Casanostra — Restaurant in Lisbon

I have just left this establishment 20 minutes ago. I came in with my husband. I am pregnant and have typical pregnancy cravings and asked the gentleman who welcomed us if they served chips. He replied with a sarcastic reply this is an authentic italian we do not serve chips accompanied by a smirk on his face. We asked if there was an English menu of some kind: He said he would be over to translate knowing we were English. We sat at the table for 15 minutes trying to translate the menu in google as this server walked everywhere but near us. I felt extremely uncomfortable and unwelcome. We had a lovely female waitress who advised she couldnt speak English but would get her colleague to come over (I feel he should have passed this message on than leaving us to fumble and struggle. Another gentleman who she must have passed this message on to came over to us to help (he was also lovely I add) but at this point I wanted to get out of there and felt overwhelmed with tears so we left with just our drinks on the table and I went outside and cried. I really hope no-one else is left to feel this way and I hope this mentioned gentleman ( shaved head, smaller server) dusts up on his customer service skills and perhaps moving forward behaves with some more grace. I am not just a 'typical English' traveller who orders 'chips' its just a craving, and this is exactly the way I was made to feel. We are now in trattoria lisboeta and have been treated with respect and patience. Would...

The food was surely excellent, but Mariano and João made both of our meals the highlights of our trip to Lisbon. Yes, that's right; the food and service was so good that we came back twice within our weeks stay. TWICE. IN LISBON... A town with many Michelin starred restaurants and a very competitive food scene - Casanostra stands head and shoulders above all others.

The thing that great Italian restaurants offer - which seems to elude the hipster hangouts and Michelin monasteries, is a family welcome - to be sat down with hospitality and warmth, and to be treated the same as everyone else in the place; like royalty. The thing that only the best can offer is the confidence to steer you towards the dishes they think will fit your own taste, not theirs.

That is what we experienced, twice, in different circumstances, but with a very busy restaurant both times. No long waits. No mistakes on the plates (perfection in flavour balance, especially the use of tartufo nero - a favourite of mine). A personal touch both times. Superb recommendations. Sharp wits and contagious grins. The most delicious aperitivo. The most delicious Nebbiolo d'Alba. The carpaccio. The fettuccine with porcini and the linguettine with tartufo nero. The succulent steak cooked in Barolo. The lemon meringue pie alla nonna. It all just blends into one fantastic experience, and one that makes me wish I lived in Lisbon, so that I could experience it whenever I...

Would recommend this restaurant to anyone and everyone who comes to Lisbon. Aside from the food being absolutely delicious, Nuno was an absolute joy of a server. Every dish he recommended was truly spot on — from the silkiness of the carbonara, to the fresh, garlicy, saucy, perfectly balanced sea bass stuffed with spinach and salmon, to the indulgent truffle burrata and filet carpaccio. Each dish was truly a celebration of flavor, crafted with care and passion (and you MUST not skip the tiramisu)!!! But what really set this evening apart was Nuno. He took care of us in a way that went far beyond what you’d expect from a server. It wasn’t just professionalism — it was genuine kindness, the kind of attention and warmth you’d only expect from family or your closest friends. These are the experiences that stay with you. Yes, you come for the food, the drinks, the atmosphere — but the memory that lingers most is the human connection. Sharing stories, laughter, and warmth across a table transforms a meal into something unforgettable. Nuno turned what could have just been a great dinner into one of those moments that remind you why you travel at all: to meet remarkable people whose generosity of spirit leaves a mark long after the evening ends. You will surely leave Casanostra feeling more than satiated from the beautiful Italian cuisine, but if you’re lucky, and Nuno is your waiter, it will also feed...