I decided to check out Merendinha do Arco with my friend as we're fans of Mark Weins who recommended this restaurant. On a busy Friday afternoon, we were able to snag a table for 2 within about 15 minutes. The staff here are very kind and attentive, and helped us navigate the menu. There is both a digital menu you scan via QR code on the menu printout outside of the restaurant, and a physical menu that the staff provides to you. Now, anything you try will be amazing here. Be on the lookout for the daily specials as well. We shared an assortment of dishes, from the pork, clams, stuffing and fried potatoes, to the codfish fritter and the rice and beans. Everything tasted fresh and amazing - the standouts for me were the tender pork, the codfish fritter, the expertly fried potatoes and the rice dish which packed a lot of flavor. If you're visiting the area, come check out this restaurant and you won't be disappointed! read more

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We came to Meriendo do Arco after my wife saw it on Mark Wiens--and I'm glad we did. This place feels like a truly authentic, no-frills local spot. Nothing polished or touristy--just simple, traditional food and a laid-back vibe. The kind of place where you grab a cheap glass of house wine and settle in. We ordered a mix of dishes: fried cod, sardines, rice and beans, caldo verde, and shrimp. I really enjoyed everything--the flavors felt honest and comforting, like classic home-style Portuguese cooking. That said, my wife felt the food leaned a bit too salty for her taste, which is fair depending on your preference. Overall, I thought it was a great experience--if you're looking for something authentic, casual, and local, this spot is definitely worth checking out. read more

Simple, rustic Portuguese food served at Merendinha do Arco. It's a tiny restaurant that fills up quickly! We were lucky and got in the first round when it opened, no waiting. I started with the vegetable soup which was filled with lots of chopped cabbage. It was nice and flavorful and hit the spot on a rainy day. My fiancé ordered the grilled sardines (what they're known for here) and enjoyed it. The boiled potatoes were super creamy and the salad was a nice way to round out the meal. My sea bass was grilled perfectly and was nice and light with the squirt of lemon. Very fresh! Watch out for the bones though... Seems like a well known local restaurant that tourists have found, as there was a good mix when we dined here. read more

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If you're looking for simple and good authentic Portuguese food then come here. Seating was on the first floor along with the bar. Upstairs appeared to be the kitchen as I saw one of the cooks (?) peering down. Menu had a variety of soups, house specialties, lots of fish options and a few meat choices. If you're craving a certain fish then come earlier in the day as the sea bream was no longer available by 4pm. Staff here were friendly and quite busy. Caldo verde soup was much thicker in consistency than what I saw at other restaurants. It was topped with shredded kale, had a smoky flavor from the chorizo sausage (?) and was very satisfying. The fried cuttlefish came with salad and a side dish of rice and beans. The cuttlefish was tender and lightly fried but the rice and beans were a surprise. It was unexpected and so flavorful from such a simple side. The seabass was a whole fish pan fried. The juicy lemon squeezed over it added a nice tang. I also like the boiled potatoes which complemented the dish perfectly. Overall an another great meal here in Lisbon but make sure you make note of the hours since it's not open as late for dinner. read more

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So sad! We walked for 30 minutes just to get here and were welcomed with this sign! So sad to not be able to experience this place. read more

Merendinha do Arco - Closed :( - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

Probably the best fish I had on my trip to Portugal, seasoned beautifully and grilled to crispy skin perfection. Also the dessert selection is amazing! They bring out a tray to demonstrate all the options. Best way to upsell a meal I've ever seen The restaurant is very tiny and tables are crammed in. You will most likely have a short wait but I think it's worth it. read more

Merendinha do Arco - 2 fish of the day comes with potato and salad. Red wine sangria which was worth the add. - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

Very good food! Sashwot is a good server! highly recommended ! Sardines are really tasty and fresh, everything is good !will come back

Omg delicious huge fresh fish inexpensive and same for wine! I am in love with this restaurant. First restaurant we went to in Lisbon. Was recommended by our Airbnb host as a local favorite read more

Merendinha do Arco - Mixed fish - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

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This Portuguese quaint restaurant was referred by our tuk tuk driver Nuno Bessa of tuk tuk tours. Great host and even better restaurant suggestion. The food here was exceptional. Fast service, great customer service with a family feel. You will not be disappointed. Cheers eat up read more

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Great authentic Portuguese food at a reasonable price. Our server went above and beyond, even helping to hook into the free wifi! Food was fabulous! Hearty caldo verde, followed by cod cakes with rice and beans. My friend had the garlic shrimps and they were great. If you want a place where locals and tourists get together for a meal and some drinks, this place is it read more

Last night and eating where the locals eat. Enjoyed a delicious white wine cod fritters (patanisca), grilled cod, grilled Lubina. For dessert they bring out a dessert tray. Had chocolate mousse and the coconut mousse. Ended with a café read more

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Wow! Our Tuk Tuk driver took us here to enjoy ginja, a very sweet brandy with sour cherry. When the servers found out we were American, they got so excited they made us Cuba Libres. We didn't have any pastries, but they looked delicious. What a fun little stop! read more

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The foods are delicious although a little on the salty side. The waiter was friendly.

