Finally a place deserving of more than 4 stars, it seems that Lisbon is rife with places with high stars and terrible food.
The service was nice, we were seated quickly and our waitress knew English which was very much appreciated. The menu is also helpful for English speakers, there are English translations throughout and it is divided into sections for veg, fish and meat dishes. We had to ask about the lunch special as they did not tell us automatically despite there being a sign about it outside.
The salmon and tuna ceviche are very flavourful and were shared with everyone on our table which worked well. 2 people ordered the lunch special (1 veg option - lasagne and 1 fish option - cod, but this may be subject to change.)
The lasagne portion was reasonable, the sauce was rich and the cheese was gooey and harmonious with the dish. The cod was also delicious, it was served on a hot plate above a bed of sweet potato slices and slowly cooks as you eat. The veg puree was also tasty and did well to not mask the flavour of the cod. The salmon was served in a similar way however it had direct contact with the hot plate meaning only the first bite was perfectly cooked and became more and more overcooked over the course of the meal.
The atmosphere was nice, there were wine bottles all over and I would recommend heading here in the evening for drinks as they have clearly put in effort to curate a wine tasting and a cocktail menu (happy hour too!) The only issue was how warm it was inside, we asked to move the fan near our table and they were happy to oblige.
I would recommend this place to others, just note that their booking system seems...lax? We made a booking for that evening for a different group of people and the restaurant mistook the time as 20:00 instead of 20:30 so when the party arrived expecting a table they were told there was no space. This last incident and the cooking of the salmon are why I have not awarded 5 stars. Pics: cod dish, 2. bruschetta, 3. salmon, 4. fish tacos 5. lunch special we tried Edit: changed some...
Read moreLocated in the historic Baixa district of Lisbon, Eating Bear offers a memorable dining experience that comes close to culinary excellence. This family-owned restaurant is characterized by its warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it an appealing choice for both locals and visitors.
The tuna tower was a notable highlight, offering a well-balanced blend of flavors that showcased the kitchen’s skill. The interactive experience of cooking premium cuts of meat on a tabletop grill was both enjoyable and unique, adding a layer of engagement to the meal. However, while the dishes were generally well-prepared, a few lacked the exceptional quality that would push this experience from very good to outstanding.
The wine selection, sourced from what seems to be the family’s own vineyard, was impressive. Discussing the options with the knowledgeable staff felt more like an educational experience than a typical interaction. Our waitress was both polite and expressive, guiding us through the menu with skill and enthusiasm, which greatly enhanced the overall experience.
Though the meal was satisfying, the dessert offerings stood out as particularly noteworthy. Each dessert was crafted with care, rounding off the meal on a high note.
It’s worth noting that the prices can be on the higher side. For those concerned about cost, consider taking advantage of promotions through platforms like The Fork, Zomato, or the restaurant’s own loyalty card, which can make the experience more affordable.
In conclusion, Eating Bear is a commendable choice for those looking to enjoy a high-quality meal in Lisbon. While there were a few minor shortcomings and the pricing might be steep without a promotion, the overall experience was still very enjoyable, making it well...
Read moreThe conditions of the bathroom were absolutely unacceptable for a place with such high ratings. I guess most of the reviewers must be from the US. My dish was slightly dirty. The design would be nice, but the ropes on the ceiling are completely full of dust. The service is mixed, some of them are very polite but one just throws the dishes on your table or removes them without asking if you are done eating. The prosciutto we ordered was of good quality, but they didn't even care to separate the slices which were all glued together as they are in the package they expose at the entrance of the restaurant. The beef, which you cook yourself was ok and tasteful. However, the frying pan is made is such a way that frying oil splashes everywhere... The potatoes that come as a contour to the meat where dry and seemingly from the previous day. Considering that we ordered food that was not even cooked, the presentation should be exemplary for a 60 € meal. It wasn't at all. A tip was added to the check by pen, letting you feel quite forced to pay for it. Overall, rude people and low quality food for any person with European cuisine standards. All around there are local places with much better food and service. Not...
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