Altar — Restaurant in Lisbon

Usually, I don’t leave bad reviews, but this one will be among the first. We were quite hungry and found this place in the old neighbourhood. I wish we bumped into an another place. We ordered sardines, beer and cod “açorda”. Since we didn’t know what that means we asked the waiter to explain the dish and its ingredients since the don’t have detailed information in their menu. The guy told that it’s a fried cod with some herbs and a few shrimps, frankly, it was really difficult to understand his accent and he spoke very quiet. Instead of a fried fish we got this, look at the picture - a mixture of fish-like substance mixed with white bread and maybe some other stuff in there, it was not appetising at all.

The sardines were ok-ish, but keep in mind that they don’t remove fish viscera, not sure if it’s the right way to cook sardines, this is the first time I see this.

The administrator noticed that we barely touched the dish, he was quite friendly before and have told us that the chef was so happy to have us…

I described the problem and the guy simply said that there is a language barrier and offered a free desert 😁 we were quite upset with such an experience and we didn’t feel like eating any deserts. In the end, they charged the full price for that dish and didn’t settle the situation.

In short, save your time and don’t go there, there are so many other good places. otherwise, take the risk.

A remark to the administrators and owners. Guys, offering a free desert it’s not an option to settle such situations, if you tell your customers that you’re so happy to serve them, do it. What we saw are just empty words and contradictory actions. Also, you should list all the ingredients for your dishes in the menu. I think it’s quite obvious that some people may have allergies or simply don’t like some ingredients. Bravo, you’ve got 2 bad reviews for 13...

“Altar” in Lisbon is a cozy place that masterfully combines the charm of old-world elegance with a cozy, intimate atmosphere. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a unique decor that feels like stepping back in time. The vintage furnishings, soft lighting, and tasteful antiques, photos and the frames create an ambiance that is both nostalgic and refined, making it the perfect setting for a memorable evening.

The menu at Altar is a true celebration of Portuguese cuisine, with each dish expertly crafted to highlight the rich flavors of the region. Every bite was a delight, from the perfectly cooked seafood to the tender meat dishes, all paired wonderfully with an impressive selection of wines. The drinks menu is equally noteworthy, offering a variety of cocktails that are as delicious as they are inventive.

What truly sets Altar apart, however, is the impeccable service. The staff are not only professional and attentive but also incredibly warm and welcoming. Their kindness and patience made us feel truly special, and their recommendations were spot on.

A highlight of our evening was the live accordion music played by a talented gentleman, who added an extra layer of charm to the experience. His music was the perfect backdrop to our meal, creating a magical atmosphere that we won’t soon forget.

Altar is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a place to celebrate with friends, this is the spot. Highly...

This was supposed to be the place where we spent New Years Eve but it wasn't open. It was why we ended up at the awful Solas dos Bicos. Do not eat at dos Bicos. But do try Alter. Better than average. Quirky little place. They've glued open books to the walls and ceilings which I didn't really like, but I was there for the food. The olives that came with the bread were too bitter for me. I ate them, cos I hate waste. The goats cheese parcel was excellent. Bigger than expected but worth it. I went with Pic-a-pau because I'd had an excellent one the day before. This one was very different. Better meat but the sauce wasn't as rich. I did enjoy it though. Octopus for main because it seemed that was all anyone talked about with Alter. Good. Decent enough. I prefer my octopus charred after it has been braised. This one was only braised. It came on a bed of spinach/silver beet. Broccoli and punched potatoes. Pricey for its size. €20. See the picture to see if you think it's worth it. The missus got pork cheeks with mashed potatoes. Loved it. As did I. We always try each other's food. Dessert were a creme brulee to share, (a little grainy for me) but a good flavour. All in all a massive improvement over Dos Bicos (go read that review if you think this one is long) If I were to be picked I thought it was pricey. But I still...