Sr.Vinho — Restaurant in Lisbon

Although Portuguese, it was my first time in a Fado house. I was in town and wanted to take my partner, who is Dutch and therefore more or less 'forced' him to have the Fado and dinner experience - on the whole we enjoyed it. The good: the singing was good and done well, with breaks in between (4-5 songs, break, food, another singer comes in and so on); the staff were attentive and very pleasant chit chatting with the guests and checking up on people through the meal and show; the food, albeit simple was nicely done, it was tasty and was well presented - 65 euros, whilst not cheap is justifiable when you include the fact that you also get a show out of it. The bad: the wine is outrageously overpriced. We are in Portugal, there are many good wines on offer and you can easily get a very decent wine in the for under 25 euros - at Senhor Vinho, it is all 30 plus and it's unjustifiable; second cardinal sin - coffee at 4 euros? I am sorry but that's just taking advantage of people in Portugal, where you can easily get a coffee at 1-2 euros in upmarket places anywhere and for less in simpler places. Lastly an observation: do NOT bring children to a Fado place and do NOT expect them to cater for your child because you thought it was a great idea to bring a child to such a venue. Quite rightly the manager at Senhor Vinho pointed out to a couple who was sat by us that they were not a restaurant for children and, as such, did not have a children's menu - I must say that despite this the staff were accommodating and provided options for the children. If you want to go to a Fado house do us all a favour, respect the singers, the staff and the other guests and leave your little cherub in the capable hands of a family member or nanny rather than bring them to a fado house, where: silencio que se vai cantar o...

Let me begin on a high note: the music was extraordinary. The performers played with palpable emotion and passion, delivering a set that stirred the soul and, at times, raised goosebumps. Their talent was undeniable and the highlight of the evening.

Unfortunately, that’s where the highlights ended.

Despite having a reservation, we were placed at a cramped table wedged into a thoroughfare — so tight that both performers and waitstaff had to squeeze behind us. I spent the meal anxiously monitoring the position of my chair, which was perched precariously at the top of a stairwell.

Service was disorganized from the outset. Although we were seated well before another couple who arrived ten minutes later, they were attended to promptly while we waited without even being offered menus. We paid €65 for a set menu. When the food finally arrived, it was deeply disappointing: aggressively salted, overcooked, and utterly devoid of inspiration — more reminiscent of a rushed diner plate forgotten under the warmer for too long. We left most of it uneaten. Desserts fared no better, their sweetness was just too much.

A simple request for more water turned into an exercise in persistence. We had to ask two times before a bottle was unceremoniously plunked into my friend’s hand by a passing server, as though we were an afterthought.

When the time came to settle the bill, we were met with more indifference. While we waited patiently for the card machine, staff began stripping the tables and shutting off lights around us. Moments later, as we stood outside, even the outdoor lighting was abruptly switched off — all of this well before midnight, despite their posted closing time of 1 a.m.

In the end, it was a performance worth remembering, but an experience...

Sr. Vinho Fado is a well-known Fado house located in Lisbon, Portugal. Fado is a traditional Portuguese music genre characterized by its melancholic and soulful melodies, often expressing themes of longing, loss, and destiny. Sr. Vinho Fado is one of the most respected venues in Lisbon for experiencing authentic Fado performances.

The venue itself is intimate and cozy, creating a perfect atmosphere for the emotional and heartfelt performances that take place there. The decor is typically Portuguese, with traditional tiles (azulejos) and dim lighting that enhances the overall ambiance. The audience is usually seated close to the performers, allowing for a more personal and immersive experience.

Sr. Vinho Fado features some of the best Fado singers (fadistas) and musicians in the country. The performances are often accompanied by classical guitar (viola) and the Portuguese guitar (guitarra portuguesa), which are essential to the Fado sound. The singers pour their emotions into their performances, making each show a unique and moving experience.

In addition to the music, Sr. Vinho Fado also offers a selection of Portuguese cuisine and wines, allowing visitors to enjoy a complete cultural experience. The food is typically traditional, with dishes that complement the rich and emotional tones of the Fado music.

Overall, Sr. Vinho Fado is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the deep emotional resonance of Fado music in an authentic and intimate setting in Lisbon. It's a place where the soul of Portugal can be truly felt through its music, food,...