Review: Alcântara Café – cool, stylish dinning in Lisbon

The former 90’s top disco restaurant and bar in Lisbon is, after nearly 20 years, still one of the top references for fine dinning in a stylish and hip atmosphere.

Back in the 80’s a printing factory was transformed into the most alive disco in the city, housing a stylish restaurant and bar with a direct entry into the disco. Today, after Alcântara Mar Disco being sold, the stylish Alcântara Café is still one of the most stylish options in the city.

A unique Baroque-industrial look, with tall ceilings, sculptures and marble pillars grant it a unique fashionable and poetic look that has been calling attention since day one. No wonder, the décor is something to see.

Alcântara Café is set amongst abandoned factories, just a couple train stops from down town.

As we walked through the huge iron door, we were welcomed by the door man and invited for a drink at the bar. The chefs make the most out of the freshest ingredients to create a nouvelle French cuisine with an obvious Portuguese touch. For starters, some of the top choices are Warm goat’s cheese with green salad (€12) or beef Carpaccio seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice and parmesan (€11). The presentation is superb… As throughout the rest of the meal. We ordered Salmon with spinaches (€19,50) and the huge Prawns with lemon sauce and vegetable gratin (€32) that made us wonder if they hadn’t made a mistake and served the Tiger prawns instead (€44).  For meat eaters, the choices are excellent too. The Steak tartare (€22) is a constant survivor on the changing menu. Another one, not on the menu, is the house “croquetes” (meat balls), known to be outstandingly good.

If you still have space for desert, they will surely surprise you. The menu is extensive so you will have to take your time. Everything is very creative and thoughtfully prepared at the moment.

Although it may get a bit more crowded on weekends, if you’re looking for a quiet dinner, during the week you won’t have any problems. The restaurant is opened until 1am, so if you are hungry late at night, Alcântara Café might also be a good choice.

Where: Rua Maria Luisa Holstein , 15. Alcântara.
Tel.: 213621226
Opened everyday for dinner, from 8pm until 1am.
Average Price: €35 (without drinks)

www.alcantaracafe.com