It was about 9pm and my friend and I were hungry. We didn't want to be in the hustle and bustle of downtown, so I looked up a random place and headed towards it. We got to the top of the world, I mean stairs, and my friend decided that she didn't even want to eat anymore because it was too long of a hike to get to the place that I had originally looked up. Instead, we walked into this little gem expecting to just get a drink. The front does not give away what is inside.
We were seated at a magical table towards the back of a restaurant. Everything from there was magical. The food was exquisite, all of it was phenomenal. The wine, we thought, was a little bit overpriced, BUT we like to believe that you are paying for the wonderful experience. Soon after we placed our order and got our wine, we were accompanied by a small group of 3 who entertained us with music from Portugal, a little bit of history, and a beautiful ambiance. I would recommend this place to EVERYONE. I was hesitant to share because I love that it's off the beaten path and most people would not venture out, but this place is worth every single stair to get all the way up there. One regret I have it not exploring the area a little more, but wow. Finding this place on the last night in Lisbon was the cherry on top for us.
The person who greeted us (presumably the owner) was so funny, welcoming, and warm. It was a hit from the start. We ended up having a full course meal and loved every minute of it. HOWEVER, beware that they ONLY TAKE CASH. This cost me a 5 minute sprint back to my hotel and a battle coming back, but they were really nice about it. Everyone there seemed to be truly joyful. The band makes rounds around the different areas of the restaurant (I think 3), so it's very intimate. As they made their way around, I noted about 3 different singers, one of them was a busboy or server (maybe both!). It seems like a family run place, they all work together and have one another's back, constantly asking if we are okay, if our order was put in, or if we had questions. Sometimes joking that they kept coming around.
I'm about living in the moment and not having a phone out at dinner, so I don't have any to share, but other do, check them out. You will not regret your stop here. FYI - 2 people, 1 wine bottle, 2 apps., 2 entrées, like 75 euros. read more