As I continue to slowly get through the large list of review drafts I wrote when I was in Portugal,…read moreat this point, a bit over 3 months ago, in no particular order... this was one of two places that ended up on my list of places I had to try a famous bifana sandwich when I was in Lisbon, the other being O Trevo the next day. To both of them equally I say, there are very few places I'd be willing to stand in line for an hour for, and few of them involve meat on bread. Luckily, being the off-season, I didn't have *any* wait to order a sandwich. Unluckily, being the off season, that's also because it kept raining off and on, and this is a strictly take-out affair. So I ended up eating the sandwich under a nearby awning. In nicer weather conditions, though, there are plenty of nearby benches to sit on right there. Would i wait in a long line? I would not. But it was a legitimately great sandwich, great fluffy bread, great cheese if you splurge on cheese (as of a couple months ago, they were 3.5 euro without cheese, 5.5 with cheese), and solid, juicy, meaty meat, even if I do *personally* prefer the thin-sliced version like the other place I went, did. For how filling they are, that'd make them pretty darn affordable, if you don't add cheese, which I would probably keep doing anyway if I lived here, I'd just go when it was the off-season and not busy, *and* not raining*. At least as of when I was there, being a takeout place, they didn't have much in the way of drinks, but there was an unrelated business in the next alcove over selling cheap large glasses of beer and large blended fruity pineapple drinks. p.s. Make sure to absolutely douse your sandwich in mustard and chili oil, if you like spicy food like I do. They're self-serve, and great.

Two years running this was our favorite bifana…read more Location was a bit challenging as only the door leading into the restaurant was for locals while the window on the other side served all others. The challenge was the limited sidewalk in front and the lines extend across the street. People don't always realize they're standing in the middle of a street until they get honked at by a car. Menu was posted on the left behind the window. Plain and with cheese bifanas topped the menu but there were other choices as well like carne asada, egg and fish. Cash was the only tender accepted. The pork in the bifanas was constantly simmered and pulled out to make each sandwich individually. The bread was chibatta like and quite soft that enveloped the strips of pork. I added piri piri aauce and yellow mustard (big squirt bottles available on the counters to each side of the window) which gave it more flavor. A simple but great local sandwich. To avoid lines come at odd hours. I also came a little after lunch hour in moderate rain and there was just one person ahead of me.

This place was one of my favorites to visit and enjoy the Portugal experience. In the morning, I'd…read morewalk over while the city was waking up and enjoy my well prepared latte and delicious pastry. Here is where I'd reflect on the beauty and energy of Lisbon. I was grateful to be here at this time watching people engaging in conversations and living. The service here was always great and the ambiance was wonderful. I'm returning again to relive the experience. The baguette sandwiches were tasty. Prices were reasonable. In

A great place to stop by for an afternoon pastry. I was able to get a table around 4:30pm when it…read morewasn't too busy. The service was great! The pastries were delicious, particularly the pastel de nata and gourmandise.

My self-important 8,000th Yelp review calls for a historic place that makes the Pastel de Belém, a…read morepastry tart so popular they sell upwards of 50,000 of them daily from this one bakery cafe. I had been here about fifteen years ago on a solo trip when I waited in an endless queue for a takeout order. That same line still existed a couple of weeks ago when Jamie W and I visited on my return to Lisbon. This time, we decided to try the dine-in option which I wasn't even aware of until I saw a YouTube video from a travel vlogger who recommended it. Sure enough, the line was a lot shorter and moved quite a bit faster. It turned out they serve up to 400 people in an expansive dining room. The menu goes beyond the pastels and offers croquettes, salt cod fritters, various sandwiches, and other pastries. Of course we ordered the 1,6€ Pasteis de Belem. Four of them (Photo 6). Based on a secret recipe dating back to 1837, they compare favorably to the multitude of competitors, even Manteigaria, whose shops appear almost everywhere in Lisbon. The custard filling is creamy but not excessive and it's not overly sweetened. The standout is the thick and flaky crust, tender with a touch of salt. The 2€ Iced Coffees with Milk was a nice complement. Since we didn't have time to get lunch while sauntering through Belem, we decided to take advantage of their cafe menu and each ordered the 3,9€ Tuna and Mayo with Boiled Egg and Lettuce on Mixed Wheat Toast (Photo 9). I know it sounds simple, but it satisfied much like the kombini sandos in Tokyo. Totally worthy of my 8,000 milestone. FOOD - 5 stars...the pastels are still the bomb 189 years later...the sandwich worked, too AMBIANCE - 5 stars...surprisingly spacious...you can also see the production process through large show windows on the way to the dining room SERVICE - 5 stars...a cordial and attentive server who had to juggle a lot of tables TOTAL - 5 stars...definitely a must-stop next to the equally essential Jeronimos Monastery RELATED - Exploring Lisbon? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/36G55Oqisd

Hot chocolate -- 10/10 -- might be the best I've had (even better than the authentic french hot…read morechocolate!!) this was such a rich and creamy flavorful beverage and surprisingly not too sweet. Just awesome sauce Pastel de nata: 10/10 -- I looooved this pastel de nata the most out of all of the different places I tried. I'll post a full round up but this one deserves its own post. It's the original since 1837 for a reason! it was incredibly flaky and crisp. the filling was just the right sweetness and creamy! Pasteis de belem is a must try! Super accessible by tram 15e, it was easy to walk over from the tram stop and hardly had any wait for me to find a seat and order. there are indoor and patio/outdoor seating options available.

