Welcome to our website The Chefs’ Table In this column, chefs recommend their favorite restaurants in their cities of choice.
It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Lisbon The city Nuno Mendes grew in the 1980s is nothing like the one we love and know today. Mendes claims that the City of Light in 1980 was “a very hard city.” Back then, “there was no national pride.”
Mendes then travelled the world and studied innovative cooking techniques and ingredients under Wolfgang Puck and Rocco de Spirito before settling down in the United States. East London He has lived in the same place for over 20 years. While Hackney is home, the Lisbon that Mendes knows and loves today is thriving—so, he finally decided to open a restaurant there. After the success of his highly-acclaimed London restaurants The Loft Project (Lisboeta), Bacchus and Viajante are all part of the Lisboeta family. Santa Joana In October, the film opened to rave reviews in Lisbon. It allowed him to spend time in London and at his childhood home.
Mendes calls Santa Joana a unique, stunning space. It’s an old convent, with high ceilings and beautiful space, which is something you rarely find. This is my dream. What’s important is that you can feel the pulse of the city when you are in the restaurant. The incredible chefs of Lisbon make him feel like he is in good company when he cooks in the city: “The food cultures are much more diverse than they were when I was young.” We are cooking traditional food that reflects Lisbon’s culinary tradition, but also the modern and contemporary elements.
He says that the energy of city dwellers is a part of what goes on in kitchens and in restaurants. “Lisbon now is a city filled with vibrant, excited people. A lot of young people. A lot of Portuguese people have traveled the globe and returned home. And I love the fact that 99 percent of my products are only 300 meters from me.
So, we asked Mendes to share his favorite restaurants in Lisbon—where he goes the minute he touches down in the city. “I wanted places to be highlighted that I personally love, and that have a great atmosphere. [Where] “You feel as if you are being welcomed into someone’s home.” You’ll immediately know where you are when you enter: “Every one of my recommendations can only exist in Lisbon.”
Prado
Tv. das Pedras Negras 2 (Baixa)
The menu is updated regularly. PradoOne of my favourite restaurants. The team works closely with a number of small producers and has an excellent wine list. It is hyper-seasonal and perfectly inspired by Portuguese food and classic Portuguese cooking. This is a completely different kind of restaurant. St John It’s similar to the London version, with its philosophy of not wasting any fish parts. People who go to Prado are looking for it, so they seem to be on board and interested in what’s being done. Also, there’s a wonderful little wine bar. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, the food in this restaurant is amazing.
