BYF Steakhouse — Restaurant in Lisbon

I recently visited Byf Steakhouse and, unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory

The restaurant itself is small but stylish, with dark tones that fit well with the steakhouse concept. The ambiance was on point for the type of establishment it aims to be

However, the service was disappointing. Firstly, the staff seemed disengaged and lacked knowledge about both the menu and the wines. When we asked for a wine recommendation, the waiter, predictably, suggested the most expensive option. When asked why, he was unable to provide a reason

We were interested in trying the "picanha." The menu offered two options: Black Angus picanha (around €22) and Wagyu picanha (around €39). When we inquired which one to choose, the waiter again recommended the more expensive option, citing that it would be more tender

We eventually ordered the beef tartare and the Wagyu picanha. The tartare was a major letdown—it wasn’t finely chopped as one would expect, but rather minced to the point where it resembled chewed-up meat. Despite the unpleasant texture, the seasoning, including the egg yolk and capers, was well-balanced. However, the texture was off-putting enough that I couldn’t finish it

Before serving the steak, we were presented with five different types of salt: flor de sal, ginger and lemon, wine, 3 peppers, and chocolate. This was a surprisingly nice touch, as was the selection of knives tailored to different levels of meat doneness. I chose the knife for rare, as I had specifically requested my steak to be cooked rare

When the Wagyu picanha arrived, it was nearly impossible to cut through. Initially, I thought the knife might be dull, which was partly true, but after managing to slice off a piece, I realised that the meat itself was tough and chewy—far from the tender texture I had been promised

I requested to have the steak replaced, but instead, they offered to cook it further. This seemed odd, as it wouldn’t result in the rare doneness I had initially asked for. They eventually cooked my steak to medium, which was far from a satisfactory solution

This is a steakhouse, after all—a restaurant that specialises in meat—so it was particularly disappointing to have such a poor experience with the steak

When I asked for the bill, they removed only a €2 sauce from the total, which left a bad taste. It would have been better if they hadn’t removed anything at all

On a positive note, the wine was generously poured, so there’s that

Overall, my first experience at Byf was highly unsatisfactory, and I have no desire...

We chose BYF Steak Lisbon for our wedding anniversary, expecting a memorable experience — but walked away disappointed, frustrated, and feeling misled.

The food itself? Genuinely great. The steaks were cooked perfectly, and it was our first time trying steak from a Josper oven — absolutely delicious. We’d recommend it to anyone.

In the days leading up to our trip, we’d checked the menu online several times, read through reviews, and were so excited to dine here. This was meant to be the special dinner of our holiday.

But the service and how we were treated completely overshadowed the food.

We arrived and showed our confirmed reservation. The hostess found my name on her list with no problem and we were seated at our reserved table.

Then, 15 minutes after we’d already ordered, another staff member approached us and asked, again, what name the reservation was under.

He looked confused, and my wife had to physically show him my name on his own device — and even then, he still looked unsure. It was awkward, disruptive, and just poor organisation.

Then came the biggest letdown: the surprise charge for bread and dips.

Shortly after ordering, we were served bread and dips, and the server said: “These are for the table — please enjoy.” There was no mention these would be charged, and we were never given a choice.

We only realised after the fact, while going through our bill back at our hotel. Had we been told these came with a cost, we’d have refused them without hesitation.

Here’s what we were charged: • Garlic oil – €2.50 • Smoked butter – €2.50 • Bread – €2.00 + €4.00 • Total: €11.00

That’s not about money — it’s about clarity and trust. On a night like our anniversary, being misled like that completely ruined the experience.

The steak? Incredible. The service? Disappointing. The handling of the bill?...

I walked up expecting to get a table, but unfortunately not. There were reserved signs on every table. Together with the reviews that I had read, I thought that this is a place where I need to eat. I thus made a booking for the evening after

I was welcomed into the restaurant and shown to my table. I began with a local Weiss bier, just nice after a lovely warm day.

I began with the mussels which were large and very nice. The garlic bread and the mussel liquor were also really tasty and comforting.

I then went for the national steak. The ever so helpful Roberto informed me that it was very similar to a filet mignon. The steak came on the rare side of medium with a knife specialised to do the job. I also had pave potatoes with aioli and a blue cheese sauce. All were excellent particularly the steak. This was washed down with a nice glass of red as recommended by Roberto. All good.

The sweet menu is fairly small but contains some wonderful dishes including apple crumble. I went for the brownie on the waitresses recommendation. Wow, this was super. The brownie came on s hot skillet which was causing it to go chewy on the edges. Ice cream was piled above and hot toffee sauce was poured over it all so that it sizzled and bubbled on the oven hot container. It was a delight.

I finished off with an espresso and cherry liqueur.

This was an excellent meal, served in a cosy, welcoming small place by friendly, efficient staff.

Booking is essential and I strongly urge you to do so when you visit this lovely charming city....