Blog
Stories at the table
Portuguese food, art, and things to do in Lisbon. From the Conde de Redondo quarter to the world.
Francesinha in Lisbon: an honest guide from people who serve it daily
What makes a good francesinha, how to spot the right sauce, and where to try it in Lisbon without the tourist traps.
1 September 2026
Codfish à Lagareiro: why this simple dish moves people
Cod loin, smashed potatoes, garlic and plenty of olive oil. So simple it only works when every ingredient is good.
What to do around Conde de Redondo, in the heart of Lisbon
A short walk from Marquês de Pombal and the Avenida. A quick itinerary for an afternoon before dinner.
Sunday nights with live music at O Vareiro
We moved the music to Sunday. An unhurried dinner with real live music, every week.
Art on the walls: the original works that live at O Vareiro
The paintings you see while you dine are originals, painted by the house artist, and they are for sale.
Black Angus Picanha or Mirandesa Beef: which to order?
Two cuts, two worlds. One comes from the grill, the other from the tradition of north-east Portugal.
Portuguese wines: a simple guide to choosing at dinner
From the Douro to the Alentejo, from vinho verde to full-bodied reds. What to order with fish, meat and codfish.
5 typical Portuguese dishes every tourist should try
If you are coming to Lisbon with only a few days, start here. None of these are tourist traps.
Lisbon at night: where to have dinner when hunger strikes late
The city dines late. If it is 10 PM and you have not eaten, there is still time for a good table.
Buying local art in Lisbon, without stepping into a gallery
Not all good art sits behind glass. Sometimes it is on a restaurant wall, right in front of you.