Âmago

The cooking and the experience

The name says a lot: âmago means the core, the essence of things. And that's what the kitchen looks for on the plate, with seasonal ingredients from small producers, treated with technique but without disguise. The menu changes with the seasons, so what you taste on one visit may not be there the next. That's good news, not a problem. It isn't cooking that dazzles with fireworks; it's cooking you remember the next day.

Flavours are clean and well thought out, leaving room for the produce to shine. Take advice on the wines and mention any dietary restriction when you book.

The room and what to expect

The atmosphere is intimate and calm, good for talking without raising your voice. Expect a relaxed meal, with dishes arriving at a leisurely pace and with explanations. It's a €€€ restaurant, a smart choice for a special dinner that needn't be solemn.

Clothes can be casual but neat. Most importantly, arrive unhurried: this is no place for a quick bite before the train.

Between the Avenida and Príncipe Real

Rua da Alegria runs parallel to Avenida da Liberdade, near Praça da Alegria. Before dinner, stroll along the Avenida, with its pavements and shops, or walk up to Príncipe Real to see the garden, design shops and mansions. Lisbon's Botanical Garden is also nearby, a good green refuge in the middle of the day.

Going downhill, you reach Restauradores and Rossio in a few minutes. If you want a view, the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint is a short climb away, with the city and the castle in front of you. For the way back, Avenida metro station is a stone's throw away, and Restauradores, further down, connects to almost the whole city.

Other restaurants nearby