Late lunch in the Alfama

We had been told about this little locally run Portuguese restaurant in the Alfama that had blown up on Tik Tok. We were told it was hard to get a reservation but I thought I would try and, what do you know, we were able to get a table at 3.30 pm. I know it was a little late for lunch and even early for a pensioner dinner, but we were on holiday and almost anything goes!

On the way home from the LX Factory we got drenched, even with umbrellas, and so we had a little time to dry out in our apartment before our reservation. After changing into dry clothes, off we headed towards the Alfama district, which means lots of stairs and walking up hills. My glutes have had quiet the workout in Lisbon!

We arrived at our destination, Taberna Sal Grosso right on time and there was already a line of diners waiting to get in. We had to wait a few minutes for the first sitting to leave, the tables to be reset and, finally, we were seated. The restaurant seats about 24 people.

The menu was on a blackboard and quite extensive. We chose cod fish cakes, fried baby squid, eggplant with smoked yoghurt, an orange and almond salad and fries. It was all really delicious. I drank a Porto tonico and Ian had a Bock (Portuguese beer). We even had room to share a passion fruit crème brûlée and coffee. I love going to little local, family run places that are passionate about what they do. It was a lovely way to spend our last afternoon in Lisbon, as we were off to London on the following day.

After lunch we decided to take one more stroll through the Alfama, which was just getting ready for the dinner crowd and those wanting to take in a FADO show. Ian and I had intended to see a FADO show on this trip but we just felt like a quiet night in and to stay dry (weather wise). It will be on our list for our next visit to Lisbon. We will definitely be back to this tremendous city.Read more