the sides. I ordered their signature baked potato with sour cream. It also was perfectly cooked. As is normally the case with steak houses in the United States a large baked potato (russet variety) usually is supplied with butter, sour cream and chives (sometimes grated cheddar cheese). This potato wasn't large, did not contain any butter or even an option for butter, but it was perfectly baked. Because of the variety of the potato used, it did not have the signature fluffy texture that the standard russet variety would have, but it was good all the way and including the peel. Secondly, the "sour cream" wasn't "sour cream" it was more like a thick buttermilk dressing. This dressing would have been great on my starter salad, but it wasn't offered. When sour cream is served it holds it shape at room temperature, but this clearly wasn't sour cream. My girlfriend got the grilled vegetables, and they were fantastic. She also got the french fries which were also very tasty. They also serve buttered bread with your meal as well as a side salad (very tasty and well executed).
For dessert, I, like another reviewer (Brent B.) got the ice cream with chocolate. This is served topped with chocolate sauce and whipped cream. The flavor was nice, but the ice cream did not have the creamy texture you would come to expect, instead is was sort of rubbery in texture. It was probably old or near it's expiration date.
The staff was simply fantastic, just the right amount of attention. Again we were the only couple in the restaurant. The menu's are supplied as place mats and come in English and Portuguese. They might also come in other languages, but I did not ask. You get proper steak knives as you would expect.
I'm not sure how much longer the Block House is going to be able to occupy this space. The rent for this space is probably very high, and again albeit a week night, we were the only people in the place.
Will I return? Maybe... but it might be awhile, and it might close before we get the chance due to the economy. The cost of our meals was really steep about $92.00 (including a €10.00 tip) Our waitress was perfect. It was worth going because it had been a long time since I've had a good steak, but we paid the price. Restaurants in Lisbon do not typically serve these types of steaks, so it was a treat to get one. read more