Mini Bar de José Avillez
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My husband and I are big foodies. We love dining at top restaurants around the world, and I love molecular gastronomy. However, since having kids, this has been difficult to continue. The great news is that with Mini Bar, you get the best of both worlds - the creative menu without needing a babysitter. Mini Bar is kid friendly, and the server we had was so awesome with our kids that I can't sing his praise though. We opted for the Tasting Menu, and ordered a pizza and fries for the kids. The food arrived pretty quick, until we hit the mains, then it slowed down a bit too much for my liking. The space is pretty interesting, and there's plenty of room, so you don't feel squished in. All in all though, great experience. Happy that I got to have my meal without having to ditch my kids with a stranger in a foreign country.
From a Michelin Chef, a Disappointing Experience I had high expectations for Minibar in Lisbon, but the experience was disappointing from start to finish. The waiters were clumsy, dropped dishes on the table, and had no idea how to place silverware properly. Even worse, a different waiter brought each dish, and none of them knew what they were serving -- a real problem when one guest is lactose intolerant. The apple margarita was good and the giant olive was interesting, though it felt like it was trying too hard to be clever. The foie gras giant ball was genuinely excellent -- easily the highlight of the night. The beef tartare was a disappointment: Spanish capers that tasted like nothing, no acidity, no balance, no character. The tuna tartare was equally anonymous, with the same herbs and seasoning recycled across every plate. The batter was soggy and oily, the asparagus lifeless, and the French fries seemed straight from a frozen bag, fried at the wrong temperature. The supposed truffle sprinkles were sparse, dull, and definitely not freshly grated Italian truffle. The only way to add some flavor was with a bit of Parmesan -- grated, apparently, the day before. Dessert (basil lemon) was refreshing, but by then the meal had lost all credibility. The dining room is pleasant, but the tables are in poor condition, cluttered with unnecessary objects, and the noise level makes conversation difficult. At $95 per person, it's seriously overpriced -- and $75 for the wine pairing is a truffa. From a multiple Michelin-starred chef, this was deeply disappointing. I'm sure José Avillez wasn't in the kitchen, but he should probably visit Minibar more often. It might have been good once -- now it's just an expensive tourist menu.
Fun and hidden away at the back of a restaurant, the entrance to this spot was through a bookshelf, giving it a speakeasy vibe. The decor and ambience are great. Tables are small and a little cramped. The food was delicious - we had the large foie gras pearls, tuna tartare cones, truffle dries, asparagus tempura, steak, passion fruit globe. Wonderful flavors! Portions are small so it felt a little overpriced but I guess you're paying for the experience. Our waiter was very attentive and helpful with recommendations. Overall, one of my four favorite restaurants from the trip!
From the entrance can tell this is a great restaurant. The menu seemed very complex at first but our server Joaquinn was great in helping us and his recommendations. For me, the absolute delicious showstoppers were the tuna tartare cone, the octopus and the passion fruit desert! My friends also really enjoyed the beef tartare and the duck curry. Notable mentions would be the Al pastor tostada and cod fish tempura. We decided against the chefs tasting menu because we wanted to sample a little bit of everyone even though it would cost a little more. But if it's just 2 of you the chefs menu is a great option. If you're a fan of octopus this is the best I've had my entire trip. It was super tender, flavorful and juicy along with some char which I have no idea how they were able to do all of that. And the tuna tartare cone is fresh tuna at its finest. Passion fruit dessert was one of the bigger portions we had out of everything we ordered. The duck curry was also plentiful. The decor and vibe is unlike most restaurants and very cool. I didn't have anything to drink but my friends said the mint martini was outstanding! I do not recommend either of the tuna belly. They weren't very good at all. Had a bad aftertaste. Overall a great experience and great food
Mini Bar once again blue wide remains one of Lisbon's most memorable dining experiences. What began as a spontaneous stop on Friday evening-after discovering the restaurant doing a December 2025 trip-quickly turned into two consecutive nights of exceptional hospitality and cuisine. Even without a reservation, the host welcomed us graciously, arranged a table f following night, and set a standard of professionalism that carried through the e weekend. The staff, from management to our server, delivered polished, attentiv that elevated every moment. The menu continues to shine. The coastal prawn ceviche was bright and refreshir exploding olives playful and delicious, and the octopus-tender, flavorful, and pe executed-was the best we tasted in Lisbon. The tiger prawn curry offered rich, b flavors, while the mushroom risotto emerged as the unexpected star of the evenir performances on Saturday added a vibrant layer to the already sophisticated atmosphere. By the end of the night, we were sharing dishes with the table beside us and laugh over drinks-exactly the kind of experience that makes a restaurant unforgettable. I later posted photos, friends immediately responded: "Mini Bar... love that place!" now 1 understand why the sentiment is universal.
