First dining experience at Gunpowder. Overall it was a good experience, and I will return. There were 2 of us and we ordered 2 small plates (Spicy lamb and vermicelli donut, and chili garlic squid) and 2 sharing plates (beef pepper fry and chick pea pulao).
The best dish was the spicy lamb donut - just superb, and the next best was the chickpea pulao - very moist and flavorful. The squid was a little disappointing as it was lacking in both salt and anything resembling chili...it was very bland, but cooked well. Perhaps their "spicy" dishes are just far less spicy than anything I have eaten anywhere else, but I think they could afford to be more generous with the spiciness.
There is an extensive cocktail and wine menu, but the ONLY beer they have available is Sagres, which was disappointing. Given the extensive alcohol menu, it would seem like a good idea to add a few more beer options to the list.
We will go again as there are many other things we want to try, but we will definitely order the spicy lamb donut again with other "new" things.
Last note - since this is a sharing type meal, the tables for 2 are VERY small for 2 people to share anything. If you have a sharing/tapas style restaurant, I think you need tables that are slightly larger because you usually have a few items on the table at a time, and there simply isn't room for them and a water glass + a glass of alcohol. We felt very crowded.
It may sound like I am being too critical for a 4 star review because we overall enjoyed it and felt it was a good value for the quality of the food. We were just disappointed by a few things. But, again, we will definitely return and try some...
Read moreReserve a table, before you go!
Gunpowder in Lisbon offers a delightful culinary experience with its inventive take on traditional flavors. Compared to other restaurants the quality and consistency of menu items added this restaurant to my must recommend list.
The French bean pakoras were an absolute favorite, perfectly crispy and flavorful. The bread with onion butter was a simple yet delicious start to our meal and nice to have for cleanup all the sauces. The tandoori chicken, was our favorite, impeccably spiced and juicy, showcasing culinary mastery.
Located in the vibrant Chiado district, the restaurant's ambiance is inviting and stylish, featuring pine and teak panels, Portuguese pink marble, and ’70s-inspired lamps. We were celebrating a birthday making it a wonderful place for an intimate gatherings.
The mustard broccoli provided a refreshing vegetarian twist on the classic buttered chicken, proving to be a pleasant surprise. The potatoes chaat was recommended as a popular dish among the guests, with its tangy and savory flavors making it a standout. The donut vermillion lamb was unique and memorable, blending textures and tastes in a harmonious dish.
For dessert, the rum cake was a delightful end to the meal, not overly sweet, just right. The chocolate ganache was well-balanced and a lovely gesture from the restaurant for my birthday, making the experience even more special.
Gunpowder's inventive menu and excellent service make it a must-visit for anyone in Lisbon seeking a remarkable dining experience without breaking the bank.
P.S....
Order the cocktails for a spicy twist on recognizable classics - I recommend the Rum...
Read moreGunpowder Lisboa is an extension of its restaurant chain in London. It is not a traditional Indian restaurant as they uniquely present Indian dishes with a twist. At Gunpowder Lisboa, a handful of the dishes that have some Portuguese influence. I dined alone at the bar early on a Thursday night and was able to easily get a seat. Though, if I had come with a larger group, I would probably try to get a reservation as many groups filled up the place by the end of the night.
This restaurant definitely delivers in terms of service and quality of food. My server made some excellent recommendations as detailed below:
Cardamom Negroni - smooth with strong cardamom flavors
Pickled Kachumber Oyster - fresh, cool, pickled flavor mixes well with saltiness of oyster Moilee and Caviar Oyster - warm, strong flavor from the curry sauce, which overpowered taste of oyster - least favorite dish Gunpowder Chaat, Agria Potatoes - homely taste, agria potatoes (large pieces) add interesting texture to overall dish
Spicy Lamb and Vermicelli Donut - savory sauce, crunch outside, delicious warm minced lab with sauce, fun presentation
Barnsley Lamb Chop, Kashmiri Ghee Roast - savory, tender, spicy, melt in your moth, buttery ghee flavor, chutney goes well with dish
Old Monk Rum Bread & Butter Pudding with Ice Cream - ice cream and sauce light on flavor, warm bread pudding with hints of old monk, was expecting more of the rum flavor to come through in the bread
Overall, I had a great dining experience at Gunpowder Lisboa. There were definitely many hits (lamb chop and spicy lamb donut) of the night and generally appreciated the innovative take on...
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