Cícero — Restaurant in Lisbon

We came to Lisbon on vacation and I wanted to surprise my mother with a hypothetical excellent dinner at Cicero. Unfortunately, the experience was underwhelming. My mother, who is lactose intolerant, chose the three-course tasting menu, while I went for the eight-course version. The main issue here was that her portions were exactly the same size as mine, but they told me that mine were obviously smaller so I could try all the 8 dishes. Since she couldn’t eat any of the three desserts offered, she was given just a “pre-dessert” as a substitute and THAT IS FINE but the real problem is that they could at least made her portion bigger since it was the size of a spoon and we paid the full course anyway. She literally watched me eat and finished her dinner still feeling hungry.

As for the food, the flavors were fine, but nothing particularly memorable. What shocked us most was that while we were still eating dessert, the chefs and the head waiter, clearly visible in the open kitchen, just packed up and left—without even say a word to us, not even a “bye”. Keep in mind, there were only two tables dining that night and we were left alone with only the waiters at 22:00. I don’t think this is the right way to treat your customers, especially when they’re spending a significant amount of money on a dinner (170€ without wine).

The only truly positive note: our waitress, who was kind and very...

A Culinary Symphony at Cicero – An Unforgettable Eight-Course Experience

From the moment our Uber pulled up in front of Cicero, we knew we were in for something special. Standing outside the unassuming building, we glimpsed through the glass door and saw Marcelo approaching—opening the grand double doors with both hands, as though welcoming royalty. That first impression set the tone for an extraordinary evening.

Marcelo was not only our gracious host but a true sommelier scholar. His knowledge of Portuguese wines went far beyond the basics—it wasn’t Wine 101, it was Wine 301. With each course, he presented a new wine, perfectly paired, and passionately explained. We left with a newfound appreciation for the depth and variety of Portugal’s wine regions.

And then, the food. A true symphony of flavors—each course a distinct note, complementing the one before and teasing the one to follow. It began gently, building in complexity and intensity, then gracefully resolving with a hint of what was still to come. Each dish was beautifully plated, thoughtfully composed, and perfectly timed.

Cicero isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. If you are in Lisbon, this is a must-visit. Come hungry, curious, and ready...

The evening dinner I had here, on my last night in Lisboa, was an absolute highlight of my trip. This cozy and quaint restaurant exudes a charm that is truly unique - a blend of beauty, class, art, and revolution that captivated me from the moment I stepped in. The cuisine, described as contemporary European, offers an unparalleled dining experience. I never imagined lamb could taste that way!! The flavors that were an unexpected delight, but I won't spoil the surprise by revealing more! What truly set Cicero Bistro apart was the staff's deep knowledge of the artwork on display and the revolutionary inspiration behind the establishment. It added an enriching layer to the dining experience, making it not just a meal, but a cultural journey. Leaving the restaurant, I not only savored a top-notch meal, but I also made new friends. The warmth and hospitality of the staff made me feel truly welcome and left a lasting impression. Needless to say, Cicero Bistro will be my first stop upon returning to Lisbon, rather than the last. It's a must-visit for anyone looking for a truly unforgettable dining experience that goes beyond...