Faz Figura — Restaurant in Lisbon

The expectation going into this restaurant was high, the views are known for being great and the food had great reviews. To our demise, the experience was all but a bleak one. When we arrived, no one was there to show us to the table (which we had reserved in advance) and we had to wait a while. Once we were sat down, we were left alone for 20 minutes without anyone coming to our table to ask for drinks or some starters. At that point we asked for someone to provide some level of service. Then someone finally came. The experience went downhill from there. The wine we asked - not available; the starters we asked - not available; 2 of main courses we asked - not available. For a restaurant with such a small menu, to have part of it not available, only leaves a couple of options for people to choose from. We were not impressed at this point. Once we finally managed to ask for wine and food that was actually available, it took another 10 minutes before the wine came. Then finally after a long while, the food came as well. To be honest, we were disappointed with the food, it was nice, but we have eaten as nicely or even better in less pricey restaurants in Lisbon. The cod cataplana was average, not worth going there for that for sure. The seabass with the black rice, also average, nothing special. If I had to compare the black rice we can have at Solar dos Presuntos, the one at Faz Figura pales in comparison. We then finished the bottle of wine (without anyone from the service even noticing) and again, a while to try and ask for another bottle, which again took a while to come, and we had already finished our meal when it finally did. All in all, the experience was bad for the price that is charged. If you are in Lisbon looking to eat dinner with a view, there are other options with better service - any rooftop from any hotel in Av. da Liberdade, ir Noobai, Le Chat and...

Beautiful view. Feels like they put a roof onto a square. Really liked the location. We didn’t eat a whole lot at Faz Figura. I don’t accept to load a menu on my phone from QR code or anyway. We already get way too much screen time. I asked that they bring a paper menu and they declined. Then I asked that the waitress read to me the menu, because I’m not going to a sit down restaurant, slow food, and read a menu from a screen. She was clearly surprised and had no idea what to do. I hope next time I visit they will have a better alternative. If not, I might not stay if they do get another visit from me. A small chalk board with pertinent items might solve this problem. Also just having a few paper menus from fussy customers like me might be a good start. Innovation where it’s due. Old school where we don’t need innovation. Also a clear display at the table that they do not accept non cash forms of payment would be a logical common...

I start positive. Our waiter Ruben did excellent job and kinda save the day for us. He was a star, being friendly, professional, knowing his wine... You name it. All complements to him.

However, being fair, the food was so bad that we cannot even finish it. Only the prawns and veal tartar as starters were just ok. Some dishes like the pork main was literally rancid and unsafe to eat. The seafood pasta as well, felt not fresh and tastes ugly. Overall the seafood we ordered wasn't fresh at all, was mushy and had a funny aftertaste. I guess the seafood they use in the kitchen had to be frozen or old.

Also the restaurant design and decor looks like it has the best days sometime 10 yeast ago.

The bottom line is, I recommend to avoid this place. I'm so...