My husband and I went here Monday night, the last night of our trip and Lisbon. We were so excited and this restaurant did not disappoint. Walking in the restaurant is indeed hidden as it seems like we walked through a couple of restaurants before getting to the hidden bookcase. Once inside, we were set quickly with our reservations And explain the menu. We chose to go à la cart and order dishes for each act on our own each of the dishes for small plates with a Unique and exciting presentation. For the first few acts, we ordered the beef tartare, which we are not used to, but did taste great. We also ordered foie gras which though presented well with the pearls, was not our speed & after googling, will definitely not order again. The shashimi was excellent and very fresh. My husband wanted to order more. We also enjoyed the al Pastor tostadas. For the last act, my husband ordered the beef which had a horse radish like sauce, and I ordered the oxtail rice. Both were excellent and very tasty. The service was friendly and informative. We really enjoyed our night, though we had to leave early.
Service was slow, but the bar was packed. There was a stage, but no entertainment. You'd think that a bar that size inside a restaurant and another restaurant would have entertainment. Could really be nice. We didn't eat, but had a couple of drinks.
YELP HAS WRONG LOCATION! Use the address listed on Google maps as yelp is incorrect and takes you to a hotel. You can make a reservation on their website. Most bizarre bar I've ever been to. First of all you have to walk through 2 other restaurants to even get to the bar. The bar is hidden in the back of another restaurant. The door is hidden as a a book shelf and then one of the staff members will open it for you. Once inside look right and you'll see the girl on the wall behind the bar. To the left is a stage. We tried the 8€ Croquettes- Really good, but you can eat all 3 in 20 seconds or less. Next, the 6€ "roasted chicken" with avocado cream, smoked cottage cheese, piripiri and lemon. Absolutely weird. Where is the chicken? Then, the 8€ small potatoes with kimchi mayonnaise were excellent. Next, the 15€ grilled vegetables curry tasted great, but another tiny dish. We didn't try any drinks, but they looked good. This is definitely a date lounge spot for drinks. The food was great, but I'd need to spend 300€ to even feel full. The portion sizes are for a baby.
Located in the back of another restaurant, Mini Bar feels tucked away but once you're inside it's absolutely the main event. Live music early in the evening, a dj later. The food is fantastic. The service amazing. People are partying and eating and drinking and it's an event that you don't want to miss. There's a tasting menu so you don't have to make tough decisions, and as the night continues you can sing along or dance and enjoy the atmosphere.
When a celebrity chef open too many restaurant and food was mediocre. All the dishes probably more delicate and fun and interesting for the scene and local, but they were executed poorly. - Chocolate Cream dessert was probably the worst dessert we've ever had in our life - frozen Choco cream as ice cream?? - El Bulli Olive bottom grade version (had tried much better ones in Spain) - Avocado Tempura - avocado quality was so so and flavorless. - Tuna Tartar come was interesting but over seasoned slightly. It was an unnecessary stop for us in Lisbon we think.
Honestly good, but definitely overhyped... some food delivers, but much are aimless gastronomic explorations. Came here with much hope but don't need to come back. Highlights were the beef with fried egg and surprisingly the foie gras with cotton candy. Prawn was also nice. Olive and hummus pearl were one note and unnecessary. Sea bass and chicken were unmemorable. Overall, more ceremony and ambiance than substance and even the service (possibly because of my terrible Portuguese) was spotty. Unfortunate overall.
