O Carvoeiro — Restaurant in Lisbon

Cold chips and rubber cod!

This 'local specialty' was featured high on the menu - what a disappointment! On our first night in Portugal, we were ready to believe that this was an authentic Portuguese dish, but in the following 13 nights, we never saw it featured anywhere else.

And no wonder! The dish comprised a mound of shredded french fries mixed with tough-to-chew, tasteless codfish, dumped on top of some undressed lettuce. Maybe our mistake in choosing this dish - but our real dissatisfaction came with the proprietor's lack of interest when he cleared our only half-empty plates. A good host should always ask if we did not like the dish or if it had been too much to finish. The best ones compensate with an offer of coffee or similar. This one merely took the plates away without asking. Soon after, when he came to take our card for payment, he failed to take the chance to show interest in anything except taking our money.

Fortunately, he did not represent the true Portuguese hospitality that we then experienced everywhere else in our subsequent two weeks in the country.

Out 'first night' impression? A very bad and totally untypical start to a wonderful holiday. We should have gone to one of the many other options in the immediate area, but we had followed a recommendation from our hotel receptionist, whom we briefed later on our...

I recently dined at a hidden gem where affordability meets culinary excellence. The grilled shrimp appetizer was so generous it rivaled a main course, setting a high standard for the meal. This left me with no choice but to take half of my perfectly cooked Portuguese beefsteak home, as there was simply no space left for dessert.

A highlight was the wine served in a tiny chocolate cup—a delightful and innovative touch that made paying the bill a memorable moment. The thoughtful service didn't stop there. Upon leaving, the hostess caught me up outside the restaurant and gifted me a bottle of mineral water, noting I hadn't finished my ordered water—a testament to their attention to detail and customer care.

This restaurant excels in offering delicious meals, generous portions, and thoughtful touches that enhance the dining experience. It’s a must-visit for those who value great food and exceptional hospitality in a...

I'm not sure why this isn't one of the most sought-after restaurants in Alfama. The staff were friendly and easy-going. They knew the menu well and gave us good recommendations, they spoke English well. The food - we had the rabbit and the duck - it was phenomenal. I was truly impressed with the duck in the port reduction. Then for dessert the recommendations included which are made there are which are more from the market, so we chose the chocolate mousse and it was excellent.

The outside patio location - you can watch the 28 yellow trolley go by all evening! It's fantastic. It's a little further from the main sights, but being on the trolley line gave it such authentic charm. And, beside the restaurant is a custom time artist who was still open - kilning and painting times for must of the time we were there.

Thank you for giving us a memorable last experience...