Tasquinha dos Arcos — Restaurant in Lisbon

Traditonal portuguese "tasquinha" (small, with 2 spaces, one opening directly on the street and the other one at the back with no windows, crowded everyday) and a family business (aunt Irene and uncle Manuel in the kitchen, and the 2 brothers Sergio and Carlos at the service). This is Portugal as its best and as we want to keep it (against the trendy restaurants or cafés for tourists and the food chains) !!! Solid tasty dishes, either basics (grilled meat and grilled fishes for which the cooking is always perfect -but no fresh fishes on mondays !) or specialities from the north or Portugal to discover (region of Minho where the family comes from). Service is friendly and fast and even joyful (but you'll have to wait to get a table during the rush hours). Customers are an interesting mixed crowd (95 % of Portuguese) of handworkers on some local construction sites, of local employees from the stores and business around, of older people and pensioners and families on saturday. It has been my "cantina" for 10 years and the prices have stayed about the same (!!!): 5-8 € for the main dishes (no appetizer really required), 7-10 € for a whole meal (including drink and coffee), a bit more if you take a dessert... Sporting Clube de Portugal is the football team supported...

I usually don't write reviews about restaurants, but this one was exceptional! I stumbled upon this gem based on the recommendation of my accommodation nearby, initially expecting nothing special. However, I am so glad I decided to give it a try. The staff here are incredibly friendly and welcoming, embodying the exceptional hospitality that Portugal is known for. Their warmth and generosity have left me seriously considering a return trip in the future. Carlos, in particular, was exceptionally nice and friendly. He took the time to explain almost the entire menu in English and offered some helpful advice.

While I forgot to mention the most important aspect of any restaurant - the food - let me assure you, it was outstanding. If you're looking to sample authentic and delicious local cuisine, this is the place for you. They offer some of the best Portuguese typical dishes, and the atmosphere allows you to meet other friendly patrons. Highly...

Found this place by the recommendation of my accommodations next door and thought nothing of it initially but so happy we tried it on my way out. We got the Dorado and Sardines, and as simple as it was it was one of the best meals I had this trip. The service was 5 stars and the flavour and price was unbeatable. If you find yourself in this area of Bairro Alto I highly recommend trying this spot. The food...