We felt the price for the amount in each serving was a little high, BUT, the food was very very good, a nice combination of flavors. The cocktails were creative and tasty, it was hard for me to decide which to have next, and the atmosphere was nice. Advertised as a "hidden" restaurant (behind a bookcase in the main restaurant). Our server was very informative and helpful in helping us choose what dishes and drinks to try. Also, looks like a good place for lots of occasions. We were 2 couples, we saw one woman by herself enjoying her time, a couple of dates, and a group of 4 guys hanging out.
My friend and I were so excited to dine here - everyone who has visited Lisbon has recommended this restaurant for us. Don't get me wrong, the food was great and the experience was awesome but both my friend and I woke up with severe food poisoning after dining here at 8pm on 9/24. Posting pictures of everything we ate here for reference. I reached out to the restaurant to flag getting very ill just hours after dining here and I have yet to get a response. If you or anyone you know also got sick from eating here in this day or shortly after, I apologize and hope you also didn't get as sick as we did.
14 days ago
'Garden party' drinks in an old church built in the 13th century Convento da Trindade now mini bar. El Bulli Olives are the Exploding olives a true delicious experience done by reverse spherification. 10 out of 10 read more
My last meal in Portugal! Love the decor in this speakeasy. The avocado tempura was the perfect size appetizer for one person (or 2 of you each want 1). The fish was cooked perfectly. The pasta was a big portion. The ice cream sandwich was fine. I didn't realize that's what I was ordering when I ordered the Oreo. Overall a good meal. read more
Very hip and cool restaurant/speakeasy inside the Barrio do Avillez "restaurant complex". I came without reservations and only for a drink but I was able to snag a seat at the bar in front of the mural with the woman. Loved the ambiance, food options looked very good (I did eat at Cantinho do Avillez earlier in the week in Chiado). 3 more restaurants in this complex. Love the neighborhood with tons of restaurant and bar options. read more
My husband and I are big foodies. We love dining at top restaurants around the world, and I love molecular gastronomy. However, since having kids, this has been difficult to continue. The great news is that with Mini Bar, you get the best of both worlds - the creative menu without needing a babysitter. Mini Bar is kid friendly, and the server we had was so awesome with our kids that I can't sing his praise though. We opted for the Tasting Menu, and ordered a pizza and fries for the kids. The food arrived pretty quick, until we hit the mains, then it slowed down a bit too much for my liking. The space is pretty interesting, and there's plenty of room, so you don't feel squished in. All in all though, great experience. Happy that I got to have my meal without having to ditch my kids with a stranger in a foreign country. read more
11 months ago
From a Michelin Chef, a Disappointing Experience I had high expectations for Minibar in Lisbon, but the experience was disappointing from start to finish. The waiters were clumsy, dropped dishes on the table, and had no idea how to place silverware properly. Even worse, a different waiter brought each dish, and none of them knew what they were serving -- a real problem when one guest is lactose intolerant. The apple margarita was good and the giant olive was interesting, though it felt like it was trying too hard to be clever. The foie gras giant ball was genuinely excellent -- easily the highlight of the night. The beef tartare was a disappointment: Spanish capers that tasted like nothing, no acidity, no balance, no character. The tuna tartare was equally anonymous, with the same herbs and seasoning recycled across every plate. The batter was soggy and oily, the asparagus lifeless, and the French fries seemed straight from a frozen bag, fried at the wrong temperature. The supposed truffle sprinkles were sparse, dull, and definitely not freshly grated Italian truffle. The only way to add some flavor was with a bit of Parmesan -- grated, apparently, the day before. Dessert (basil lemon) was refreshing, but by then the meal had lost all credibility. The dining room is pleasant, but the tables are in poor condition, cluttered with unnecessary objects, and the noise level makes conversation difficult. At $95 per person, it's seriously overpriced -- and $75 for the wine pairing is a truffa. From a multiple Michelin-starred chef, this was deeply disappointing. I'm sure José Avillez wasn't in the kitchen, but he should probably visit Minibar more often. It might have been good once -- now it's just an expensive tourist menu. read more
2 months ago
