Restaurant Descarado, Lisbon - Review

Located in the heart of Lisbon, restaurant Descarado is a restaurant that has quickly become a popular destination for foodies and locals alike. This trendy restaurant combines traditional Portuguese flavors with innovative techniques to create a unique gastronomic experience.

At restaurant Descarado, the menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons and the availability of the freshest ingredients. The restaurant offers a variety of small plates and sharing dishes, making it perfect for groups or those looking to sample a range of flavors.

One of the standout dishes on the menu is the Octopus, which is cooked to perfection and served with a deliciously tangy lemon and olive oil sauce. The **Beef Tartare **is also a must-try, with perfectly seasoned meat and a rich and flavorful egg yolk.

In addition to the excellent food, restaurant Descarado offers an extensive wine list featuring both Portuguese and international wines. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about wine, and they are happy to provide recommendations and pairings for each dish.

The restaurant’s interior is modern and minimalist, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the chefs at work, adding an extra element of excitement to the dining experience.

Despite its high-quality cuisine and trendy atmosphere, restaurant Descarado remains reasonably priced, making it accessible to a wide range of diners. The average cost for a meal for two people with wine is around €70, which is excellent value for money given the quality of the food and service.

Overall, restaurant Descarado is an excellent choice for those looking to experience innovative and **exciting cuisine **in the heart of Lisbon. With its delicious food, extensive wine list, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder this restaurant has become one of the city’s hottest dining destinations.

**Restaurant Descarado Instagram: **https://www.instagram.com/restaurantedescarado/?hl=en

**Restaurant Descarado address: **Av. Brasília 5, Lisboa, Portugal

About the Santo Amaro and Alcântara Riverside

Avenida Brasília runs along the Tagus river on the western side of Lisbon, in the stretch between Alcântara and Belém. This part of the city used to be mostly docks, warehouses and industrial buildings. Over the last decade many of those spaces have been turned into restaurants, bars, galleries and offices, which is why the area now attracts a younger, food-focused crowd.

The big advantage of eating here is the setting. You are close to the water, the views of the 25 de Abril Bridge are right in front of you, and the light at sunset over the river is one of the nicest in Lisbon. It also feels a bit calmer than the busy streets of Baixa, Chiado or Bairro Alto.

What to Expect from Modern Portuguese Cuisine

If you are new to Portuguese food, it helps to know a few basics before you sit down at a place like Descarado:

• Octopus (polvo) is a national favourite. It is often boiled until tender and then grilled or roasted, and served with olive oil, garlic and potatoes.
• Sharing plates (petiscos) are the Portuguese version of tapas. Ordering several small dishes for the table is the normal way to eat.
• Olive oil is used generously, and Portugal produces some excellent oils of its own.
• Bread and starters placed on the table at the start of the meal are usually charged if you eat them. If you don’t want them, simply say so.
• Wine is one of the strengths of the country. Look out for Vinho Verde (light, fresh, slightly sparkling), whites and reds from the Douro and the Alentejo, and fortified wines like Port and Madeira for after dinner.

Modern restaurants in Lisbon take these traditional ingredients and present them in a lighter, more creative way, which is why seasonal menus and small plates have become so common in the city.

How to Get There

• Tram: Tram 15E runs between Praça da Figueira and Belém along the riverside and is the easiest way to reach this part of the city from the centre.
• Train: The Cascais line leaves from Cais do Sodré and stops at Alcântara-Mar and Santo Amaro, both within walking distance of the riverside.
• Taxi or ride-hailing: Uber, Bolt and regular taxis are widely available in Lisbon and are reasonably priced compared with other European capitals.
• Walking: If you are already visiting LX Factory or the riverside museums, you can easily walk along the water.

What to Do Nearby

The area around Avenida Brasília is a great base for an afternoon before dinner:

• LX Factory: A former industrial complex under the bridge, now full of shops, cafés, bookstores and street art. It is especially lively on weekends.
• MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology): A striking modern building on the riverfront with a walkable roof that offers great views.
• Belém: A short ride west, home to the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries and the famous custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém.
• Riverside promenade: A long, flat path that is perfect for a walk or a bike ride along the Tagus, especially around sunset.

Tips for Your Visit

• Book ahead, especially for dinner on Friday and Saturday. Popular restaurants in Lisbon fill up quickly.
• Check current hours before you go. Restaurants in Lisbon often close one or two days a week and may change their schedules seasonally.
• Dinner starts late. Locals usually eat from around 8 pm onwards, so arriving early can mean a quieter room.
• Ask about the menu of the day. Seasonal menus mean dishes change, so the staff can tell you what is fresh that week.
• Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Portugal. Leaving around 5-10% for good service is common.
• Menus and prices change, so treat any figures in older reviews as a rough guide only.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

If you want to be close to this part of the city, staying around Cais do Sodré or Santos gives you easy access to both the riverside and the historic centre. Belém is quieter and good for families, while Chiado and Príncipe Real are ideal if you want to be near shops, viewpoints and nightlife.

FAQ

Where is Restaurant Descarado in Lisbon? It is on Avenida Brasília, along the river in the Santo Amaro area, between Alcântara and Belém.

What type of food does Descarado serve? Modern Portuguese and Mediterranean cooking, built around small plates and sharing dishes that change with the seasons.

Do I need a reservation? It is a good idea, especially for weekend evenings. Check the restaurant’s Instagram for the latest booking details.

Is it good for groups? Yes. The sharing-plate format works well for groups who want to try several dishes.

What else can I combine with a visit? LX Factory, MAAT and the monuments of Belém are all close by, so it is easy to plan a full afternoon and evening in the area.