Kristen H.

When a Portuguese restaurant is widely known for its excellence in Italian cuisine, it definitely piques interest and intrigue, and Come Prima is no exception. Recognized as one of the top 70 Italian restaurants in the world at one point, this is a can't-miss spot in the quaint neighborhood of Lapa (which houses a number of the country's embassies - perhaps that's why the international food scene here is notable). The restaurant space itself is cozy yet elegant, with an unassuming, ivied exterior and a warm, inviting interior complete with flickering candles and an upstairs, "loft-like" area with surprisingly ample seating. Our group of five had made a reservation for 7:30pm on a Wednesday night, and we're glad we did - this is a popular restaurant that books out weeks in advance. We were immediately led to our table, where our server expertly guided us through the menu's ample options. Apart from their impressive wine list, there are plenty of dishes to sample, including fresh antipasti, pastas made in-house (both dry and fresh), hand-tossed pizzas, and delectable entrees. A note about the pastas: they're organic and made with top-quality eggs and flour, lending a really unique taste. Naturally, since the chef was crowned "Knight of the Truffles of Alba", two members of our party ordered the Tajarin Bio Con Sálvia E Tartufo Nero Fresco (€19,95), which is "Fresh house pasta (angel hair), sage, Azorean butter and fresh Portuguese black truffle." They remarked on the lovely, toothsome texture of the light-as-air pasta, and how it was bathed in an indulgently earthy truffle sauce complemented by the peppery, piney flavor of the sage and the deep richness of the butter. The thin parmesan cheese grated on top also lent a nutty taste to the umami-bomb of a dish. Two other members of our party opted for the Rigatoni BIO al Ragù di Maiale di Ghianda (€18,95), which is comprised of a perfectly al-dente rigatoni (tubular pasta, thicker than usual), in a veal and black Alentejo acorn pork ragu with "with tomatoes, fresh herbs and fresh goat cheese from the mountain range of Serpa." The two types of robustly-flavored meats lent a full-bodied character to the sauce, with the tomatoes and herbs providing an acidic brightness, and the goat cheese (crumbled appetizingly over the top) adding both color and that tangy, rich flavor. Both the Tajarin and the Rigatoni were well-sized portions for the price, especially when compared to Italian restaurants of similar caliber back in the states. Lastly, I opted for the Ossobuco di Vitelo Mirandesa ai Funghi Porcini (€22,95), which is a slow-cooked veal ossobuco (shank) with porcini mushrooms and roasted vegetables. You can opt for fresh pasta instead of vegetables for a €2 supplement, but as I'm gluten-sensitive, I kept the dish as-is. The shank itself was succulent and fall-off-the-bone tender, enriched in a savory, hearty mushroom sauce. The marrow inside the bone of the shank was rich beyond belief, though not overly so, and the vegetables were well-seasoned and still toothsome. It was a filling portion, especially compared to a similar dish in the States that could set you back $30+. For dessert, we shared a couple of their famous options. Their Tiramisu (€6,10) was indulgent yet light, with "Layers of savoiardi biscuits soaked in 100% Arabica coffee, Mascarpone and Bio egg cream, sprinkled with Madagascar cocoa powder." The biscuits were neither overly soggy nor hard, while the flavors of the coffee and cocoa powder showcased the fantastic quality of Come Prima's ingredients. The mascarpone and Bio egg cream were light and fluffy, contrasting the deep earthiness of the latter ingredients. Their Tartufo di Cioccolato (€5,50) was luscious and smooth, with a rich Zabione cream heart in the middle, surrounded by a velvety chocolate ice cream, and caramelized hazelnuts adding a lovely crunch, all topped off with that same cocoa powder from the tiramisu. Lastly, their Panna Cotta (€5,50) was solid if not stellar: I enjoyed the subtle flavor of the vanilla bean, and it was neither over-set nor goopy, topped with warm wild berries. I also have to comment on the competitive pricing of their desserts, which would go for $10+ in most other high-end places. Overall, our time at Come Prima was one of the best dining experiences we've ever had in Europe - service was patient and friendly (we even were offered complimentary limoncello shots!), the atmosphere was intimate and romantic, and the food was truly delicious - we will certainly be returning!

Andrew S.

Nestled in the residential area of a small village in top of a small hill. Exceptional Italian, prepared specially. Homemade pastas and meats. We loved the bruschetta, three way pasta for two, oasis Boccu and the chocolate ice cream filled with cream meatball for dessert. We for two glasses of a moderate priced win and they were delicious. Service is excellent. Make your reservation in advance.

Amber S.