Fun and hidden away at the back of a restaurant, the entrance to this spot was through a bookshelf, giving it a speakeasy vibe. The decor and ambience are great. Tables are small and a little cramped. The food was delicious - we had the large foie gras pearls, tuna tartare cones, truffle dries, asparagus tempura, steak, passion fruit globe. Wonderful flavors! Portions are small so it felt a little overpriced but I guess you're paying for the experience. Our waiter was very attentive and helpful with recommendations. Overall, one of my four favorite restaurants from the trip! read more
From the entrance can tell this is a great restaurant. The menu seemed very complex at first but our server Joaquinn was great in helping us and his recommendations. For me, the absolute delicious showstoppers were the tuna tartare cone, the octopus and the passion fruit desert! My friends also really enjoyed the beef tartare and the duck curry. Notable mentions would be the Al pastor tostada and cod fish tempura. We decided against the chefs tasting menu because we wanted to sample a little bit of everyone even though it would cost a little more. But if it's just 2 of you the chefs menu is a great option. If you're a fan of octopus this is the best I've had my entire trip. It was super tender, flavorful and juicy along with some char which I have no idea how they were able to do all of that. And the tuna tartare cone is fresh tuna at its finest. Passion fruit dessert was one of the bigger portions we had out of everything we ordered. The duck curry was also plentiful. The decor and vibe is unlike most restaurants and very cool. I didn't have anything to drink but my friends said the mint martini was outstanding! I do not recommend either of the tuna belly. They weren't very good at all. Had a bad aftertaste. Overall a great experience and great food read more
7 months ago
Mini Bar once again blue wide remains one of Lisbon's most memorable dining experiences. What began as a spontaneous stop on Friday evening-after discovering the restaurant doing a December 2025 trip-quickly turned into two consecutive nights of exceptional hospitality and cuisine. Even without a reservation, the host welcomed us graciously, arranged a table f following night, and set a standard of professionalism that carried through the e weekend. The staff, from management to our server, delivered polished, attentiv that elevated every moment. The menu continues to shine. The coastal prawn ceviche was bright and refreshir exploding olives playful and delicious, and the octopus-tender, flavorful, and pe executed-was the best we tasted in Lisbon. The tiger prawn curry offered rich, b flavors, while the mushroom risotto emerged as the unexpected star of the evenir performances on Saturday added a vibrant layer to the already sophisticated atmosphere. By the end of the night, we were sharing dishes with the table beside us and laugh over drinks-exactly the kind of experience that makes a restaurant unforgettable. I later posted photos, friends immediately responded: "Mini Bar... love that place!" now 1 understand why the sentiment is universal. read more
My husband and I went here Monday night, the last night of our trip and Lisbon. We were so excited and this restaurant did not disappoint. Walking in the restaurant is indeed hidden as it seems like we walked through a couple of restaurants before getting to the hidden bookcase. Once inside, we were set quickly with our reservations And explain the menu. We chose to go à la cart and order dishes for each act on our own each of the dishes for small plates with a Unique and exciting presentation. For the first few acts, we ordered the beef tartare, which we are not used to, but did taste great. We also ordered foie gras which though presented well with the pearls, was not our speed & after googling, will definitely not order again. The shashimi was excellent and very fresh. My husband wanted to order more. We also enjoyed the al Pastor tostadas. For the last act, my husband ordered the beef which had a horse radish like sauce, and I ordered the oxtail rice. Both were excellent and very tasty. The service was friendly and informative. We really enjoyed our night, though we had to leave early. read more
Service was slow, but the bar was packed. There was a stage, but no entertainment. You'd think that a bar that size inside a restaurant and another restaurant would have entertainment. Could really be nice. We didn't eat, but had a couple of drinks. read more
8 months ago
YELP HAS WRONG LOCATION! Use the address listed on Google maps as yelp is incorrect and takes you to a hotel. You can make a reservation on their website. Most bizarre bar I've ever been to. First of all you have to walk through 2 other restaurants to even get to the bar. The bar is hidden in the back of another restaurant. The door is hidden as a a book shelf and then one of the staff members will open it for you. Once inside look right and you'll see the girl on the wall behind the bar. To the left is a stage. We tried the 8€ Croquettes- Really good, but you can eat all 3 in 20 seconds or less. Next, the 6€ "roasted chicken" with avocado cream, smoked cottage cheese, piripiri and lemon. Absolutely weird. Where is the chicken? Then, the 8€ small potatoes with kimchi mayonnaise were excellent. Next, the 15€ grilled vegetables curry tasted great, but another tiny dish. We didn't try any drinks, but they looked good. This is definitely a date lounge spot for drinks. The food was great, but I'd need to spend 300€ to even feel full. The portion sizes are for a baby. read more
