What I wrote down in my draft when I was here a couple months ago (I'm still catching up) : "now *that* is some good squid" - I'd had exceptionally mediocre squid for lunch the previous day, from a place that was also supposed to be good (it was the opposite). Squid here was delicious, perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned, and a bunch of it. Great potatoes to go with it, too. I'd eat here every day if I could. The "couvert" was fish pate from a tin, not made in-house, but it's Portugal, so the tinned fish was still great, obviously. The olives with it were just ok, but the bread was great. I was also happy that they did, indeed, understand that we were going to share it, but only wanted a couvert plate serving for one (I hadn't been sure.) I was a little sad my wife really wanted red meat that day, so we couldn't get the seafood sampler platter for 2, but her pork chop was also great, I know because it was also huge, so I ended up eating like a third of it. Also perfectly cooked and seasoned, and it did go great with fries. The fries were also great, too, super freshly made and perfectly crispy, though the one downside, everything else but the fries were ready super quickly, then the fries showed up after we were about halfway done eating the rest of it. Definitely freshly cooked, though! Also unlike the place the previous day that served us exceptionally mediocre squid the previous day, they also sell very affordable wines here. They have a good number of extremely reasonably priced half-bottles of all types, but we didn't need a whole half-bottle of wine, so I just got a glass of the house white, which was, at least as of a couple months ago, only 2.5 euros! Seriously, I'd come here all the time if I could.I wish I had gotten to try everything on the menu. read more

Floresta das Escadinhas - I clearly forgot to take a picture of the also-great squid - my wife's pork chops (pictured) were great though, and pretty large - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

It's usually a good sign when a place can stay open just serving lunch a few days a week. They also do sell out so go early if there is something you have your eye on that is a "must have". Food smelled delicious as the fresh fish is grilled and brought out fresh. Most fishes also come with a side of boiled potatoes lightly salted (see picture of sardines). It's a classic European restaurant on the inside with many small tables inside with a few on the patio. Staff were overall very pleasant with a constant stream of staff members bringing food and checking in. As we were travelers and do not know much Portuguese at all, they still made us feel welcome and had good English language skills. read more

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At about 1:30 on a Monday, we waited in line for about 40 minutes to be seated. Restaurant is small and a bit cramped. The mixed fish plate is not to be missed - fish is fresh, delicious yet simple, and at a great price. Well worth the wait. Staff is very pleasant - Augusto served us and was very helpful and kind. Only open for lunch and closed Sundays, add this to your foodie spots first to schedule accordingly! read more

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Very affordable pricing. Excellent sardines and grilled calamari. Long wait as there is no reservations. 0.75 l white wine (nice one) for 9 Euro, great value. Not much of ambient as this is well priced sea food, open for lunch only and that is why everyone is coming there. Service is great , they do their best read more

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The Quick: Very good, well cooked seafood, simple flavors and good portions. They were out of the octopus but the special of the day, octopus rice, was a treat! Table seating is tight and the chairs are low stools which weren't very comfortable but it was still worth the visit. I do like a bit more spice to my food (pepper, lemon, olive oil) but I ate it as served to not offend, and really enjoyed it. I would return to try more things. read more

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Fantastic little restaurant off the alley. Highly recommend reservations as it's small and very popular. The specialty was clearly the grilled sardines (which almost every table had) and the grilled octopus. We also had the ribs and crispy pork bites and both were fantastic and a nice balance to the seafood. Service was very good, Augusto was friendly, attentive and always with a smile. Wonderful lunch. read more

Floresta das Escadinhas - grilled octopus - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

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Fabulous Caldo Verde Soup and Grilled Sardines with Potatoes. Excellent food with excellent service. Highly recommend!

We came here at around 2:00pm and the wait was still at least 30 minutes. If you don't want to wait, either come earlier (like when they open) or come later. This place does simple Portuguese food. We had the polvo (octopus) (13) and the sarindinhas (sardines) (12). The sardines were okay. Nothing special and wouldn't recommend. The octopus was delicious. Very tender and simply seasoned. If you have time to wait for a seat - then I would recommend the octopus. If you don't have time to wait, I would say pass on this. read more

Floresta das Escadinhas - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

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The prices are a bit high, and the food is underwhelming. Although the squid was good, the octopus was just okay, and nothing here really blew us away. It was not memo I really wish I spent my time and money elsewhere. read more

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Wow what a spot. Yes it's crowded and highly rated just it's deserved. Looking at other reviews, yes this is not the place for highly seasoned and lots of sauces, it's about the great flavors of truly great ingredients. We really enjoyed the mixed meats and the mixed fish and the sardines were just great. Get there early as it's a small place and not fancy on a nice stairway to the main shopping area of Lisbon. The staff is efficient and friendly and let us practice our really poor Portuguese. But the flavors are great and you should visit if you have chance. read more