The best Italian food in Portugal. I've been looking for an authentic Italian restaurant in the north with many disappointments but this gem in Lisboa is perfect! The service was impeccable, the food was divine and the restaurant itself was chic. We started with the eggplant appetizer. Super thin eggplant, in a fantastic tomato sauce that was the perfect balance of zing and softness. The trio pasta for two was exactly the right order for us, as we want to try everything but rarely get the chance. The pasta is made in house, the sauces and flavors were excellent. My favorite was the shrimp & mushroom pasta. Would it surprise you if you knew that I don't eat shrimp or mushrooms? If every shrimp was that delicious, I'd eat them all the time. Easily the best meal we've had in 6 months being in Portugal. I do hope they bring this gloriousness to the north, as I need this kind of gastronomy in my life more regularly. Highly recommended, definitely eat here. (Tiramisu was the best I've ever had,ever. If all custard was like this, I'd like custard) Again, eat here.

Jaz M.

The best italian food in all of Lisboa. A must if in the area. This place truly is very special. This was my second time coming and it was just as great as the first time. This place is rated as one of the top 70 Italian resteraunts in the world and I understand why. Located in the Pamphula barrio in a quaint neighborhood, you will find them with two levels of dinning areas. Menu is great with a good variety. They also have a seasonal menu so make sure to check that out as well. This last time I came by (October 2024), I orderd the angel hair pasta with truffle and a pizza with burrata and truffles and this was hands down some of the top Italian dishes of my life. Very aunthentic and fresh. The flavors are phonemenal. WORTH EVERY SINGLE PENNY. Overall, I can't wait to come back again. Make sure you make a reservations on their website as they can get very busy, especially on weekends. THANK YOU COME PRIMA for the amazing food and hospitality. We will defenitly be returning when in Lisboa again. Till next time!

Claudia O.

Exquisite food, beautiful restaurant, and great service! It has a welcoming ambiance and the waiters are amazing. Don't miss it!

Colleen F.

Made reservations and arrived to this Italian restaurant with impeccable food. Started with the tomato cheese and basil salad. The tomatoes tasted like they just picked them so delicious. I had eggplant parmigiana and if was definitely one of the best ones I have eaten. My mother had lasagna and really enjoyed it, enough so she didn't have any leftovers. The atmosphere was very authentic and with the lighting

Ivy C.

Best food ever in an adorable, intimate, setting with the freshest pasta you can find in Lisbon. The quality of ingredients, and their generous portions of truffle shavings made this our best meal in Portugal. The wine selection is okay. Could be better and service is a tad forgetful. But they do get pretty busy at dinnertime so make reservations!

Vivian A.

Amazing Pasta, Great Service! We were visiting from Miami Florida and found this cozy Italian Restaurant which made our visit to Portugal even better !

Amanda C.

4.5 stars for us. Made reservations online for 6:45pm, by the time we finished it was a full house on a Monday evening. Restaurant has 2 floors, dim lighting, an interesting ambiance. The food was AMAZING. Everything was almost perfect, one of our pastas was a bit too al dente, borderline a bit too hard. We got some bread, bruschetta, tomato soup, truffle pasta, meat rigatoni, and tiramisu. The truffle pasta was TO DIE FOR. Perfect housemade pasta. The chef hunts for truffles in the forest himself - pretty cool. Very flavorful. Not overly salty. The meat rigatoni's sauce was so flavorful and meaty. Just wish the pasta was cooked a minute longer. Tiramisu was one of the best I tried. Great balance of coffee and alcohol, not too sweet. Firm and not mushy as some are over soaked. Amazingly kind service and surprisingly quick for Portuguese standards. English friendly. They even gave us some small glasses of dessert wine on the house!

Rich S.

Exceptional meal from beginning to end! First off, get a reservation from their website. We saw at least 10 people turned away. Also, they called us the afternoon (Saturday) of our reservation to confirm our arrival. The 2-story restaurant is small, and the seating "cozy". Nonetheless, it was comfortable, and the noise level wasn't overwhelming. One of the restaurant owners (husband/wife team) greeted us at the door. Table service was efficiently conducted by 2 gentlemen, and both speak English. The entire staff were constantly moving, taking good care of all the tables. The fare was superb! We started with a pizza as an appetizer. Perfect size, and the crust was pillowy, yet crunchy. They pride themselves on homemade pasta, so we tried the sampler course for 2. Sweet Geezus, I would have been satisfied with a bowl-full of each. I particularly liked the ravioli. I followed Primi with the Veal Milanese. A nice sized portion and very tender. My wife had the jumbo prawns, and they were juicy and had just the right amount of a "crunch" when you bit into them. Desserts were good (tiramisu especially), and we paired them with the recommended Port. Lastly, they had a decent wine list, and the pricing was reasonable. Italian in Lisbon? ABSOLUTELY!!!! Cheers! RS

Richard F.

Food was very good. I had the veal which is served rare with vegetables-I ordered with pasta instead. The veal was amazing-the best I've ever had. The side of pasta was Tagliatelle-definitely made fresh. My son had the angel hair pasta with truffle. It was good, but we've had better in other restaurants. My wife had the rigatoni ragu. Good, but a little too dry. The assistant waiter was more attentive than the main waiter-just an observation not a criticism. Wine was poured regularly, but more water had to be requested. Overall, good service. The ambiance was casual and cozy. I would definitely come back and try other dishes.