This was the best, family run, local restaurant we've encounter on our 3 week honeymoon trip. The owners, Cristina and Antonio, went above and beyond in serving us. From the moment we were seated, Cristina took her time in welcoming us and explaining every item on the menu. We got extremely lucky in beating the dinner rush and submitting our orders in. The subsequent groups who came in were simply turned away or quoted at least an hr wait. Even with full house, our foods came in a reasonable time. With her recommendation, we went with seafood bake for 2 and BBQ pork in 4 diff cuts (we wanted to try a little bit of everything). The seafood bake was beyond amazing - there were literally 4 diff types of WHOLE fish (cod, salmon, bass?, can't tell the last one), along with dozen of fresh shrimp with shells still on and clams! The pot felt bottomless with seafood. It took us literally an hr just to power through this dish. The seafood bake's sauce was so yummy that my husband started throwing in his side potato to soak up the flavor. Towards the end, he straight up spooned and drank it. The bbq pork was so juicy and flavorful! My husband really enjoyed the bacon cut - fatty yet crispy. The side salad was so refreshing with its light, house made dressing. Honestly, we couldn't be any happier with our dinner! Too bad we were so stuffed that we didn't get to try their desserts. What an incredible meal! Amazing food and heartwarming service - Cristina even took the time to come by our table to check and chat with us during dinner rush - we couldn't ask for more. Price was a steal especially for how much food we got - around 50 Euros. Would definitely return if we ever revisit Lisbon! read more

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After wandering around -- really and truly -- the streets of Lisbon looking for a restaurant that had vegetarian options or non-shellfish or cod fish options, we landed at Madragoa Cafe. We were peeking at the menu outside when the owner, Christina, ushered us in and assured us she'd prepare something to our liking. She did not disappoint. We each started with a drink; my colleague had a beer and I had a red wine. We shared a cheese appetizer and olive appetizer. The cheese was very...fragrant?...but seriously delicious and creamy. It was served with a side of honey which we both drizzled on our bread with each (admittedly three total for each of us) serving. For our mains, we had fish. I had the salmon, served with stewed vegetables and salad. He had the cod entree. We were both initiated into the clean-plate club, with very little left for rinsing. For dessert we tried the carob mousse (my favorite!) and the chocolate cake (delicious, but the mousse takes the cake -- no pun intended). The waiter, Antonio, was an absolute gem, and treated us to a digestif following our dessert. Having already had two glasses of wine, I should have passed on the digestif, but when in Lisbon, you do as Antonio tells you. I had the most fantastic evening with Christina and her crew, and upon future visits to Lisbon I will make it a must to visit again. read more

The best meal we had in Lisbon! We came to this restaurant after seeing the great reviews and it surpassed our expectations. Christina, the owner, was the one serving us and took the time to get to know us and tell her about her story. The entire menu is made up of her own recipes and she walked us through the menu (since it's all in Portuguese - a good sign). The restaurant itself is really cozy and well-decorated (especially the giant Starry Night painting) with a great ambiance. To start, Christina gave us a tuna spread she made herself on the house that went really well with the bread basket. The first dish we shared was the black spaghetti with shrimp - the best pasta dish I've ever had and not to be missed! The pasta has a unique texture and the sauce was creamy an flavourful. The second dish we had was a seafood cataplina with mussels, clams, cod, monkfish, shrimp, prawns, and vegetables in a red sauce - the variety was amazing and we were stuffed by the end of it. The individual portion for this was enough to share after the spaghetti. For dessert, we had the chocolate cake she recommended which was light and delicious. All in all, the meal came out to 45 euros (with drinks) and is still one of our all time favourite. Would highly recommend! read more

