Bonsai - Fontana Park Hotel

One of the restaurants included in Lisboa restaurant week, is located inside the 2008' s winner hotel by The European Hotel Design Awards. Besides this interesting Japanese restaurant, there are other two areas worth going: restaurant - Saldanha Mar, for a portuguese/mediterranean cuisine and the exotic Fontana Bar. In here, starting this month, they have available a lounge buffet from 7pm to 9pm every friday,10 Euros per person including one drink. Isn't this great?

Fontana Bar - Fontana Park Hotel

Rua Engº Vieira da Silva 2

Saldanha

Best Lisbon restaurants and charity for 20 Euro - The 3rd edition of Lisbon Restaurant Week just started

The Lisbon Restaurant Week started today, and until March 6 you can try some of the best, exclusive and expensive restaurants for 20 Euro – and the best is that 1 Euro revert to charity! Try one of the 44 restaurants that have joined this project, where you can find some very famous names on the list as Gemelli, Olivier Café, Eleven or Casa da Comida. Check out the complete list at www.lisboa-restaurantweek.com for an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Don’t forget to make your reservation as most restaurants have a limited number of seats available and in many people where waiting anxiously for this 3^rd edition in Lisbon.

Walking in Chiado I – Casa Havanesa: The house of smokers

If you are a smoker stop at Casa Havanesa. This was their first and original shop that opened in 1864 as a bank, where the owner used to offer a cigar to his best clients. Later the bank changed the name and this became an historic shop referred by some of the great Portuguese writers in their master pieces, from Eça de Queiroz to Guerra Junqueiro.

Smoking is bad for our health and is not fashionable as it used to be 100 years ago, but this shop is definitely part of Lisbon’s history.

Casa Havanesa

Largo do Chiado, 25

Amazing view - Bairro Alto Hotel Terrace

One of Lisbon's treasures is not a secret among locals or tourists. When we talk about amazing views of Lisbon, we think of this cozy, charming, little bar located on the rooftop of the Bairro Alto Hotel: Terrace. From here we can see the rooftop of the typical portuguese houses, all the way to the river. The sunset from here is incredible and as the night falls you see all the little lights starting to illuminate the city. The famous Garrett sandwich, the petit gateau or one of the cheese tables are excellent options, joined by a glass of wine. For the ones that prefer to appreciate the magnificent view without alchool, there are several types of teas that you can choose from.

I believe that one or two facebook's fans will like this one :)

Summer - 12:30pm to 10pm / Winter - 12:30pm to 12am

Hotel do Bairro Alto

Praça Luis de Camões

It's bed time!

One of my favorites places in Bairro Alto to go dancing is definitely Bedroom. Host of the old "Outra Face da Lua", this bar/club wants to make you feel at home, literally. Instead of tables, there are different shaped beds, some couches and large cushions, all in a vintage decoration with a club atmosphere. There are two bars with friendly barmaids and a reserved area with couches behind the DJ. The idea is to change constantly the décor between the different parts of the house. Now it's more similar to a living room. Good music, good vibe and good drinks. In the first dawn hours, the dance floor is crowded and very lively. Probably the most trendy bar in the area!

Don't forget to check it out!

Opened from Wednesday to Saturday

Rua do Norte, 86

Bairro Alto

Á Margem by Ana Laurentino

This post is in Portuguese because it was a suggestion we received by email. It is about the restaurant À Margem, which is one of the best spots by the river, very near from Padrão dos Descobrimentos.

Aqui está mais uma sugestão junto ao rio, desta vez enviada pela Ana Laurentino, a quem aproveitamos para agradecer o email que enviou com esta fantástica sugestão. O Á Margem é sem dúvida uma das novas esplanadas junto ao rio que vale a pena conhecer.

Recomendo vivamente esta esplanada, melhor para almoço ou lanche.

Serve óptimas saladas e tostas, tem uma variada oferta de sumos naturais assim como de chás.

E a vista é espectacular, num dia de sol sabe muito bem desfrutar da óptima vista e do sol a bater….à noite também tem o seu encanto com a ponte e toda a outra margem do rio iluminada. É relaxante e romântico.

A decoração é minimalista e sóbria, tudo em branco, dá a sensação de que estamos numa esplanada no céu… tomar atenção aos half-trolley’s de avião onde guardam os talheres ao lado das mesas interiores….muito original!

A provar: a sobremesa de tarte de maça com gelado, de comer e chorar por mais…

Aqui fica a minha sugestão.

Ana Laurentino

Men only

Take your car because it has a private parking. Once inside, you can immediately feel the luxury in this amazing shop where the collections are made by Italian tailors from Naples, and taste a flute of champagne while shopping. The experience of the owner that dedicated his life to the fashion market is the factor that makes of this shop the place to purchase the best quality men’s clothing in Lisbon. Make them a visit for a luxury Lisbon experience.

