BROTO

Contemporary cooking with roots

The cooking is contemporary, firmly grounded in Portuguese produce. The chef likes working with the season, and you notice it in a menu that changes with what the land and sea provide. There's precision in the cooking, care in the sauces and a clear wish to surprise without overcomplicating. Dishes are made to be savoured slowly and, yes, photographed before you dive in.

Ask the team for wine advice: it's a great way to discover Portuguese producers that don't appear on every list. If you have allergies or restrictions, mention them when you book.

The room and what to expect

The room is cosy and modern, without formality, a place where you feel at ease. It's a €€ restaurant, which makes BROTO one of the friendliest ways to taste chef-driven cooking in central Lisbon. Expect a relaxed meal, with the time a good conversation needs. At lunch the pace tends to be lighter, handy if you still have the whole day ahead.

No special dress needed: smart casual fits perfectly. But come hungry and curious, which is what makes the visit worthwhile.

Between Chiado and Bairro Alto

Largo Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro is a few steps from Largo do Carmo and the ruins of the Carmo Convent, one of the city's most beautiful spots. Before your meal, walk down Rua Garrett, pass the café A Brasileira and browse Chiado's old bookshops. The Santa Justa Lift is right there, with views over the Baixa.

After dinner, Bairro Alto is literally around the corner for a drink or some fado. If you prefer a view, the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint is a short walk away, with São Jorge Castle opposite.

Other restaurants nearby