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We took a while to warm up to Madragoa. This is a true no-frills, family-run biz, with the husband working the room and the wife working the kitchen. So, service can be a little disorganized, as they both juggle entertaining, cooking, remembering orders, giving tourists advice, telling stories about the dishes, etc. They treat each table like a new group of friends, with individualized service & chatter, which can draw things out a bit, but overall provides a memorable experience and food that's worth the wait. The food was very traditional, hearty (meaning: potatoey!) and well-priced. It's CASH ONLY, so don't over order if you can't pony up. The traditional dish of mashed potatoes, bread, and fish (like a savory bread pudding) was really interesting, but greasy and filling, so be warned. We also liked the seafood stew, and local meat & cheese plate. Affordable wines are available AND they have a Yelp check-in offer for a free welcome drink, a very nice surprise. For warm, personalized service and old-school Portugese recipes, you won't be led astray at Madragoa. read more

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If I had to summarize this restaurant in one word it would be "excellent" !! I really liked everything here: the welcoming, the dishes, the wine but especially the presence of our hosts! When we arrived the restaurant was empty (not for long: better to book a table!) and the chef took the time to describe all the dishes of the menu (even when the room is full you can ask for an explanation or an advice). Moreover, the quality of the food was excellent! We were four and we took very different things but no one was disappointed! So, in a few words: if you would like to discover the Portuguese food or if you know that kind of food and just want to have a great time and a very good dinner, it's totally the place ! The + : the presence of the hosts, they are kind, funny and really want to help I hope you'll spend a great time as we did Ps: you can't pay by card, better to bring cash read more

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I am very particular about what I like to eat. Mainly on vacation. We came here for a special night in Lisbon with live Fado. I made a reservation in advance, and I totally recommend to do it. The place is small and cozy with a great atmosphere. Even though there may be people trying to get in, they will not rush you out. The owner and waitress were great and spoke with us a for a while. They made all the recommendations for our dinner and we could be happier. Tip: Try the shrimp, it was just amazing! read more

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Wonderful place with amazing food and service. Its the best place you'll find in this neiberwood. We whent twice and we whanted more and more. The shrimps, the cataplana , the black spagety, the steack....well, all that's on Christina's menu is simply great. You shouldnt miss...and they have a new place in the same street! Be sure to make your reservation because the venue is small and allways paked! read more

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Loved this place. Great service, owner front and center. Excellent wine choices and incredible music. My favorite dinner in Portugal so far! I will be back for sure. The fries are a must! Fado playing. read more

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Perfect evening! My friend told me about little restaurant near her house. Just because she told me to book a table in advance I did so, I wasn't expecting crowds on a Thursday evening. In fact at some point it was full of people, I keep on forgetting that people go out late to dine in Lisbon! Very nice service, everything well explained and the dishes were delicious! My friends had tomato soup and omelette, I went for typical dish: Cataplana de peixe. 4 kind of fish, vegetables and see food prepared in traditional pan. We didn't expect anything else when at some point we were informed that it was fado night and just next to us the lady started to sign being accompanied by a guitar! Really worth visit! read more

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Left this restaurant speechless. My friend and I could not believe how great the food and service was. This was undoubtedly the best dining experience I've ever had. Two owners were so helpful, they basically decided on our wine and main dishes. We had the steak and cataplana. Chocolate cake for dessert was baked perfectly. Make a reservation since restaurant is very small. This is surely some of the best food in Lisbon. read more

Madragoa Café - Cataplana €16 huge portion - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

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Warm service by the head chef herself. Come for quintessential and locals take on Portuguese food. Cozy small spot off the beaten path.

Great food, even better service! Christina was extremely helpful with my allergies (Gluten & Dairy). She was very nice to talk to and made us feel like we were in her home kitchen. Talk to her about what you are looking for or what you like and she will help you find a delicious meal! read more

They are good but we were just not blown away. Our waiter was attentive, the overall meals were pricey compare to some places less known.

