Lisbon Portuguese Cuisine — Restaurant in Dr. Phillips

Our two-time experience at the Lisbon restaurant was going great until the manager-on-duty, Carla, got involved in the affairs. Our first visit was phenomenal thanks to the great service we received, and all the wonderful dishes that were served. The second time around, we ended up leaving the restaurant with such a big disappointment that we are absolutely not going back. Just like our first dining experience at Lisbon Restaurant, our server (Anna) could not have been more pleasant. We ordered a bottle of Portuguese white wine, which turned out to be a great choice. Appetizers were also very good. For the main course, I ordered the tiger shrimp entrée and my wife wanted to try the sardines. Although my entrée was very good, there was something wrong with the sardine entrée that my wife was served. I believe the culinary team was using frozen sardines and just throwing them in the deep fryer to cook. The sardines were very dry and “bitter”, which is very unusual for someone who had a lot of sardine dishes growing up. When we informed our server about the dish, she apologized and removed the plate. No replacement or substitutes were offered. We were celebrating a special occasion and to not to spoil the mood, my wife just finished whatever was left behind from the appetizers that we ordered, and we finished our meal with two glasses of port wine. When we asked for the check, we realized that the sardine entrée was still on the check. When we pointed it out to our server saying we should not be paying for a dish that we could not eat (which was the cheapest thing on our $177 check, by the way), she called her manager, Carla. We had seen Carla when we arrived at the restaurant but thought she was either a server or the hostess as she was dressed in a server uniform. Regardless, we repeated what we had already told our server, which was not well received by Carla. When I told her about my suspicion that the sardines might have been frozen, Carla said they were not able to find fresh sardines and went on and on, not explaining why they had this dish on the menu despite of the logistical problems. Seeing that there was no way of reasoning with Carla, we requested our check again without any adjustments. This request prompted Carla to walk away from our table abruptly and bring our check back- this time without the sardine entrée on the check. All in all, this was a sad ending to a dining experience that...

Embarking on a culinary journey at Lisbon, a Portuguese gem, was nothing short of spectacular, with Roberto, our garçon, enhancing the experience with his impeccable service. From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, the warm and inviting ambiance transported us straight to the heart of Lisbon, making us feel as though we were dining in a quaint eatery overlooking the Tagus River.

The menu, a delightful ode to Portuguese cuisine, offered an array of dishes that were both traditional and innovative. Each dish we ordered was a revelation of flavors, expertly prepared and beautifully presented. The standout was undoubtedly the bacalhau à brás, a delectable mix of salted cod, onions, and thinly chopped fried potatoes, all bound with scrambled eggs. It was a dish that paid homage to the simplicity and richness of Portuguese cooking, leaving us marveling at the depth of flavors coaxed from such humble ingredients.

Roberto, our garçon, was the epitome of professionalism and warmth. His recommendations were spot-on, guiding us through the menu with stories and insights that enriched our dining experience. His attentive, yet unobtrusive, service ensured that our glasses were always full, and our needs were promptly met with a smile that was genuine and welcoming.

The wine list was another highlight, featuring an impressive selection of Portuguese wines that complemented our meal perfectly. Roberto's knowledge of the wines, paired with his passion for Portuguese culture, helped us make selections that elevated our meal from great to unforgettable.

In conclusion, dining at Lisbon was an amazing experience, with every aspect of the evening exceeding our expectations. The food was a masterful display of Portuguese culinary traditions, the ambiance was inviting and cozy, and Roberto's service was exemplary. It's a restaurant that not only serves food but also offers a slice of Portugal's rich culture and hospitality. Whether you're a longtime lover of Portuguese cuisine or new to its flavors, Lisbon is a must-visit for an authentic and memorable...

If you haven't tried Poutuguese cuisine, you're missing out, and Lisbon is as authentic as it gets. This charming little place in Dr. Phillips will win you over with mouthwatering dishes, friendly service, and make-you-feel-good wines. 🇵🇹

We got 2 appetizers. The Pastéis de Bacalhau (salted cod fish fritters) with homemade hotsauce smelled amazing and tasted just as good as it looked. The Chouriço à Bombeiro (Portuguese sausage) was served in a cute little pig-shaped ceramic dish and flambéed tableside. It was seasoned perfectly, and it paired well with the French rolls and hot sauce.

The entrées were also amazing. The Polvo à Lagareiro (broiled octopus, onions, tomatoes, red potatoes, and olive oil) was tender and extremely flavorful. The Bacalhau Assado com Batatas ao Murro (Baked salted codfish, small red potatoes, olive oil, and black eyed pea vinaigrette) was delightful. They soak the salted cod for 2 days, and they change the water ten times to ensure that the salt is not overbearing. We could taste the time and love that was put into this dish. 🤤

We tried 2 out of 5 of the desserts they offer. The Doce da Avó (layers of sweet cream, maria biscuits, and egg yolk cream topping). It was creamy, not too sweet, and absolutely delicious. The Pastéis de Belém (famous Portuguese egg custard tart) were served warm, and they were flaky on the outside and creamy on the inside. It was not overly sweet, and we loved it.

Overall, we were highly impressed with Lisbon. Their take-your-time European culture was a breath of fresh air, especially being in the heart of touristy Orlando, where turn-around times seem to take precedence. Their food is simple and not overly seasoned, allowing each ingredient to shine. Their Portuguese green wines are flavorful and highly potent, and you can sit there enjoying yourself for a long as you please.

Get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Lisbon will not disappoint. 👍👍👍

🤤 Don't just EATTHRUUS, eat and drink at Lisbon Portuguese cuisine.

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