Floresta Das Escadinhas is a small, cozy restaurant tucked away on one of Lisbon's charming side streets. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the focus is clearly on serving up delicious, authentic Portuguese dishes. I had the squid, and it was incredibly fresh and flavorful. The preparation was simple yet perfect, letting the quality of the ingredients shine. The fish here is as fresh as it gets, and you can tell a lot of care goes into every dish. The service was another standout. The staff were attentive without being overbearing, making sure everything was just right throughout the meal. It's clear they take pride in what they do. One thing to note--this place is popular, and for good reason. It can be difficult to get a table, so plan accordingly. The effort to dine here is absolutely worth it, though, for the fantastic food and warm hospitality https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g189158-d1520116-r980839260-Floresta_Das_Escadinhas-Lisbon_Lisbon_District_Central_Portugal.html# read more

A great seafood restaurant in the heart of downtown Lisboa tourist area. This is a legitimate Portuguese restaurant and not a tourist trap. For $50 euros we had a mixed grilled fish plate, octopus, grilled pork, soup, and 2 appetizers. Reservations are a must otherwise you're probably not going to be able to get a seat. read more

Superb spot in the heart of Lisbon. Their mixed fish or meat plates are popular as well as the other items. read more

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I can't recommend this place enough! A plate of assorted grilled fish with a bowl of potato is only €15! Assorted meat is €13! On top of that, it's super good fish and meat! Simply cooked and charred. Make a reservation though as this place fill up real quick! read more

Floresta das Escadinhas - Assorted fish - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

Lisbon ,Fresh sardines , octopus , sea food Must stop if you love seafood Our first day well worth the trip read more

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Despite having high reviews, I was a bit disappointed in the flavor profile of this place. I ordered the octopus which severely lack seasoning/flavor with bland potatoes underneath. The menu is also very limited, which made it challenging to find any alternatives for things you might want. read more

Floresta das Escadinhas - Octopus - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

We had the grilled octopus, squid, and fish platter. Each one was seasoned well and cooked to perfection. The menu is simple but done very well. Thank you for a fantastic lunch! read more

Floresta das Escadinhas - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

This restaurant defines quaint. Sat on the steps outside. Best seasoned food on the Iberian peninsula. Our waitress was delightful and very helpful. Do not leave Lisbon without eating here. read more

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Very cozy but popular restaurant in downtown Lisbon. We came here around 2 pm and waited about twenty minutes for a table. The grilled sardines and octopus were both fantastic, but the cod was a bit under-seasoned. Our waitress gave us free ginja liqueur after our meal! read more

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Amazing place for fish and meat! My husband and I split the mista de carne (mixed meat) and mista de peixa (mixed fish) platters, which came with fries and potatoes on the side. We also split a bottle of green wine which we loved. The food was great, filling, and an excellent price. Would definitely recommend! read more

Floresta das Escadinhas - Mista de carne and mista de peixe (mixed meat and mixed fish) platters - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

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Very small dinning area but very chill and cozy. We ordered mixed grilled fish - very fresh but not all greatly seasoned. Octopus is very good specially with the orange sauce. For side we got fries (Asked them to substitute from regular potatoes), they were thin cut, very crispy and you have to ask the waitress for ketchup. We also got a bottle of green wine which was a first for us. They also gave us free shot after dinning. read more

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Great food and service from Mina! Had the mixed grilled fish plate, so fresh and yummy for fish lovers!

Delicious grilled fish and sausage! Simple flavors but perfectly grilled. We got a salad, grilled sausage (with olives/bread/olive oil), and a mixed fish plate (with potatoes). There was 1 piece of calamari on the plate, I would consider getting a whole squid plate next time. The owner was seated next to us in the back corner and glad we were able to tell him we enjoyed the food. read more

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Food - I think mixed seafood is the way to go if you like fish. I got grilled cod, but I I think it's one of those Portuguese salted fish, so overall salty and chewy and felt well done, obviously not to my palette liking. Grilled sardines and as the other plate and we enjoyed it, I think that's all they are known for, so I would stick to it if you ever get here. Rest ambience and service full marks: I would not go without making a reservation, very popular read more

Great grilled sardines and portuguese board! Very nice place to stop in - would recommend

One of the best meals that we had in Lisbon and the staff was very courteous. Must try the mixed fish plate and ribs.

Came here for the sardines and wasn't disappointed. They are cooked on charcoal here the way they are supposed to be. My wife thought they were a bit too salty but were just right for me. Waitstaff was very attentive also. read more

Floresta das Escadinhas - Portuguese Near Me - Lisbon, 11

Great food and service! I would give it 10 stars if I had the option. The food is really good, wine is perfect and they even have a typical drink from Lisboa, but the best thing for sure is the service! They speak English and they're super kind and helpful. read more