Penalva da Graça — Restaurant in Lisbon

Tucked away in the laid-back Graça neighbourhood, Penalva da Graça is a gem of a seafood spot that delivers the kind of honest, unpretentious Portuguese cooking you’d cross town for — and I’m glad I did.

I started with the clams in garlic (ameijoas à bulhão pato) and the prawns in garlic (gambas à guilho) — simple dishes, but when done right, they’re a thing of beauty. Here, they absolutely nailed it. The clams were fresh and briny, bathed in a garlicky olive oil sauce that begged for bread-dipping. The prawns were plump, juicy, and just spicy enough to wake up the palate. Both starters were generous portions, full of flavour without fuss.

Then came the seafood and rice stew (arroz de marisco) — and it was everything I hoped for. Rich, comforting, and packed with the taste of the sea. It came loaded with clams, large prawns, and tender crab, all mingled in a deeply flavoured tomato-based broth that had clearly been simmered with care. The rice was perfectly cooked, soaking up every drop of that beautiful sauce. It’s rustic, soulful food that doesn’t shout, but lingers in your memory.

Finally, the grilled sardines (sardinhas assadas). Crisp skin, tender flesh, and that unmistakable charcoal flavour that can only come from a proper grill. They were served traditionally with boiled potatoes and a mixed salad — the kind of simple, honest sides that let the sardines shine and round out the dish beautifully.

What made the night even more memorable was the atmosphere — Portugal were playing Spain and had just won. The bar was packed with locals, erupting with cheers and laughter. It felt like stepping into someone’s neighbourhood living room at just the right moment: all heart, no pretence.

Honestly, I’m not sure I should even be telling anyone about this place — it’s the kind of hidden gem you almost want to keep to yourself. It’s not flashy, not trying to be trendy, but it gets everything right where it counts.

The service was warm and unfussy, the kind that makes you feel more like a returning regular than a tourist passing through. If you’re after white tablecloths and overthought plating, look elsewhere. But if you want to eat like a local — good seafood, cooked well, served without pretension — Penalva da...

"Penalva da Graça" exceeded all expectations as we embarked on a gastronomic adventure in this local treasure, suggested by a friend. While the location and service leaned towards basic, the abundance of fresh, à la carte options made it an irresistible culinary playground.

The menu at "Penalva da Graça" was a feast for the senses, offering an overwhelming array of choices that left us in a delightful quandary. Fortunately, our knowledgeable waiter guided us through the selection process, ensuring our choices would be met with utter satisfaction. The freshness of the ingredients was evident in every dish, elevating our dining experience to new heights.

The standout dishes included the mouthwatering mussels cooked in wine and garlic, which transported our taste buds to new realms of pleasure. The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the generously sized grilled shrimp, a succulent delight that surpassed all expectations. Accompanied by a large crab, complete with a handy little hammer to crack open its shell, we reveled in the thrill of extracting the tender meat within.

The sheer abundance of fresh and flavorful options at "Penalva da Graça" made decision-making an adventure in itself. The variety of choices left us grateful for the assistance provided by our attentive waiter, who expertly steered us toward culinary bliss. The resulting happiness we experienced was simply unparalleled.

While the total bill for our party of three amounted to approximately 200 euros, the quality and quantity of the food justified the expense. We delighted in a plethora of delectable dishes, relishing every bite with immense satisfaction.

In conclusion, "Penalva da Graça" is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking an extraordinary culinary experience. Despite the occasional brusqueness of the location and service, the abundance of fresh ingredients, extensive à la carte options, and the guidance of the attentive staff made it a journey of pure gastronomic delight.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review, and I wholeheartedly recommend embarking on your own culinary adventure at...

We visited this restaurant a week ago as a group. The person at the cash desk was one of the kindest people we met in Lisbon, but unfortunately our experience with the waiter who served us was very disappointing.

After waiting 20 minutes without receiving even our starters, I had to ask, and suddenly they arrived within 2 minutes. During that time, the waiter continued serving another table who arrived after us, even bringing out their main dishes before we had anything.

We also tried to order sardines, which are supposed to be their famous dish, but were told they didn’t have any. After repeatedly asking about different options, we finally found something available on the menu and ordered fish plates. Later, when we went to pay, we saw another table enjoying plates full of sardines — the very dish we were told was unavailable.

The food itself was very tasty, especially the shrimp, but the waiter’s attitude made us feel unwelcome and undervalued as customers. To add to this, it turned out to be one of the most expensive meals we had in Lisbon. around 145 EUR for 4 adults.

Great food, but unfortunately the service left us with a negative impression and we...