Nuno Correia
A food-loving customer will rapidly study that sardines, cod, and the long-lasting pastel de nata are nice, however the Lisbon restaurant scene can supply way more. Portuguese delicacies attracts on international flavors from the nation’s centuries of commerce, and Lisbon’s restaurateurs have entry to top-quality fish and seafood, distinctive cheeses, pretty wines, and greens from natural farms simply exterior the town. In a capital experiencing lightning-fast development, Lisbon’s meals scene mediates the collision of previous and new, weaving collectively fashionable wine bars, Michelin-starred eating places, conventional and informal venues, and neo-tascas (fashionable neighborhood eating places) that mix facets of the entire above. From crowded Chiado to residential Santos, there’s at all times loads to eat in Portugal’s capital.
Up to date, February 2025:
Whereas the early months of the 12 months had been as soon as a quieter interval, Portugal’s standing as a stylish vacation spot now retains Lisbon’s streets — and particularly its tables — perpetually packed. Some internationally acclaimed names have launched new ventures: London-based chef Nuno Mendes has returned to his hometown with Santa Joana, a stylish restaurant in a luxurious lodge, whereas chef João Rodrigues now leads the town’s most talked-about spot, Canalha.
On the identical time, a brand new technology of cooks is carving out their place within the metropolis, striving to honor Portuguese roots amid relentless gentrification pushed by a rising inflow of vacationers. This shift has given rise to ideas deeply rooted in Portuguese traditions, extra approachable than superb eating and sometimes positioned in much less fashionable neighborhoods like Alvalade and Mouraria. One instance is Vida de Tasca, which serves hearty, informal Portuguese meals.
Rafael Tonon is a journalist and meals author dwelling between Brazil and Portugal. He’s the writer of the e-book The Meals Revolutions.
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