Carnal

Mexico with a Lisbon accent

The cooking here is Mexican, but it has passed through the hands of a team used to chef-driven cuisine. Expect intense flavours, just the right amount of heat and a desire to share what comes to the table. The menu changes, so we won't promise specific dishes. We'll promise the spirit: food made seriously, without the solemnity of white-tablecloth restaurants.

The Bib Gourmand says a lot. MICHELIN Guide inspectors give it to places where quality and price balance out. At a €€ price level, it's one of the MICHELIN-recognised places easiest to fit into a travel budget.

What to expect at the table

Given the price level and type of cooking, expect a relaxed meal rather than a long, ceremonious tasting menu. No jacket or formal shoes needed; sightseeing clothes are perfectly fine. The pace is up to you: it can be a quick dinner before exploring the night or a longer meal with friends. If you have a dietary restriction or aren't a big fan of spice, say so when you order.

Before and after, in Bairro Alto

Rua da Misericórdia is the border between Chiado and Bairro Alto, in other words at the centre of everything. Right next door is the São Roque Church, with a modest façade and a jaw-dropping interior. A little further up is the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, overlooking the Baixa and São Jorge Castle, ideal at dusk.

Downhill are Largo de Camões and Chiado, with their bookshops and historic cafés. After dinner, the alleys of Bairro Alto come alive and fill with people until late. If you prefer something calmer, Príncipe Real is a short walk away.

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