Ofício — Restaurant in Lisbon

I was really excited to experience this restaurant based on the online reviews/blogs I had researched ahead of visiting Lisbon. I'm not one to usually leave a review but felt the need to here. Unfortunately it was underwhelming on a number of levels and just downright appalling on others. I should say the host was welcoming on arrival and we were seated immediately. However our server was a big let down. He was pushy and even though we said we were interested in the meat platter of the day he convinced us not to get it, saying 5 small plates and 2 big plates was too much fot our party. After the courses started arriving, he got one of the small plates wrong. This happens and can be excused however the rest of our experience can not, for a restaurant rated so highly. When our drinks arrived, my partner didnt quite like the wine sample our server offered. After tasting it she requested another glass. Our server returned with another glass however he commented "if you don't like that one, water might be better". I was shocked that a server would make such snarky, condescending comment in a place which has so many good reviews online. We awkwardly laughed it off hoping the food might make up for it.

When our correct small plates arrived that unfortunately wasn't the case. We ordered the mussels, mackeral and prawns. The mussels were lacking taste, prensented in a small bowl with a spoon, raw with a sauce. They were very bland. We then realized fast that the fish side of the small plates were all cold. We felt the menu was a little misleading even though cold plates was mentioned above. Our server didn't mention they were all raw at all. One of our party does not eat raw fish so we quickly cancelled the prawns. The mackeral was better than the mussels however it was due to the tasty lettuce vinaigrette. The cuts of mackeral left a lot to be desired and have had a lot better tasting mackeral sashimi in average japanese restaurants.

We also ordered ribeye toast and pork pillows. The ribeye toast was nice however pork pillows were a big miss. Lacked substance and flavour. Presentation was ok. I felt after the small plates, that too much focus was on presentation and not enough on taste and the menu itself. The cold small plates vs hot small plates seemed to be trying completely different things and didnt complement each other.

We ended up ordering the steak since we cancelled the prawns. It's hard to mess up steak. I've had better cooked wagyu at home. I felt a restaurant with the level of high reviews Ofício has would do a better job. It didn't measure up to wagyu we've had in the past and we certainly didnt get that melt in your mouth umami emplosion you look for with higher quality wagyu cuts. The price was around €45 for the cut so not highly priced but it didn't improve on our experience from the small plates.

The old fashioned rice was unique/different and was enjoyed by our whole table but our experience was already tainted by everything else at this stage. Our server never checked up on us after the mains arrived. He forgot butter for the bread we ordered and had completely disappeared by the time we asked for the bill.

Would not recommend based on what online blogs and past reviews said. We went to Versiculo d'O Faia the night before. The bill was similar but the food/experience was 10...

Our group of five visited Oficio Bistro in Lisbon last night, and we left with very mixed feelings about our experience. Let’s start with the positives: the service from the waitstaff was outstanding. Our server took the time to explain the wine options, offered samples, and described the menu beautifully. Everything felt welcoming, and the atmosphere was truly pleasant. The waiter who served us did an exceptional job—his professionalism was top-notch, and we have absolutely no complaints. On the contrary, we are incredibly grateful for his excellent service, which was one of the highlights of the evening.

However, there was one significant downside. As a group of five, we ordered a variety of dishes to explore more flavors and share the experience. We had reserved the table shortly before the visit, and our reservation was confirmed, so we came expecting a smooth experience. We ordered, enjoyed our wine, and were patiently waiting for our dishes when we were approached by the manager, Esmeralda, who was working on October 6th. She informed us, quite abruptly, that we needed to modify our order, either by removing or reducing the number of dishes, as we had to vacate the table by 9 PM. We had arrived around 7:30 PM, but nobody informed us beforehand that we had a time limit on the table. The way this was communicated was so unpleasant and unprofessional that we honestly considered leaving at that moment.

As someone who has worked extensively in the restaurant industry and understands what good service should look like, I find this kind of interaction absolutely unacceptable. It was unethical, unprofessional, and showed a complete lack of respect.

Shortly after this conversation, our appetizers arrived, followed by the main dishes, and we managed to finish our meal by around 9:15 PM. By that time, we had left the restaurant. But the question remains—why was this uncomfortable conversation necessary in the first place? There were plenty of empty tables available for other guests, so the interaction with the manager felt completely unnecessary and left a sour note on an otherwise pleasant evening.

It’s also quite strange that a restaurant with Michelin recommendations would allow such poor communication with its guests. One would expect that they should be focused on ensuring guests leave satisfied, having had the chance to explore a variety of dishes and leave with warm, positive memories of their evening and overall experience.

In summary, while the food, atmosphere, and service from our waiter were enjoyable, the poor communication and unprofessional handling by the manager severely impacted...

In the touristy area of Barro Alto but what a nice surprise - no wonder it is on the watch list of Michelin (they do NOT have a star as some write here on google but a Bib = great quality for lower prices) so expect splendid, more affordable quality. Most dishes are for sharing as a concept. I had 6 dishes for 84€ including water and a glas of sparkling wine.

„Special Olives“ - you need to start with these gems … they are not the typical olives you expect …so close your eyes and mouth and gently bite on them … the little yellies explode with olive texture - masterfully done

Lettuce, Tuna and Chipole Taco - nice fresh and gone with a bite, rather normal and not to compare with the next dish which was the best

Bonito with Tomato water - what an art and mastery of the chef. A sweet tender flavor evaporates across the fish infused by the transparent tomato juice in a sirup texture … allowing it to melt on your tongue with the salty fish. Delicious indeed and what a great balance

Seaweed spaghetti - wow the creamy fluffy Parmesan sauce to die for .. they are the main act next to the seaweed .. again great with the toasted pine nuts adding a nutty flavor component to the Parmesan (my foto was taken after the waiter stirred the dish up … missed the chance to do one in full glory)

Squid with Moqueca Sauce - a bit disappointing as the squid was chewy but interesting mix with the Brazilian sauce that brings all the earth tone-flavors to the squid.

Fun fact : i actually added another starter after the first two arrived just to make sure I have more great experiences before the main course.

Closing with „orange roll“ - oh nice, my sweet tooth was happy. A biscuit layered cake with a nice ice cream on top and gentle orange toste leaves you smiling … great closing.

Positive remark : I overheard the great waitress (who saved me, see below) offering a lot of vegetarian versions of the dishes to my neighbors. Well described and with a heartfelt attention. So don’t expect an own vegetarian menu part and just ask what they make possible …

Negative remark: I wanted to leave after 3 minutes after being seated by the young girl at the entrance at a long curved bar but with my back to all..it felt like being put in the corner in early days of school :) A more senior waitress came thankfully and relieved me by placing me facing the other way around so I at least saw people coming into the restaurant and could watch the people on the...