Restaurante Clorofila — Restaurant in Lisbon

The Clorofila, located within the serene Lumen Hotel in Lisbon, stands as a beacon of culinary artistry and exceptional hospitality. From the moment you enter, the tranquil green-toned dining room and its seamless connection to the courtyard create an atmosphere of understated elegance. This is not just a restaurant; it is an experience that elevates dining into an art form, celebrating the finest Portuguese traditions with a contemporary, sophisticated twist.

At the heart of this experience is the Ossobuco—a true masterpiece and a testament to Chef Celso Dias’s brilliance. Slow-cooked to perfection, the Ossobuco is a dish of extraordinary depth and tenderness, its meat so exquisitely prepared it melts in the mouth. Paired with roasted vegetables and rustic potatoes, it achieves a balance of flavours that is simply unforgettable. However, the portion size is substantial, designed for a family of four. Despite the staff’s courteous warnings, we insisted on ordering it, knowing that this renowned dish deserved our full attention. They were entirely correct: it was far too much for two people to finish.

For couples or smaller parties, the Ossobuco poses a challenge. Its sheer size can be overwhelming for those, like us, who usually share even small dishes. While the generosity of Clorofila’s ethos—encouraging shared dining and conviviality—is commendable, a smaller portion option would allow more guests to savour this extraordinary dish. Furthermore, offering the possibility to take leftovers home would align with modern values of sustainability and reduce potential food waste. This dish is far too exquisite to be left unfinished, and diners should not have to gather a party of four or more each time they wish to enjoy it. As it stands, the Ossobuco is a rare gem that deserves to be experienced again and again.

Beyond the Ossobuco, the rest of the menu shines just as brightly. The Sonhos de Alheira, with their delightful texture and the vibrant addition of mango chutney, deliver a playful yet refined start to the meal. Equally remarkable is the Timbale of Bacalhau and Cavala, where the smoky depth of the fish harmonises beautifully with the sweet potato mousse. Every dish on the menu reflects Chef Celso Dias’s creative vision, blending Portuguese culinary heritage with modern finesse.

The service at Clorofila is equally exemplary, matching the kitchen’s artistry with professionalism and grace. From the initial welcome to the sommelier’s expert wine pairings, the team ensures that every moment of the evening feels polished and effortless. The staff’s advice, particularly on portion sizes, is always thoughtful and well-intentioned, making them indispensable guides to navigating the menu.

Adding to the evening’s charm is the Lisbon Light Show, held nightly at 10 PM in the restaurant’s courtyard. This videomapping display, celebrating the city’s history and culture, is an artistic flourish that enhances the dining experience without overshadowing it. Watching this captivating show with a carefully selected glass of wine in hand is an unforgettable highlight, blending visual and sensory delights.

Clorofila’s excellence has rightly earned it a spot on our exclusive list of fifteen five-star restaurants in Lisbon—a distinction reserved for the city’s most outstanding establishments. Sharing this honour with venues like Santa Clara dos Cogumelos, Clorofila represents the pinnacle of Lisbon’s dining scene. However, this recognition is not permanent; we reassess regularly to ensure these places maintain their exceptional standards. For now, Clorofila sits deservedly among the elite.

In conclusion, Clorofila is far more than a meal; it is an experience that lingers in memory long after the evening ends. The Ossobuco, despite its size, is a triumph—a dish so remarkable that it justifies the trip alone. Paired with the restaurant’s enchanting ambiance, impeccable service, and creative menu, it makes Clorofila a must-visit for anyone seeking one of Lisbon’s finest...

In one word : pretentious. Announced as the new gastronomic spot in a windy description on the menu, nothing here was really gastronomic, except the tableware and the setting itself. First thing that we are told is : "as we are waiting for some reservations, your orders will may be delayed by 10 to 15 minutes". Well, ok. We got installed, we ordered a bottle of water (which never came), a bottle of wine (which was out of stock), 2 starters (they forgot one) and 2 main dishes. The waiter came directly with another bottle of wine as a replacement, without announcing first that he was out of stock by bringing the wine menu again. Also, he presented us the new wine without telling us it's price (25% more expensive than our original choice). We had a bread plate with a butter knife, we were never served any (while the table behind us was served 3 times). They offered us one time carafe water, we never had any refill, and same thing goes for the wine, we served ourselves. One of the main dishes was served with the starter (since they forgot the other starter). When we asked if the main dishes served was indeed the starter we asked for ("are those the vegan tacos ?" - two waiters told us "yes"). When bringing the dishes, they did not took the empty plates away, we had to put them on the side of the table. Now, speaking of the food, it wasn't "bad" but it's far from anything gastronomic. The only vegetable I saw this night was sliced and deep fried. My starter was sausage croquettes and was served with potato crisps, my main dishe was minced pork, and was served with vegetables crisps. With such a high-sounding presentation of the restaurant, they create a high expectation that they don't meet. If it was announced as a "snack" offer and not a gastronomic one, I wouldn't be this...

A complete scam. We reserved 3 weeks in advance for an important office diner for 10 people. We were sent pictures of outside tables and light show. We were sent pdf of the menu. I went the night before to confirm all was in order, place was empty. When we got there the following night, the place was packed with people from the hotel. We walked across a hotel diner room, with an all-you-can-eat buffet. We were given a predefined menu with pork as a main dish. We were told that as an option we could have the hotel buffet. The weird waiter did not recommend the menu "à la carte" we were promised as it would take "a lot of time". When asked what is "a lot", he simply said he did not know, but he did not recommend it. We got up and left, all 10 of us. I was so...