Manjerica — Restaurant in Lisbon

🙋🏻‍♀️The Vegan Restaurant That Made Me Question My Carnivore Identity.

I was wandering near Figueira Square with the kind of hunger that usually leads to poor decisions involving cheese and cured meats when I spotted the outdoor seating at Manjerica Cafe. My stomach growled in protest—"Vegetarian? Now? In PORTUGAL?!"—but something about the place pulled me in like a plant-based tractor beam.

A friendly staff member greeted me with the kind of genuine smile that made me temporarily forget about the Bifana pork sandwich I'd been fantasizing about all day. "All clean food," she promised, which my arteries silently thanked her for after a week of Portuguese pastries and wine.🍷

Scanning their menu, I experienced what I can only describe as vegetarian culture shock. Where were the sad salads and obligatory pasta dishes that most restaurants throw at non-meat eaters? Instead, I found creative, thoughtful options that looked... dare I say it... exciting?

On the server's recommendation, I ordered a vibrant salad with mango and their chickpea curry with rice.

When the food arrived, I braced myself for disappointment—the universal experience of the traveling vegetarian—only to discover that plant-based food could be this satisfying. The curry delivered actual flavor and depth that made me momentarily forget my carnivorous ways. "It's actually tasty" I uttered aloud, clearly recognizing my "I need real flavor" desperation.

Just as I was congratulating myself on making such a virtuous dining choice, the pistachio coconut ice cream caught my eye. It was literally calling my name, whispering sweet nothings about how we were meant to be together. My willpower crumbled faster than a vegan cookie.

The September evening was perfect for outdoor dining, with that magical Lisbon light making everything look like a movie scene. The staff continued their charm offensive, answering my endless questions with patience and genuine enthusiasm for their food, city and culture. 🥰

Insider tip: Ask for their recommendation and save room for that pistachio coconut ice cream—it's worth every calorie and might just make you reconsider your stance on vegan desserts. Also check our their incredible breakfast selections.☕️🥑

Turns out my body doesn't actually need meat to survive—though I'm not quite ready to admit that to my...

STAY AWAY! Food is average service is terrible!

Diogo is very rude and not a pleasant person to interact with. This is suppose to be a family run business and one of the owners his father stood by his son (Diogo) when I complained about how rude he was. He did not acknowledge my treatment and continued to over talk me when I was trying to explain the situation. This business has terrible customer service.

Will not be returning back to this restaurant. I have been in Lisbon for 3 days now and have eaten at this restaurant and spent my money every single day and was told today that I couldn’t have hot water for a tea that I am drinking for my health. Not only that Diogo was very rude in the delivery of his message. It’s funny because the other day the owner allowed me to have hot water for this same reason and now he is denying he knew what the hot water was for. The food is just okay, nothing special. I have only been eating here because they offer vegan options and there isn’t much in the area and I am not able to travel far because I have been ill. The pancakes taste like cardboard. The service could be a lot better! This is a terrible family business who do not value their customers.

Let’s be clear I’m not upset because l couldn’t have the tea, I am upset because of the lack of consistency and my interaction with Diogo. He was just really rude and aggressive with me immediately. Maybe it’s because I am black… I am not sure, but I did not like how he talked to me and when telling his daddy he was just as unpleasant. You should remove the family relationship when...

My wife and I decided to try breakfast here due to the good reviews but were overall quite disappointed with our experience.

First of all, the coffee is on the pricier side. Americano was €2.90, and it was smaller than most other places we've been to in Portugal. Taste was just average.

The real disappointment began when we tried to order food. I tried to order the acai bowl, but apparently they ran out despite opening just 15 minutes earlier. So we asked for a few minutes to take another look at the menu and pick a different item. However, when we tried to order again a few minutes later, I was informed they had run out of my second choice, pancakes, as well. I'm not even sure how you run out of pancakes unless they are premade frozen pancakes. Frustrated at this point, we ended up just ordering oatmeal and avocado toast. We would have appreciated if the server had told us when we sat down what dishes were already sold out as we might not have stayed. By the time we found out, the coffee was already on the way.

The oatmeal was no better than instant oatmeal you'd get from the grocery store, maybe even a bit worse and it cost €9. The avocado toast was very tough and difficult to cut. Portion size for both dishes was small, considering the price.

Overall would recommend finding another place to eat Breakfast. We...