2 years ago
Located in the back of another restaurant, Mini Bar feels tucked away but once you're inside it's absolutely the main event. Live music early in the evening, a dj later. The food is fantastic. The service amazing. People are partying and eating and drinking and it's an event that you don't want to miss. There's a tasting menu so you don't have to make tough decisions, and as the night continues you can sing along or dance and enjoy the atmosphere. read more
When a celebrity chef open too many restaurant and food was mediocre. All the dishes probably more delicate and fun and interesting for the scene and local, but they were executed poorly. - Chocolate Cream dessert was probably the worst dessert we've ever had in our life - frozen Choco cream as ice cream?? - El Bulli Olive bottom grade version (had tried much better ones in Spain) - Avocado Tempura - avocado quality was so so and flavorless. - Tuna Tartar come was interesting but over seasoned slightly. It was an unnecessary stop for us in Lisbon we think. read more
Honestly good, but definitely overhyped... some food delivers, but much are aimless gastronomic explorations. Came here with much hope but don't need to come back. Highlights were the beef with fried egg and surprisingly the foie gras with cotton candy. Prawn was also nice. Olive and hummus pearl were one note and unnecessary. Sea bass and chicken were unmemorable. Overall, more ceremony and ambiance than substance and even the service (possibly because of my terrible Portuguese) was spotty. Unfortunate overall. read more
2 years ago
We felt the price for the amount in each serving was a little high, BUT, the food was very very good, a nice combination of flavors. The cocktails were creative and tasty, it was hard for me to decide which to have next, and the atmosphere was nice. Advertised as a "hidden" restaurant (behind a bookcase in the main restaurant). Our server was very informative and helpful in helping us choose what dishes and drinks to try. Also, looks like a good place for lots of occasions. We were 2 couples, we saw one woman by herself enjoying her time, a couple of dates, and a group of 4 guys hanging out. read more
My friend and I were so excited to dine here - everyone who has visited Lisbon has recommended this restaurant for us. Don't get me wrong, the food was great and the experience was awesome but both my friend and I woke up with severe food poisoning after dining here at 8pm on 9/24. Posting pictures of everything we ate here for reference. I reached out to the restaurant to flag getting very ill just hours after dining here and I have yet to get a response. If you or anyone you know also got sick from eating here in this day or shortly after, I apologize and hope you also didn't get as sick as we did. read more
Okay, this is a MUST VISIT in my book. It's mysterious for a reason, and they definitely did a good job making it feel like a speakeasy. It's apparent that José Avillez hails from El Bulli. Reserve this for a special occasion- it's expensive but worth the experience. The decor is stunning, and you definitely feel transported. It felt burlesque-y in all the right ways. I would have loved better music (they do live music at 10:30pm on Thursdays) but we had a great time nonetheless. The cocktails are beautiful, and they have an extensive wine and champagne list for your celebration. The food is meant to be surprising, and the waitstaff almost abstains from explaining anything until you ask- which I can see from other reviews, might be frustrating if you're not sure. I asked plenty of questions, and made sure I understood which items didn't have dairy. The foie gras com algodão doce e framboesa lyo (foie gras with cotton candy and raspberry)- wow. I could have ordered more of this, it was stunning. The Tempura avocado with dehydrated kimchi and coriander sprouts, ALSO delicious, sopped all that sauce up. And highly recommend the tuna tartare cone as well. Next time I would go back for a full several-course meal. Thank you, José Avillez, stunning experience. read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
Incredible Chef has two other Michelin rated restaurants. It's no wonder this place has incredible drinks and food. Tried three cocktails and they were all perfect. Ordered the tuna tartar cones, steak, duck masala, truffle fries and dessert. This is the first time in a very long time that everything was a 10/10. Kudos to the bar, the kitchen, and the hosting staff. read more
1 year ago
