Filed under: Family Friendly, Food & Beverage, gourmet, mediterranean, Restaurants & Bars
REVIEW: Olivier Café
This restaurant was truly a surprise. A while ago I read an article about the best restaurants here in Lisbon. Olivier was on the list, so I decided it was time to know this long time favourite of the city.
This former Degustation Menu restaurant in the heart of Bairro Alto moved to Rua do Alecrim (map), between Cais do Sodré and Bairro Alto, to combine the Degustation Menu with a la carte in Olivier Café. Named after his owner, sun of the known Portuguese chef Michel, this restaurant has gained the appreciation of the gourmet lovers. The cosy atmosphere in a sophisticated ambience is partly dued to the presence of Olivier and Nathalie, his sister and manager, constantly trying to make you feel at home. The warm colours and the golden tonalities grant it a refined and exclusive touch.
The Degustation Menu is still one of the top choices of the house. To the five starters that arrived immediately after we were sited – octopus Carpaccio, crab guacamole on corn bread, foie gras with fig jelly, beef Carpaccio with pesto and ruccula and marinated salmon, we were presented with other four hot appetizers – green pee soup, game alheira, goat cheese with honey and walnuts puff pastry, finalizing with a truffle and parmesan sauce linguini. After a sorbet came the small portion of a dish, just enough to flavour one of their main courses. Everything was simply outstanding.
Your other option is the a la carte Menu in which case, to the initial 5 starters you’ll add a dish from the menu. Some of the most wanted are White Veal T-Bone (€45) and Kobé Beef (€20). If you’re not much of a meat eater, the options are excellent too – Sea scallops with fresh basil sauce (€23) and Fresh cod with spinach and onion comfit (€25) are some of the choices.
From simple ingredients come pure delicacies with superb presentation. But above all, it’s the game of tastes that makes people come again and again. And the promise that you will always be given a different option.
At week-ends it’s usually full so it’s best to make a reservation.
Rua do Alecrim, 23
Tel: 213422916
Opened: Everyday for dinner except on Sundays
Average price: €50 (including wine)
You can read some of my reviews on nearby atractions:
- Tram 28
- Vida Portuguesa Store – Portuguese vintage products that are an excellent present to take back home
- Fabrico Infinito – fancy art gallery and tea room at Principe Real
5 Comments
Sounds fabulous!
Alexandre, This sounds absolutely great, I feel sorry that I don’t live in Lisbon and will not be there for my holiday either. But who knows, one day in the future.
Kim and Marianne,
Thanks for your comments. Your feedback is always important so feel free to comment any time.
As to Olivier, after a while reviewing some of the best restaurants in town, I have to say that Olivier Café is still up there. So if you make it to Lisbon, make sure to include it on your to do list.
Yours,
Alexandre