Mona Verde — Restaurant in Lisbon

I want to make this super clear. If the review was based on our server, Lucas, it would have been a 5 star experience. If the review was also based on the food it would have been 5 stars too. However, sadly i was met with racism from the moment i entered the premises by the doorman/front of house guy and this is why my overall review is 1 star.

The doorman tried to claim i was in breach of the dress code, i.e. that my shoes were flip flops and that my pink tote bag was not suitable. The shoes were kitten heels (you would laugh if you knew the brand and the price as they aren't cheap or beachwear), and then i had a pink tote bag (ironically with a change of shoes). Inside said tote bag was my green wedge Gianvito Rossi heels, and yes i'm name dropping brands because it adds to just how ridiculous all of this was and the suggestion that i was not suitably dressed. Accompanying my pink tote bag was my lime green Coperni bag. I explained to the front of house/doorman that my shoes were indeed thong strap kitten heels and that i was planning on change them (the plan was always to change them for comfort not because of the doorman insinuating that they were beachwear).

The doorman then quickly moved on to taking issue with my tote bag. To add insult to injury when i looked around i saw that most of the guests (who were not black) had on the very things which were apparently disallowed (flip-flops, birkenstocks, flat sandals, plastic bags/paper bags), i fast realised that the doorman was trying to find issues with what i was wearing to prevent me from going upstairs to dinner and that it was indeed a subliminal racism issue. He told me i have to leave the bag on the dirty floor in the hallway by the stairs.. with my valuables, which is quite obviously an unacceptable and disrespectful ask. He did not offer to keep them by the table where he was or provide a solution that made me comfortable.

I then had to message my friend (the one whose pre-wedding celebration it was) and ask her to come downstairs to resolve the issue. In the end he allowed her to put my things in her tote bag. So yes a tote bag in a tote bag... All in all no dress codes were breached and i have attached the restaurants' dress code to let you all bed the judge of if i had breached any dress codes.

I'm now left wondering what else could have been the issue if it's one rule for me (a visible black woman), and a different rule for the many non-black guests i saw who were in actual breach of the dress code. Whilst the manager came to apologise and gave us all a free shot, he also tried to tell my friend that it was a misunderstanding, which it was not. This said friend also later ended up crying because she did not enjoy seeing me being treated this way. We were there to celebrate our friend's upcoming wedding and it dampened the mood and made me feel very self-conscious and alienated despite keeping it together to allow my friends to have a good night.

This is hardly the type of dinner anyone wants when spending over 700 euros (receipt attached), which was approx 80 euros per person. I do wish that the manager provided some form of discount because effectively i am putting money into the pockets of an establishment that, to my knowledge, has done nothing to fix the racist behaviour of the doorman. I also received no apology from the doorman... Additionally, when i told the two women who were on the door upon leaving that the doorman's behaviour was unacceptable and racist they rolled their eyes. I shouldn't have to say this but you never know who someone is, and even if they aren't somebody of importance everyone deserves to be celebrated and treated with respect. As a fashion stylist who often gives recommendations to celeb clients this could have gone on my list, now it will not.

Racism is NEVER a misunderstanding whether conscious or unconscious, racism is racism. I have attached images of what i was wearing and let you all be the judge as to whether i was in breach of the dress code. Implicit bias and anti-racism...

Review: A Magical Evening at Mona Verde Rooftop, Lisbon

If you're visiting Lisbon—or lucky enough to live here—Mona Verde Rooftop is an absolute must for a truly magical dining experience. Perched just seven floors up, this sleek and stylish venue offers panoramic views of the city, blending Lisbon’s historic charm with a modern, cosmopolitan ambiance. Even for those who aren’t fans of heights, the setting feels surprisingly comfortable and safe. I suffer from vertigo myself, and I was still able to enjoy the views without feeling overwhelmed.

We visited Mona Verde to celebrate a dear friend’s birthday, and from the moment we arrived, it felt like we’d chosen something truly special. The evening began with a small hiccup—we were initially seated in the glass-fronted conservatory section, which felt rather warm and slightly claustrophobic. However, our discomfort was short-lived thanks to the warm professionalism of the maître d', Liliana. She went above and beyond to accommodate us, relocating our party to a more open and breezy area of the terrace. Her attentiveness set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Once we were settled, the experience only got better. Our waiter, Hans, was nothing short of exceptional. His service was flawless—attentive but never intrusive—and he made our birthday girl feel truly celebrated. From topping up drinks with perfect timing to explaining menu items with enthusiasm and knowledge, Hans contributed enormously to the sense that we were in very good hands.

The food at Mona Verde is where this restaurant truly shines. We opted to share a few starters so we could sample a bit of everything. The standout dish for me was the Mushroom Verde—earthy, elegant, and packed with umami flavor. The Tuna Tartare was another highlight, beautifully presented and bursting with freshness. Each dish was crafted with care, and the ingredients spoke for themselves.

Mona Verde offers more than just good food and views. There's a carefully curated atmosphere, enhanced by a subtle soundtrack that evolves with the evening—never too loud, always setting the perfect tone. From the security staff who welcomed us at the entrance, to the manager who checked in to ensure we were enjoying ourselves, the entire team made the night feel seamless and well thought out.

One minor challenge, especially for those with a fear of heights, is the walk to the bathrooms. They’re located along a narrow outdoor path with open views of the city below, which might be unnerving for some. I managed it, despite my fear, but it’s worth noting for guests who are particularly sensitive to elevation.

Mona Verde has recently undergone renovations, and it shows. The space is sleek, modern, and visually striking without being overly flashy. That said, there are a few small details that could use attention. Some of the plants look a little tired and could benefit from a bit of TLC. A few pieces of upholstery have clearly seen better days and are beginning to show signs of wear. These are minor cosmetic issues, but in a venue aiming for sophistication and elegance, addressing them could take the ambiance from excellent to exceptional.

Despite these small imperfections, Mona Verde is a true gem in Lisbon’s culinary scene. It manages to combine beautiful views, delicious food, and outstanding service in a way that feels effortlessly chic and genuinely welcoming. It’s a place where you can celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a sunset cocktail with friends. The staff are thoughtful, the setting is memorable, and the overall experience is something you’ll want to relive again and again.

Whether you're visiting the city for the first time or you’ve lived here for years, Mona Verde offers an elevated—literally and figuratively—evening that will linger in your memory. It’s not just about the height of the building; it’s about the height of the experience.

Highly...

One of the worst experiences I've ever had in Lisbon. I went to Monaverde on a Saturday night without an appointment which I was informed at the entrance that only after 10:30 pm would it be possible to check the possibility of our entry, which for me was fine since we had no appointment and we arrived at the place around 10:15 pm. Although the hostess was rude. The security guard was impeccable and is one of the only reasons not to give 1 in this review. After 30 minutes of waiting, we went up to the rooftop where we found the place completely full and there were no tables available, something we were not informed of before they gave the okay to go up. One of the attendants informed us that tables would soon be available and that we could wait at the bar. We were 4 people but there was only one stool available at the bar and we gave priority to my sister-in-law who is pregnant, not even 10 minutes passed and an attendant came to remove the stool claiming that from that time on the dance floor opens,, and it was notorious that my sister-in-law is pregnant. Even so, we still decided to order our cocktails since it was my birthday and still hoping to have a table available soon. We had to wait approximately 30 minutes for them and they were not good. I spent 1 hour and a half in this place and it would have been better not to...