Mini Bar is a swanky spot for food and cocktails! We came here for drinks and dessert during our last night out in Lisbon, and couldn't have picked a better venue. It's located all the way at the back of Jose Avillez's series of restaurants, and you pass through a hidden door to enter (speakeasy style). The food menu looked incredible as well and everything from the menu to decor was themed as a theatre show. Worth a visit! read more
This restaurant has such a unique and delicious menu, I highly recommend! You can order off one of their tasting menus or, order whatever you like (which is what I did). Everything is extremely creative and well thought out. A lot of different flavors on the menu I wouldn't have typically throughly to pair, but they pulled it off. Also loved the presentation of all the food. read more
4 years ago
Despite my 2-star rating, I want to acknowledge that the 5-star reviews are accurate. This place has a great vibe and cool, yet upscale speakeasy atmosphere and it was the most amazing gastronomic experience. (I had the tasking menu.) The cocktails were also exquisite. I made a reservation in advance, but the restaurant was not full the night I went (a Wednesday night in mid-July). My down-rating is because of what happened to me while dining here. I was dining alone (travelling alone), seated at a table in the restaurant near the bar, and I was drugged. I know I was drugged here because I was here for 4+ hours and it is where I have my last memory until I woke up in my apartment more than 12 hours later and I had been assaulted. I left my drink unattended at my table twice to use the bathroom, but each time I had notified my waiter. I even offered to pay my bill before doing so to avoid suspicion I was running out on the bill. (The restrooms are outside the restaurant in the adjoining space.) My waiter assured me it was okay. He had been friendly and attentive all evening. At this time, the restaurant had emptied quite a bit and none of the tables around me were occupied. My last vivid memory is my waiter ushering me welcomingly to a seat at the bar, since the dining room was winding down. I often travel alone, and I have never felt in danger. This is not the type of establishment where I would expect this to happen, so I want this to be a warning to other solo female travellers. My experience here was truly wonderful up until the point I last remember, but I am in utter shock and disbelief about how it ended. read more
4 years ago
What an amazing find- the ambiance is funky and eclectic and the food and service were spectacular. We ordered the tasting menu and were pleasantly surprised by the bold flavors and beautiful presentation. We had wine, yes, we did the wine pairings and beware: the "grand" wine pairing does not mean higher quality it means quantity (NOT a complaint, just a fact). We spent 4 whole days in Lisbon and this dinner was certainly a highlight. Many thanks to Alex, our amazing sommelier. Or I think his name was Alex. You know, too much wine. Highly recommend. read more
3 years ago
I love that this spot is hidden behind 3 other restaurants in the front. The small plates of food are phenomenal and the cocktails are great too. Their electronic menu for the drinks is a bit confusing though, especially when it's separate from the food menu which comes from a QR code. read more
4 years ago
It's alright... kinda boring! We were expecting a show and live music during dinner but was told it doesn't start until midnight! The food lol oh gosh! Some of the the portions are so small and just so unnecessary! The tables were so closed to each other and you can't help but listen to their conversations.. food came out quick.. It was just alright; def overrated and don't book dinner before 8pm or you'll be more bored out of your mind.... Spend your money somewhere else or just come at 12am for drinks.. I would not recommend having dinner here... read more
4 years ago
Must visit if you're in Lisbon. One of the best meals I've had. The tasting menu is excellent and extremely reasonable. Can't wait to come back! read more
3 years ago
8 years ago
I'm sure you expect no less from a chef coming from elbulli. This is a small tapas inspired bar and restaurant. We had an excellent assortment of tapas, creative and delicious. The service was excellent, really informative and attentive. I'm not used to such good service and attention to detail. We started our food tasting journey through the streets of Lisbon at the Mini Bar. The four dishes we had where. 1.) Gambas do Algarve em ceviche 2.) Cornetto" temaki de tártaro de Atum com soja Picante 3.) Ferrero Rocher, parece que é, mas não é! (foie gras) 4.)Atum braseado com arroz de sushi All good some better then others, I would go back to try several other dishes. But there's so many other great places to try first. read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
This place is amazing in so many ways - great service - outstanding delicious food. Dined there few times while staying in Lisbon - I do recommend their tasting menu- let the chef surprise your taste buds. read more
4 years ago
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