A Tasca do Manel — Restaurant in Lisbon

Now I understand what people mean when they say “Portuguese cuisine is among the best in the world”. The lovely people who run this establishment will make you smile, with the quality (and quantity!) of the food and with their pleasant demeanors. The husband appears to be the chef, an expert at grilling and cooking every type of fresh meat and sausage you can think of. And on certain days he has the freshest fish and bacalhau ready to cook for his hungry guests. The wife (I presume, forgive me if that is not the case!) is the host and server, adeptly taking and fulfilling orders, making recommendations, and making all the guests feel at home. If the tasty food and reasonable prices don’t keep you coming back here regularly, their smiles and positive attitude will!

I had a very relaxed lunch with rustic bread, cheese, olives, more delicious red wine than I could drink, a hearty plate of tender succulent meat with rice and fried potatoes, dessert (the most delicious pudim I’ve had in Portugal!), café, and a very special post-meal digestif (liquor) for under €20, including a voluntarily gratuity.

It’s a very intimate and charming space. On prior occasions I’ve passed by, it was full at lunch, but I was lucky to have a table all to myself on a quiet Wednesday after a holiday.

Please eat here. If you’re a visitor, don’t be afraid of trying out your Portuguese (or using your favorite translation app, if necessary). When in doubt, just smile and say “Boa tarde! Queria comer comida típica portuguesa” and be prepared to answer a few simple questions with a nod of the head and a “sim, por favor” or a shake of the head and “não, obrigado”. Be adventurous! Don’t worry. Whatever you get will taste great and will be so reasonably priced. They want your repeat business.

So, come here hungry, and expect to leave here stuffed and a bit tipsy 🤭 like I did. And tell your friends about it. They’ll be envious!...

Toda a história começa por " era uma vez ..." Está tb poderia assim acontecer e contar a história de irmãos ou de uma família. Isso é só para alguns ...o importante é saber que a Tasca do Manel , com o sr.Manuel e a d. Fátima é um dos locais de eleição de Lisboa para quem é apreciador de excelente comida e de boa e sã conversa . Aqui se pode encontrar conhecer em conversas pessoas que nunca imaginamos conhecer e que nas mesas comunicam entre si unidos por vários objetivos comuns . A boa comida , o sr Manuel e a d. Fátima que fazem desta casa um local extraordinário para quem aprecia a boa comida . A opinião de hoje centea-se no cozido que em doses fartas nos faz deliciar o palato . As travessas separadas com a do feijão, a do arroz ,a das couves, legumes e enchidos e a das carnes vão chegando por forma a que estejam sempre quentes . Tudo cozinhado com a mestria , a qualidade e a matéria prima adequada á excelência com que nos servem e têm sempre uma palavra amiga para quem degustar excelsa refeição. Não descurar as sobremesas, os vinhos e os digestivos que compõem o almoço. Reserva obrigatória.É sempre bom voltar onde a história tem histórias para...

Sensational, and truly authentic family run Portuguese tasca, which I can't recommend highly enough. Food and drink were home-made from scratch, and Isabel (daughter) gave fantastic recommendations and shared the family's passion for good, traditional food! (Sorry, this is the only photo I...