April 2017
West of Lisbon city centre is the cool, eclectic and local scene. Barrio Alto is bohemian chic by day and a party hub by night.
Stay
Dear Lisbon ~ Charming House – We initially booked 2 nights but loved it so much stayed 4. The location is just off the beaten track in the lively Barrio Alto area, it was surrounded by newly opened coffee shops, brunch places and old school traditional Taberna’s.
Coffee & Brunch
The Mill – An Aussie fell in love with Lisbon and opened this place. The interior is clad with cork and full of young local free lancers. Serving avocado, coffee and local wine – what more could you want?
Hello, Kristof – We walked past this and it immediately caught my eye with the rack of all my favourite magazine read against the back wall. Just opened, I could still smell the paint but it felt very established with the quality of coffee and the baristas
Dinner
Mercado Da Ribeira – Owned by Time Out, this is the cities best-of’s all under one roof. I’ve been to a few markets in my time and this is the most impressive because of the modern set up combined with the huge selection of traditional cuisines. It’s perfect for those who come as a group and may not agree what they want for dinner. There is also a splendid bar in the middle offering a happy hour and bringing with it crowds of young’uns.
Bairro do Avillez – This joint is massive and spectacularly designed with different rooms to suit you, a meat parlour, a tropical room and 2 floored traditional dining room. Serving the finest of small dishes and meats at a modest rate – 60 euros for 2 people eating as much as they could with wine. Photos below.
Taberna Portuguesa – A tavern that couldn’t get more Portuguesa, just selling meat, cheese and wine. We came here late on the first night as it was right next to the hotel, perfect. I think the bill came to 20 euros – crazy!
Madame Petisca – Tapas & cocktails served in relaxed digs with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over Miradouro de Santa Catarina – a terrace look out of the city and water below.
Pharmacia – Newly opened, this cool pharmacy-themed space is serving food and cocktails with outdoor seating.
Lost In – Renowned for their bohemian brightly coloured terrace with silk drapes and umbrellas, it’s unsurprisingly busy. Make sure you book your sunset spot on the terrace and in the restaurant. The food was thai which was nice, but I’d rather eat the local food. I
Drink
Barrio alto hotel – Awarded in the top 5 of best roof terrace in the world with unique view of Rio Tejo, the old Lisbon rooftops and of the sunset from behind the bridge over Rio Tejo, this should be top of your list for sundowners.
Lost in – (As above) The terrace is a beautiful array of bright bohemian silks and pompoms covering lounge beds for cockatils. Make sure you book or go early.
By the wine – Cosy and relax bar with the best of the local wines, try the green wine AKA Vinho Verde, it’s only found in Portugal. The ceiling is made from thousands of green bottles – very instagrammable.
Sky bar – It does what it says on the tin, a rooftop in the sky.