Oficina Mustra

Rua Rodrigues Sampaio, 81

Olivier: Venice Carnival or Valentine's Day. Make your choice!

In a week full of festivities the restaurant Olivier at Rua do Alecrim, decided to celebrate the 2 special occasions. On Sunday, despite being the customary closing day, they will serve the degustation for couples in love. The price per person with a flute of champagne and dessert included will be 60 euro per person. On the following day, a masquerade will take place with the Venice Carnival as a theme and the menu of the restaurant will operate as usual. The party is schedule to continue at Silk Club.

Olivier
Rua do Alecrim, 23

Ramiro - The freshest seafood in Lisbon

Although the area where it’s located is not the most recommendable in Lisbon (but better than a few years ago), you will find this as one of the best seafood restaurants you have ever been. Very casual as a “cervejaria” should be, since 1956 they serve the freshest seafood in the city, that you can see live in the aquariums downstairs. This floor is the more lively area of the restaurant, noisier, but at the same time more traditional. If you prefer a more quiet area, then I would recommend you to ask for a table at the 1^st floor. This is not a sophisticated restaurant but you will certainly have a memorable meal, and it’s also possible to order a take away to enjoy all this pleasures at home.

Tip: Ask for Pata Negra as a starter; “gambas a la guilho” for the main course (and any other at your choice); and end up with a “prego”. To drink either beer or really fresh white wine.

Cervejaria Ramiro

Av. Almirante Reis, 1

Closed on Mondays

Versailles

We can’t forget to mention one of the most known and historical pastry shops in Lisbon. Versailles, open since 1922, maintains the Art Nouveau from the 20’s with chess pavement, large mirrors and wooden counters.

Located in the new avenues of the city, it’s still a meeting place for many intellectuals of the 50s and 60s aswell as younger generations that are looking for delicious and fresh baked bread, cakes and all kinds of pastry. Some say they have the best croquettes, others say not to miss the Bolo Rei. Maybe the best is to taste them for yourself.

Early in the morning around 7:30/8am when the atmosphere is quieter, is probably the best time to have a delicious breakfast while reading the newspaper.

Opens daily

Av. República 15 A

7:30am to 10pm

Vicentinas teahouse

In the street of S. Bento, nearby Largo do Rato you can find this enchanting Lisbon secret that counts already more than 30 years old. Passing an almost unnoticed doorway with number 700, you go back on time and you feel like you are sitting at your grandparent’s living room. They serve a variety of homemade cakes and pies, but we would advise you to try the scones; they go perfectly with a tea. This is a memorable teahouse, traditional and intimate.

Vicentinas

Rua de S. Bento, 700

Open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 3pm to 7pm

Clube da Esquina

Clube da Esquina is one of the stops you will have to make in Bairro Alto. Located on a corner of Rua da Barroca, inside has the old characteristic look of the architecture of the area. All windows (usually open) face the busy streets and the nightlife of Bairro. This is one of the most emblematic bars and meeting point of the neighborhood.

Panoramic views of Lisbon

Hannah Whitfield commented on our Facebook page that “the bar on the top floor of Hotel do Chiado has a great view of Lisbon; you don't need to be staying there to go up and enjoy!”. This is actually one of our favorite places in Lisbon. You can enjoy a beautiful view or sit inside if it’s cold and rainy, and you just feel like you are in your living room. It’s a quiet and private bar perfect to have and afternoon tea. Also a good spot for a drink before dinner as it’s just a few minutes walking from the lively Bairro Alto for a bit more of night action.

Open daily from 12:00 to 23:00

Tapas & Flamenco

As you walk along the streets of Santos, there is one place you should stop if you want to taste, smell and feel like you are in Spain. La Hora Española makes you experience all that at once. The typical tapas, wines, music and decoration are all related with our neighbouring country. You can find either cold or hot tapas but I would suggest you the simplest ones: cheeses, Pata Negra ham, tortillas, salads… To drink, either the Rioja wine or the cider.

For those Flamenco lovers, there is a gourmet shop that, besides food & beverage, also sells everything from the Flamenco culture such as dancing shoes, books and music.

Around September/October they will be once more the organizers of the Flamenco Festival in Lisbon.

Don’t forget to try this Spanish style Lisbon Experience!

Calçada Marquês de Abrantes 58

Opens daily

Oceanário de Lisboa

Opened since 1998 for the World Exhibition the Oceanário de Lisboa is a memorable visit for both adults and children. It represents the various oceans and counts with numerous species that make of it an entertaining and educational program. From the architecture of the building to the surrounding location and the visit itself, the Oceanario is one of the attractions not to miss in Lisbon.

