You have to love a restaurant that advertises itself with two Michelin tires next to the front door since they have yet to earn any stars to show off (Photo 3). A sense of humor helps, but the real reason Jamie W and I stopped here was that we read their bifanas were tasty. If you don't know, a bifana is a Portuguese favorite, a sandwich stuffed with slices of pork simmered in garlic, white wine, paprika, and bay leaves and served in a warm, crusty bread roll.
While it's located in Chiado, Lisbon's busy main shopping area, this taberna has the cozy feeling of a hidden wine cellar. Business was percolating when we arrived, but we fortunately secured a table quickly, Jamie ordered the reasonably priced 6,8€ Bifana (Photo 8), while I went premium with the 15,8€ Slow Braised Pork Cheek Sandwich (Photo 10). It was the same crusty roll but treated like a French dip with the cheek slices quite thin and tender.
While the combination of meat and carbs was satisfying, we knew it would be wise to order the 5,5€ Mixed Salad (Photo 9). What arrived was a generous platter of lettuce, radicchio, onion, and sliced tomato drizzled with oil and vinegar. The staff kept the atmosphere convivial, and the curved rustic walls were covered with art and notes from their happy customers. If you're looking for a gregarious place with good food, this taberna is a worthy option.
FOOD - 4 stars...hearty pork sammies that hit the spot
AMBIANCE - 4 stars...cozy and social, also kid-friendly
SERVICE - 4 stars...pretty accommodating
TOTAL - 4 stars...solidly casual place in the middle of Lisbon
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