Solar was one of the stops on our street food tour. It is far from fancy but it's absolutely tasty…read more We enjoyed bifana which despite the pronunciation (bee-fah-na) is made with pork. A traditional bifana sandwich is typically "stand-up" food, eaten at a snack bar counter and with a small beer (cerveja pequena). I had this one here and another later on my trip. They were quite similar. Served on a fluffy white roll with the thin-sliced pork, it is accompanied by two condiments - mustard and peri peri sauce. I enjoyed both but the spicy peri peri was my preference. This is a tiny shop with just a few seats inside. You're not going to be lingering at Solar da Madalena. Eat and go. Which is fine - that's the Portuguese tradition for such a restaurant. Enjoy! [Review 19001 overall - 199 in Portugal - 2525 of 2022.]

Bifana was on my bucket list while visiting Lisbon and Solar da Madalena floated to the top of that…read morelist. For those who haven't had one, the bifana is a staple of tender, simmered meat (usually visible somewhere in the restaurant) and placed between a fresh piece of bread. Traditionally just meat and sauce from the vat of simmering meat juices. This was close to the Rossio section of Lisbon, making it very convenient to various attractions. They also had other meat pies, codfish cakes and French fries. Staff were very friendly (and spoke English for those visiting) with a chill and casual vibe. Perfect for a quick lunch close to the square to sit and enjoy a lunch or light dinner.

Delicious sandwiches made from fresh focaccia bread. We arrived at 11:16am but the bread wasn't…read morefinished baking until 11:30 so you'd probably want to arrive around noon. We tried the fig sandwich with honey and almonds, and the pork sandwich. We got one combo which included a side (home made sweet potato chips) and a fresh berry juice that wasn't too sweet / tasted good for you. The owner was lovely and you could feel his passion and enthusiasm for food. Excellent service ! Excellent fresh food! Cute / warm decor! I would definitely recommend going here. They only have a month left before they open a new location that's more central - which is sure to be packed - so patronise this location while you still can.

A great seafood shellabration here! Came here with rave Yelp reviews and friend recommendations. We…read morecame during an off time so it wasn't as busy. You check in and then they ask you wait in their waiting area next door which looks a little bare and the outside patio seems like a smoking area. After we were called, we walked upstairs to a brightly-lit dining room. Lots of serving staff and all very friendly. Their menu is extensive and it's great they have photos too! My favorites had to be the giant tiger prawn, razor clams, and the crab head, but everything was tasted good and the seafood tasted fresh. Would recommend!

Shrimps are We also really the garlic clams!…read moreCrabs are just okay Will definitely recommend booking ahead so you don't need to wait

Highly recommend this restaurant. We took the tram and that…read morewas one of the stops. We walked in just because of the scent of pork stewing away. Got the basic bifana and wow what an experience that was. We got some to go for breakfast the next day at our hotel. Really unexpected, just homemade bread and delicious tasting pork and the chilli oil has a bit of a kick!

This place wasn't even on my radar until this really kind individual I met while having drinks…read morerecommended it. I made my way down to this small sandwich counter, run by 2 people, one of which was presumably the owner. Both of them are very kind, and efficient. They do their best to make everyone feel welcome Bifana sandwiches are about 4€ average and you can get another beer for 2€. I chose to eat on the counter and got a grilled pork with egg. I added the spice and mustard. Do not, I repeat, do not skip adding the spice and the mustard because that what takes this sandwich to the next level. If you're looking for a good local spot for Bifanas in Lisbon, this is your spot

We tried this place because it looked good but turned out really bad , everything was tasteless and…read morethe meat is not seasoned. The falafel sandwich is an abomination and shouldn't be served at all, the fixings they put on top of the sandwiches don't have distinct flavor . The shawarma sandwich was probably the best thing out of this mess. We tried the vegetarian carrot soup and it was unique and tasted good. We also tried the Brazilian fruit drink and it didn't taste like anything . I would skip this place

Great beer, quaint / awesome location & friendly staff. Get the Super Bock, amazing.read more

Simply delicious, with beautiful surroundings. The sangria is delicious, full of fruit...the…read moresandwiches are bursting with flavor.

Here's a great place to meet people from the city, start a great evening or just relax and watch a…read morefootball match in the evening breathing fresh air.

Pastelaria Pomarence was near the hotel we we're staying at. We had breakfast here two days in a…read morerow. My friend and I shared "Menu 4" and it may have been "Menu 10," one is omelette with toasts and the other is came with two eggs, three bacon, three sausage links, toast. Each item also came with coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice. Staff are friendly. It appears to be popular for people en route to work. Ambience is good, indoor dining is a little compact but they also have patio tables.

Crispy pork sandwich, come to papa!…read more The panado de porch may not look like much. In fact it's appears to be somewhat boring, just sitting there under a glass case next to some other really great tasting treats. But what this sandwich lacks in looks makes up for it in flavor. Perfectly seasoned and crispy fried to perfection, after your first bite you will be convinced that the pigs soul is in Heaven. This little hole in the wall is located right next door to the Hotel Sofitel. Frequented by locals who are in the know, they make a mean espresso and serve up cold beer at bargain prices.