This was our first meal in Portugal, and unfortunately it was a letdown. We chose it for its authenticity, and while it definitely did seem authentic and mostly full of locals, the food didn't impress. The seafood soup was more like a salty seafood broth with no hint of actual seafood. We were glad we only ordered a small bowl of it to share. I got the cod cakes (pataniscas), which came freshly fried but lacking in crispiness and in cod. It was honestly 90% fritter dough, 10% cod. It also wasn't seasoned at all, and the bacalhau didn't have enough salt in it to sufficient carry through the whole cod cake. The best part of my meal was the rice and beans that came on the side, which had all the salt that the cod cakes were missing. My husband got the grilled bacalhau, which had a texture that was a little too firm and chewy for us, but maybe that's just the nature of bacalhau. I did enjoy the vegetables it came with. The restaurant itself is charmingly authentic, and our waiter was very nice. Maybe we ordered the wrong things given all the good reviews here, but we wouldn't come back. read more

I think this was my favorite meal in Lisboa, Portugal. We stumbled across it and it was open when others were closed between lunch and dinner. The place was full both times we went. A jug of good wine was a great price and the codfish cakes with beans and rice was my favorite. I got the fried clams and they are not fried. They look steamed. Maybe they are cooked different but they were good and plentiful. But the beans and rice that come with the cod cakes were the best! And the Cod cakes were also very tasty. We went twice with 3 people each time and everyone left full and happy. What a local feeling establishment. And just what I want whenever I go to Lisbon! read more

Merendinha do Arco - Jar of wine - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

One of my top three restaurants in Lisboa! Great wine, great service and awesome food. Their octopus is always tender and their cod is always delicious! This one of the reasons I visit read more

Merendinha do Arco - Garbanzo, potato, and Cod with a drizzle of great Olive Oil so good - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

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After seeing the YouTube vlog of Mark Weins and since I was in the area, tried to popped in early in the restaurant. And I was the first costumers they served! This is the taste of real authentic Portuguese cuisine. This restaurant deserves a Michelin star!!! read more

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When it comes to visiting a restaurant in another country, I am picky since my time to try food is limited. I first heard about Merendinha do Arco after seeing Mark Wiens rave review on his youtube vlog. And, I knew I just had to try it! I am so glad I did. Can't believe I did not write my review sooner. Immediately, I was seated upon entry and offered water and a menu. My waiter was very attentive to my needs and also brought fresh bread, butter, and cheese right away. While it was a simple appetizer, it was very tasty and satisfying. For my main course, I ordered the Carne de Porco à alentejana (pork with clams) that came with a side of house-made chips, tomato, and lettuce. After two months, I am still raving about this dish. I can not even pick a favorite part of the dish. Each portion of the meal was so good, and I enjoyed every bite that was bursting with flavor.The pork was very tender, and the bread layered underneath simply terrific. The seasonings the chef added in the sauce/juice made everything come together perfectly. When the juices seeped into the chips and the bread, the taste made me want more. Actually, I was determined to eat everything on my plate because I did not want to waste a single bit. Needless to say, when I return to Lisbon this restaurant will definitely be one of my first stops. The atmosphere is casual and inviting. Give it a try if you ever visit. read more

Merendinha do Arco - Carne de Porco à alentejana (pork with clams) The best meal I had in Lisbon. - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

My wife and I enjoyed this restaurant very much. The service was excellent, and the food was delicious. We would love to return. read more

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Really enjoyed this local joint. Did not feel touristy and loved the caldo verde. The waiter was great for us, very friendly and accommodating. read more

We were early to lunch and they kindly opened for us. Food is delicious Portugese seafood. Your meal is preceded with delicious bread, octopus and prosciutto! Yum, even though you have to pay for it, it's worth it to experience the flavors!! I had the grilled sardines which were the largest I've had while in Lisbon and grilled to perfection. My husband had the mixed grille-- all fish and wonderful!! Thank you!! read more

Merendinha do Arco - Sardines!!! - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

Defiantly a five star in the heart of touristy area. This place is better than Michelin star for me at least. It closes at 8pm so you better be there early. I ordered chicken stew and it was awesome and tasty and true authentic. read more