We walked up without a reservation for an early Monday dinner. We had read many good things about this restaurant and it was close to our airbnb so we gave it a try. We were greeted coldly since we did not have a reservation. They reluctantly gave us a table on the patio. We expected it to be jammed given that reception but the place was never close to full all evening... Anyway, the rest of the experience was better since the food was so good. The charcuterie plate was one of the best we had during our two weeks in Portugal. The roast octopus and the shrimp were good. The puff pastry starter with a stew filling barely had any meat filling so that was disappointing. The highlight was the excellent fries - perfectly done - hot and crispy. We did pop inside and wow what a space - it is part of the opera house. Really stunning. But it was way too nice outside to eat inside... read more

Café Lisboa - Cow,goat and sheep cheeses - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

While we wished to try José Avillez's Michelin-starred restaurant, Cafe Lisboa, another of his restaurant just across the plaza and opens for lunch, fit easier in the travel schedule as well as the budget. We were happier still to find out that they offer an executive lunch for €16.50. There are a few choices for appetizer, and eight main courses from salad to steak. The price also includes water, bread, some cheese and spread - and before you scoff, be reminded that these are usually NOT free in restaurants in Portugal. For starters we tried the Caldo Verde, the famous cabbage and potato soup, and this one is definitely one of the best specimens we've ever tried. The broad beans with cilantro was light, refreshing and beautifully presented. Bacalhau à brás is one of the many ways you can enjoy codfish (which, incidentally, are not caught in Portuguese seas), and again the preparation here is a winner. The dish is done more on the creamy and moist side, with the modern twist of using little globs of spherified olive a la el Bulli. While there is a modern twist here and there, overall, the dishes do not depart far from how they have been prepared for generations. True to the Portuguese roots, they are also often presented without fancy dressing up: our croquette arrived rolling forlornly on a white plate. We sat in the courtyard as the weather was really nice, and also because everyone in the dining room donned business suits and our casual travel gear seemed out of place. Nonetheless, we received great service, genuinely friendly and not pretentious at all. A great introductory restaurant if you want to try out José Avillez. read more

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This place really is intimate and magical. The restaurant is inside an old theater and just too romantic for words. It was quiet and lovely. My husband had the best time and a big plus for those with toddlers- super kid friendly. My son was welcomed and entertained by the staff. The food was delicious! We started with the bees coquettes and octopus tartar :) I enjoyed the tartar but the coquettes were all right. We had to wait because I ordered the 35 min partridge pie but it was all right. My husband got the beef steak with the portobello mushrooms and that was divine! All in all it was delicious but no boom! We ordered the egg tart which was blah and the orange cake which was yeah!! The port was to die for!! read more

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I made an express stop at Cafe Lisboa while waiting for a friend recently and had a very pleasant experience. The restaurant is housed on the first floor of a historic theater and faces to a quiet courtyard. The decor is very old world chic and the service is all class as well making for an upscale experience at a reasonable price. I only had a chance to try the octopus tartar from the food menu and I was not disappointed. The ingredients were very fresh and the dish was lightly seasoned allowing the main item to shine. Overall I would certainly pay another visit to Cafe Lisboa the next time I'm in the area. read more

Walked in after some shopping for a respite from the early afternoon heat...... wonderfully air conditioned room, perfect for coffee on s hot day. Had this place bookmarked - was pleasantly surprised this little cafe inside the opera house is now run by celebrity chef Jose Avillez - for a specific desert: Pudim Abade de Priscos (Portuguese Bacon Pudding). The pudding is essentially a egg custard based flan but the underlying fat is lard ("bacon"), instead of the more familiar butter used in it's French cousin. Also on the menu, was the other notorious Portuguese "bacon" based dessert: Toucinho do Céu (Bacon from Heaven). A dense almond cake with that unmistakable tinge of porky caramel...... read more

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The beef croquettes with tomato rice is very good! The cod confit was okay a bit fishy. The truffle butter started with bread was also memorable. read more