Delicious food! Everything we had was amazing. Very personable, cozy and cute restaurant. We called ahead and the owner kept it open late just for us! Incredibly nice of them. Our server was a chatty young gentleman. We had a great time and learned a great deal about Portugal and Fado. If ever in Lisbon again, I will definitely come back! read more

My husband took me here for my birthday - had the best birthday dinner ever thanks to this wonderful restaurant and it's owner/chef! Christina treated us like family, explaining the menu, recommending items, bringing food and drinks until we couldn't eat another bite. We had a blissful 3 hours talking and chatting the night away, eating fantastic food, drinking delicious wine/port, and feeling welcomed by the entire staff. This place is an absolute gem and we will be back soon! read more

We made a reservation at the similarly-named place next door and went here by mistake. So glad we did. Everything we ordered was delicious, and the service was great. The owner is going to publish a book of her recipes soon and I'm really looking forward to getting it. read more

Upon hearing we were going to Lisbon, a cousin said "you have to go to the Madragoa Cafe - the food is exceptional!" Boy, am I glad we followed that advice. Christina treated us like long lost friends, recommending dishes and drinks - catering to everyone's particular likes. It was the best meal we had during our visit to Portugal - and that's saying a lot.What a treat. Thank you, Christina! read more

Charming, tasteful, and delicious little gem. I had the salmon, she had the breaded shrimp dish (forgot the name but super delicious). All were homemade and crafted with love to perfection. Would definitely check this joint out if you're looking for an authentic experience. Thumbs and tongues up. read more

Very nice place with good food. Menu only in portuguese but the owner is able to translate into several languages. A good selection of wines and a fine knowledge of the wines. Not expensive: 5 people with starters and mains, 2 bottles of wine and water: 125 Euro. read more

Lovely place to eat when in Lisbon. Christine and Antonio are gracious hosts while doing double duty as head chef (Christine) and sommelier (Antonio). The place is cozy with an Old-Lisbon vibe, always busy with tourists and locals. Fado music provided (check with the restaurant for schedule) without all the hassle and expense of the touristy places in your guides. Christine cooks from the heart and the delicious results are in her dishes. Product is all Portugal from wine and fish to cheese. Antonio offers informed wine choices, all Portuguese, at many price points. Ate there twice in my week-long stay in Lisbon for the food and for their hospitality. Try their wine bar up the road for small snacks/drinks. read more

I know Yelp does not like one star ratings but there is no way I am giving this restaurant two. My husband and I ate at Madragoa last week and not only was the food awful we were verbally harassed by the owner/chef, Christina, after we returned my dish. She stood by our table yelling about what a wonderful chef she was and how dare I insult her cooking (All I said was that my dish was all potatoes and overly salted, buttery bread crumbs and no bacalhau). My husband asked her to please stop making a scene and she said"No!" and continued her rant. It was truly surreal. I ended up having to walk out (totally embarrassed and shocked by the scene that she had made---on the verge of tears)and left my husband to pay (no--they did not remove the charge for my uneaten dish). The restaurant is quite small so not only did she make us uncomfortable but I am sure the other diners were appalled, as well. Her cooking is "basic" ---she really has no right wearing a chef's jacket. There are many amazing restaurants in Lisbon---best to look elsewhere. read more

The hospitality was exceptional, Christina made us very welcome and spent a lot of time explaining the Portuguese menu. The meals we chose were excellent - tomato soup, sardines, steak and mixed seafood stew, we even squeezed in a dessert made of pumpkin. All delicious and were recommended some good wines too. Not fine dining but excellent local food in a casual setting. Wish everywhere we ate was as friendly as this restaurant. read more

Was in Lisbon as a weekend trip with my girlfriend. We went here per recommendation from her family and I could not be happier about the reference. We went to Portugal looking for an authentic taste of the culture and this restaurant certainly provided that. Christina the owner was more than accommodating and had us try several different dishes and drinks on the house, simply because she wanted us to enjoy our experience. The food was beyond amazing, very authentic recipes passed down from her ancestors. She was genuinely interested in us getting a taste of Portugal and our quick dinner plans easily turned into a 3 hour experience that put the cherry on top for our weekend trip. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anybody looking for a homey, comfortable and authentic taste of Lisbon. read more