Open every day from 10am to 7pm

Restaurant & Art Gallery

Located in the liveliest neighborhood in Lisbon, the atmosphere here combines the traditional portuguese pavement floor (Calçada Portuguesa) with a minimalist and colorful decoration. Why colorful? Because of every month's different paintings. New portuguese and international artists, presents their art on the walls of this restaurant/art gallery giving the atmosphere a very unique and contemporary look.

As for the food, there are so many you can choose from: the traditional codfish cooked in a modern way, stewed or grilled pork meat, pastas (I suggest the spaghetti with clams bulhão pato style), vegetarian options and my favorite the risotto, either with meat, fish or vegetables.

Try the Champagne Sangria - delicious!

Prices friendly!

At their website you can see the gallery program for the next months. For this month, the walls are covered with paintings from a portuguese artist named João Moreira da Silva.

Hope you enjoy this "yummy" Lisbon Experience!

Rua da Atalaia, 35

Bairro Alto

Opens only for dinner

Closed on Mondays

Totopos, enchiladas, margaritas… llegamos a Mexico?

From the lively colored walls and decoration, to the menu and a couple of “mariachis” (on Wednesday and Thursday), when you pass Siesta’s doorway you feel you have travelled to Mexico. During summer it’s better to choose from a table outside that will allow you to enjoy more of the river views, but to really feel the Mexican spirit a table inside is perfect. The food is the most similar you can get to the original (it’s very important not to forget to drink a margarita), and it is also very affordable. On weekends it is recommended to make reservations, and it is a good spot for a group dinner with your friends.

Restaurante La Siesta

Passeio Marítimo de Algés

Open every day from 12pm to 1am

Is St. Valentines's arriving earlier?

Do not miss this weekend in Jardim da Estrela an anticipation of St. Valentine’s day with the monthly fair Crafts & Design. With theme “Love Garden”, this edition is entirely devoted to love and romance, and you will certainly be able to find unique gifts with your better half or all alone!

On Sunday at 3:30pm don’t miss the concert of Dona Canô

Coaches move in 2012

Museu dos Coches is one of the most visited museums in Portugal. Located in the Old Royal Riding School of Belem, houses an unique collection of carriages from the 17^th to the 19^th century. This is the most notable exhibition in the world within the genre and will have a new and more modern home in 2012. Make sure you give them a visit. On Sundays they have special activities for families.

Portuguese cuisine

Here is a restaurant I love: Guarda-Mor. Cozy, simple, casual, familiar, not pretentious, with a very good portuguese cuisine. Here you can't miss the Peixinhos da Horta (deep-fried green beens, similar to the japanese tempuras, but in my opinion much better)!

For the main dish you have excellent portuguese dish options: açorda de gambas (shrimps açorda, solid bread soup), pataniscas de bacalhau (deep-fried codfish dish), arroz de cabidela (Cabidela rice made with chicken or rabbit) and many more. A good portuguese wine list and a friendly service completes this Lisbon Experience. Open on Sundays!

Rua do Guarda Mor 8

Santos

Art for everyone

Artelection is the name chosen for this concept of art for everyone. In this art gallery, you can choose from more than 100 artists and the idea is to allow you to have at home real art. They believe in new artists with different aesthetics and of course the most famous portuguese ones such as Paula Rêgo,Vieira da Silva, Cruzeiro Seixas and many many more.

If you´re not an art expert, like myself, they can help you find the right painting accordingly to your purpose, either just for decoration or as an investment. From 200Euros to 10.000Euros there are so many you can choose from, especially because they can be bought up to 36 months with zero interest. At their website, the options are divided by artist or price and once you choose one painting you can see how it will look like at your home. Choose the wall colour and frame and feel inspired! Be sure to check it out this Art Lisbon Experience!

www.artelection.com

Rua dos Industriais 6

Santos

15-euro-all-you-can-eat-seafood!

What else can you wish for? In this casual restaurant in a hidden street of Campo de Ourique your dream will come true. Every night they serve a “rodizio” with different (and fresh) types of seafood and at a cost that most human being can afford. For a Lisbon experience don’t miss this meal that comes right out of the Ocean.

Restaurante Já Fumega

Rua de Campo de Ourique, 13

A slice of Italy

Young, casual, very lively, informal service, outstanding pizzas, reasonable prices. These are the key words that describe pizzeria Lucca. If you want a good value Italian this is the place. For dinner we advise to make reservations.

Pizzaria Lucca
Travessa Henrique Cardosso, 19-B (Near Av. De Roma)
Every day from 12:00 to 15:30 and from 19:00 to 01:00
In this restaurant is allowed to smoke