Estrela da Bica — Restaurant in Lisbon

After our long day visit to Sintra, we wanted to stay close to our apartment for dinner. So we headed out to explore the area and find something tasty. We entered what looked like a strong possibility, only to find the menu not to our liking. Continuing our search, we found many places very full. We followed the tram tracks down the hill and came to an intersection with numerous options. A pleasant sidewalk dining opportunity beckoned-Estrela d Bica. We were able to snag an open sidewalk table. Greeted warmly by our server and given the menu, which consists of mostly small plate for sharing with a few main courses available. Many things sounded delicious. Starter of choice was the croquettes made from artisanal sausage and served with a sweet mustard. Definitely some of the best croquettes we had on this trip. Really full of porky goodness with tasting greasy. As we waited for our next course, we noticed an increase in the level of customers being seated. And the increase in difficulty that the two servers (that we could see) had in covering it all. We had both chosen salads. Mine was the seasonal tomato, fresh figs, and balsamic while my wife’s selection was the fennel salad with oranges and nuts. Both of these we were extremely happy with. The tomatoes & figs were so flavorful and balsamic was the perfect compliment. The fennel salad’s citrusy dressing was again a perfect addition to that salad. Great choices. By now getting our servers attention was becoming difficult to get something or ask a question. My wife loves a good steak and the striploin sounded delicious, served with a whipped hollandaise. It came expertly cooked and the sauce was a revelation, deep flavor while being very light. First time having anything resembling a hollandaise with beef but they were great together. The pork confit ravioli I had chosen came in an interesting mushroom/mustard sauce that had a unique flavor profile. Didn’t love or hate it. But it was tasty. Very little in the way of pork flavor but I ate every bite. Once finished, it was clear that the staff were being stretched thin. But passing on dessert wasn’t an option when one of the menu items was dark & white chocolate mousse with a hazelnut praline. We’d seen it go by while eating and it looked exciting, so we did order it. Unfortunately, we never got to try it. After a full twenty minute wait, we flagged own the server to ask about the delay and he apologetically told us he had forgotten to put the order in. Disappointing to say the least. But except for that one miscue, we really enjoyed the food served here....

Estrela da Bica is one of those places that aims for a trendy, upscale dining experience but ultimately falls short in both execution and value. Unfortunately, the promise of a special culinary evening quickly evaporates when the reality of the pricing, portion sizes, and flavors sets in.

First and foremost, the restaurant is extremely overpriced for what it offers. A prime example is the Tuna Tataki, which consists of four tiny pieces of tuna accompanied by five paper-thin beetroot slices, all for an eye-watering €17. This theme of inflated prices paired with minuscule portions repeats itself with nearly every dish on the menu.

Adding to the frustration, the main courses are marketed as "dishes to share," but they are so small that they wouldn't satisfy one person, let alone two. The staff actively encourages you to order three to four main courses for two people, yet even after doing so, there's a strong chance you'll leave the restaurant still hungry.

When it comes to the food itself, the kitchen seems determined to make each dish "extraordinary," but this ambition backfires. Instead of enhancing the flavors, the meals are overwhelmed by acidic sauces that clash with the ingredients, leaving an unbalanced and unsatisfying taste. Simplicity and better execution would go a long way toward improving the overall experience.

The decor is another disappointment. The restaurant feels like a converted garage, with too many tables crammed into a limited space, creating a cramped and uncomfortable atmosphere that detracts from the supposed sophistication of the establishment.

Overall, Estrela da Bica feels like a place that prioritizes style over substance, charging premium prices for underwhelming dishes in a less-than-cozy environment. While the concept may sound appealing on paper, the execution leaves much to be desired. If you’re looking for a satisfying dining experience in Lisbon, there are many better...

Do NOT go to this place!! This is my first bad restaurant review. The experience was so bad, I could write a really long ome, but I'll go straight to the point:

-Portions are TINY! I was so hungry had to have dinner again after ordering 4 "main dishes" at this place. Just an example, they have a Ravioli entrée that is 1, 2 and 3. Yes, LITERALLY THREE raviolis on a plate for 13 euros!!!

Talking about tiny, the dining area is RIDICULOUSLY SMALL. Tables are separated by 10 cm/4 inches. This is a great spot if you like having dinner while someone you don't know is breathing on your shoulder.

Award for the NOISIEST restaurant ever. Be ready to NOT be able to have a convo. They try to cram people in tables of 2, and you end up with 17 different conversation in 9 m2/90 Sq ft

Another unique achievement for Estrella do Bica, the first restaurant ever to CHARGE FOR TAP WATER!!! I was speechless when I saw the check, 1 euro for every glass of tap water.

Food quality: Their food is mainly just a bunch of greasy sauces to hide the poor quality of their main ingredients.

-Service: Unprofessional and slow, if you want a drink be ready to ask for it at least 3 times until you get it on the table. Be ready for your food to get cold since they will try to put as many dishes on the table as possible at the same time.

Price: Spent 50 euros/person for poor food, bad service and having to have dinner at a different restaurant afterwards.

They do not take credit cards, but they will not let you know about it until you have to pay. If you insist on using a credit they will take you to an atm that charges you 2% to take you money out.

Please do yourself a favor and do not go...