Café Lisboa - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

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Ok this is generous from my end but an average rating for my group of 5. I was underwhelmed. I'd give it a 2.5 personally. This was a substitute for the Michelin rated restaurant by the same chef but we couldn't get a reservation. My cod was fresh and flaky but our risottos seemed dry and flavorless. Everything was over salted on my plate as a dominant singular note or bland. I was surprised but perhaps it's due to a higher expectation. My companions had a more positive impression of their meals including the puff pastry which was delicious to her and the tuna. They liked the butter and Sauce that accompanied the bread service. The atmosphere is a bit musty and outdated but intimate. The clientele was business tourist and older like 50 to 60s. The bathrooms with one toilet for each gender only need a serious makeover. Service was excellent which is as important as the food to me so kudos for that. read more

Solid meal in Lisbon near the Chiado area. Stumbled upon this spot while looking for dinner, and walked in without reservations. They have wines by the glass! Ask the server for the iPad with the beverage list. The octopus tartare and crab were delicious as were the cod dishes. Solid solid solid. read more

The food here is amazing. Highly recommended. Will be back my next time in Lisbon! Good taste, cooked well, amazing service, good wine. Not even that expensive!! Mmm read more

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Quality food into a nice location ! Located into the 'Teatro Nacional de São Carlos', Café Lisboa is a restaurant of José Avillez, famous portuguese chef. I was actually going to 'Cantinho do Avillez', another of his restaurant without reservation and I couldn't get a table so the waiter referred me to 'Café Lisboa' who turns out to be a great suggestion. Was seated outside on the terrasse, friendly waiter, good service, food was so good and delicious, wine too. I really enjoy the food and as well the beautiful location in Old Lisbon. With friends or with your partner, you will have a great time + good food. read more

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The food is amazing and at a great value. I had the bras style cod and my wife had the octopus with potatoes. The exploding olives are worth the stop alone. The pastel de nata here is better than Pastel de Belem. The staff is very friendly and full of great recommendations. The wine selection is one of the better ones I have seen in Lisbon. read more

Café Lisboa - Pastel de Nata - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

Bonus star for excellent service. Cafe Lisboa had the best service at a restaurant I have ever experienced. The waiter was extremely attentive and friendly, despite our rag-tag appearance from the rain. He also helped us order--we were a little ambitious in how much we could handle, so he gently nudged us in the right direction. So appreciated! My friends and I went here as our Thanksgiving feast, and we were not disappointed. The dinner was superb and the price was incredible for the quality and amount of food. If we couldn't be back home for a family meal, we "settled" for one of the best meals ever. Highlights: the Cafe Lisboa steak was great, the olives as appetizer were salty and perfect, and the chocolate mousse was light and fluffy. ...But what really stole the show was the fried cod nuggets. Those things were BOMB--could've just had five orders for my meal. Seriously, life changing. Would highly recommend for great food and excellent service--and I am a total stickler for service. This place swept me off my feet. read more

Incredible service here, their waitress Sandra is lovely. Ask for their home-made bread with curry sauce and sausage butter and don't miss out on their incredible octopus rice. read more

Café Lisboa - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

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Everything we ate was fantastic. The salads are wonderful, the kind of really good salad with protein that is so nice after a few too many rich vacation meals. We went there near the end of our trip, when we were craving exactly what they offered: a pleasant terrace on a charming courtyard where we could just relax and enjoy wine and simple foods, expertly prepared. My husband had the octopus rice and loved it. I had different salads both times we went, and loved them; and we both loved the charcuterie and the hazelnut3 dessert. Seriously, unless you're allergic, you have to try that dessert. The interior was also beautiful. Oh, and they share bathrooms with the national theatre, so you can see people dressed in all their finery for shows if you're there at the right time. Staff was very nice, too, and very competent. And the prices are fantastic. Go! read more

Despite being restaurant of well known chef, food lacked flavor and fish tasted old. Very disappointed with the food here, seriously the tuna and roasted cod were lackluster and gross. We ordered 2 glasses of the house wine wine which was fine. The waiter brought bread with a carrot sauce, cheese and olives. When our bill arrived there was a 6 euro charge. I asked what it was for, he said the bread. I informed him we didn't ask for it, instead he brought it. Thankfully he removed that charge. Do not waste your time here, we couldn't finish our food because taste was poor so we had to go to a wine bar to get a post meal snack. Went to NoVa bar and food, wine was excellent there. read more