Restaurante Pica-Pau — Restaurant in Lisbon

(Not just another) Culinary Gem in the Heart of Lisbon Located in the neighborhood of Lisbon's Principe Real lies Pica Pau, a restaurant that exudes warmth and hospitality, captivating every palate with its culinary artistry. Step through the unassuming entrance and be transported into a realm of delectable flavors and vibrant atmosphere. As you enter, the welcoming staff greets you with genuine smiles and a warm demeanor, ensuring a seamless transition into this culinary haven. Their attentiveness and presence are unobtrusive, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the dining experience. The décor of Pica Pau is a symphony of colors and textures, seamlessly blending traditional Portuguese elements with modern touches. The rustic brick walls are adorned with artistic murals and antique-style lighting fixtures, creating an ambiance that is both inviting and sophisticated. The menu at Pica Pau is an enticing array of Portuguese specialties, each dish crafted with passion and precision. My heart was set on trying the legendary Pica Pau, a culinary masterpiece that has been on my bucket list for years. And boy, was I not disappointed! The Pica Pau, a roasted beef dish infused with Portuguese spices, garlic and pickles, arrived not too long after the couvert which consistent of a warm bun, Pica-Pau gravy, and salted butter, setting the stage for a culinary adventure. The succulent beef, perfectly roasted to tender perfection, was imbued with a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. Each bite was a revelation, a testament to the culinary artistry of the chefs at Pica Pau. As the Pica Pau symphony concluded, I ventured into the dessert section of the menu, where my eyes fell upon Medronho, a distilled strong liquor made from Arbutus berries, also known as strawberry tree fruits. This unique spirit, with its distinct aroma and slightly sweet flavor, provided a delightful finish to the meal. Pica Pau is not just a restaurant; it's an experience that embodies the essence of Portuguese hospitality and culinary excellence. From the moment you step through the door, you are enveloped in warmth and treated to an unforgettable dining experience. I wholeheartedly recommend Pica Pau to anyone seeking a taste of Portugal's rich culinary heritage.

Pica Pau is a true gem in the heart of Lisbon, a restaurant that has earned its reputation as one of the city's premier dining destinations. If you're seeking a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your heart, look no further...

So much potential …

Nice place with intriguingly inviting atmosphere; open kitchen and an attractive menu showcasing classic Portuguese dishes that any traveler should try when visiting Lisbon.

Our waiter was a peculiar young man who kindly introduced the menu and concept. We initially enjoyed his unique approach to guest service which complimented what was seemingly the ideal start to our dinner, mainly: all starters were nicely-presented, delectable & flavorful. This is where our positive vibes seized.

The delivery of the main courses highlighted the fact that there is no synergy between the kitchen and service. Both the bachalau and the pork secreto were appallingly average with the latter being so overcooked that it was barely touched. We called the waitress in order to ask her to check if it was normally serve like this, i.e. overcooked to which she replied that the pork was perfectly cooked and it wasn’t pink because the pork is a fed with acorns; is inherently fat and that this cut is from the belly. Upon informing her that the secreto is in fact the underarm and not the belly, the manager was sent to our table who confirmed that this was normal Pica Pau’s preparation.

Obviously, it was left virtually untouched and there was no follow-up after the removal of the plates by anyone in the restaurant.

The bill for this dinner was 85€ for 2 guests therefore a flawless culinary experience was expected. In addition, there is a “recommended breakdown” detailed on the bottom of the bill which includes the restaurant’s “suggested gratuity”. It’s not by “suggesting” a tip on the bill that we will gratefully give as it should be the food and service which warrant any recognition.

Plus: before we ordered a bottle of wine, we told our waiter that if we couldn’t finish, we would take it back home. At the end of the dinner, our waiter informed us that he didn’t have any more corks (ironic for Portugal) and that we should use plastic...

If you are lucky enough to discover this restaurant, you will not be disappointed. To me, this is the best restaurant in Portugal. I ate here with my fiance while visiting Lisbon for 4 days. We ate here twice. It's that good. The octopus salad could be the best thing i've ordered in my life. My fiance doesn't like octopus and she said it was one of the best bites she's ever had. We're pretty avid foodies and have eaten at many world renowned restaurants. La Renommee in Paris, Carbone in Miami, Joe's Stone Crab, Motherwolf, Flagler Steakhouse, etc. This restaurant is one of my favorites in the world.

You will absolutely need a reservation. You can maybe walk in and sit at the bar (smaller menu), but to sit down, definitely make a reservation or you're not getting in.

The staff was great, everyone very attentive and helping each other with everyone's table so service was always fast and efficient. The hostess was really cool and talked to us while we waited for a table. The chefs in their open kitchen were friendly and gave us recommendations when we asked the best things to order. Iara was our server and we were blown away by how good she was. She knew EVERYTHING about the menu, how things are made and the ingredients. She even told us how to make Peri Peri oil. Incredibly friendly and insanely knowledgable about the restaurant. She could be the best server I've ever had. Highly highly recommend this restaurant. If you're in Lisbon, it's an...