The eclectic Pharmacia restaurant.
Something happens in Lisbon. And it is that the Portuguese capital overflows with effervescence and sensuality. Never before has the night been so vibrant and bohemian, the restaurants so creative and original, and the shops so unique and eclectic. We have toured the city of Seven Hills to discover the latest of the latest. be surprised.
1. Pensâo Amor - the space of a thousand surprises An old hotel whose rooms were rented by the hour to prostitutes and sailors has been converted into a multidisciplinary space where the bohemian, the sexy and the artistic intermingle in a more than suggestive combination. And it is that, at the entrance they already announce a quite unique and quite spicy evening "Between veja con os seus olhos". (“Come in and see with your own eyes”).
Inaugurated on November 17, this 'Pensión del Amor' hosts several spaces, each one more original: An erotic bookstore, a sexy underwear store , a hairdresser (Facto Fetish) who cuts the hair of 'students, sailors and walkers' or an artistic bar where something happens every day from jazz performances to poetry readings.
But the main meeting point is the café located at the back of the premises. Decorated according to the aesthetics of the old cabarets, velvet curtains, fabric-lined walls and lamps typical of our grandmothers abound. Ideal for having a drink accompanied by a Peruvian ceviche while contemplating the ceiling painting that emulates those of the Sistine Chapel itself. A mischievous wink from the owners, because here saints what is said saints, we have not seen any.
And finally, don't forget to stop by the men's bathroom where a stimulating surprise awaits you. Not suitable for those under 18 years of age or those with heart problems!
_Rua do Alecrim, 19 (open every day from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.) _
two. Bar da Velha Senhora - Between history and burlesque Inside the same Pensâo Amor building, but with an entrance on Rua Nova do Carvalho, the Bar da Velha Senhora pays homage to one of the most famous 'madames' in the Cais do Sodré area of the early 20th century. The story of a girl from the interior of Portugal of great voluptuousness and generous curves (although they say she is quite badly shaved), who became a legend among the sailors who docked in the port of Lisbon in search of a drink and arms to to throw off after so many months of loneliness.
And what better way to keep the memory of the 'Old Lady' alive than through burlesque, raunchy and very sensual shows that religiously take place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11pm. And as an exceptional witness, the former Madame who, naked in the impressive painting that occupies the back of the stage, seems to agree with what she sees.
But not everything ends with the show. The suggestive cocktail menu is well worth a look. And since we're in the mood, we recommend the so-called "puta fina" a refreshing mix of rum, strawberry and mint.
Rua Nova de Carvalho, 36/38
Burlesque moment at the Bar da Velha Senhora.
3. Pharmacia - magic formulas against hunger A friendly employee dressed as a nurse welcomes us in this original space recently opened by two veterans of the Lisbon restaurant industry, Susana Felicidade and Tánia Martines. Located in a unique enclave with sublime views of the Mirador de Santa Catalina, Pharmacia is an experimental and creative restaurant whose decoration is inspired by the old apothecary.
On the menu we find everything from the “Ibuprofen” cocktail to the “psychostimulant” with strawberry tree and passion fruit. Every detail is a new sample of originality like the test tubes in which the soup is served. Absolutely recommendable is the surprise menu that for 28 euros offers us a selection of dishes where the traditional and the imaginative combine perfectly.
One last plus, especially in these times of crisis, is that we can take our own bottle of wine. In return we will only pay 5 euros for the corkage.
Rua Marechal Saldanha, 1
Four. Poison d'Amour - Sweet Temptations This is, without a doubt, the perfect place to make true that phrase that perhaps Marie Antoinette never said: “If they don't have bread, let them eat cakes”. And it is that, as much as you want You won't be able to resist the complete selection of macarons, lemon tarts, éclairs or the exquisite chocolate mousse.
A French master pastry chef is responsible for the careful creations, in a romantic and somewhat retro-style atmosphere where it is easy to 'loose' for hours while tasting the house specialties. Not suitable for those who have decided to go on a diet after the holidays.
Rua da Polytechnic School, 32
5. Sol e Pesca - Portuguese tapas Once again, Rua Nova do Carvalho hosts one of the most fashionable places in the Portuguese capital. An old street of prostitutes and scoundrels, full of hostess bars and gambling dens, it is today one of the main attractions of the Lisbon nightlife. The bright pink color of its asphalt will not leave you indifferent.
Neither will Sol e Pesca, which occupies an old fishing shop, as revealed by the decoration based on hooks and fishing rods. This café-bar is committed to traditional Portuguese preserves (the sardines are priceless) accompanied by authentic Alentejo bread. The wine selection is more than reasonable, all of national production. And if you get hungry, don't worry, you can always buy a few cans to take away.
Rua Nova do Carvalho, 44 - Cais do Sodre
The sweet Frenchified temptation of Poison d'Amour.
6. Hush-Hush Garden - Dining at a local's house Everyone knows the Portuguese kindness and hospitality. And then, why not take the opportunity to have dinner with two of them in your own home? Susana and her husband Joâo offer you dinner with them at their cozy apartment (from spring they take place in the beautiful garden at the back).
You will taste a menu based on typical Portuguese dishes and carefully selected wines (Susana is a winemaker) for only 35 euros . Meanwhile, you will have the opportunity to discuss the battered Portuguese economy (unfortunately the topic on everyone's lips these days), Ronaldo's latest exploits at Real Madrid or simply learn a little more about our friendly neighbors, which we need . A gastronomic and sociological experience.
7. A Portuguese Life Since Semper - the objects that are part of our life "Objects are capable of telling extraordinary and revealing stories about a town and its people." This is what Catarina Portas, founder of A vida Portuguesa desde Sempre, believes, a space in which products and brands that have been part of Lusa history are 'revived': Triunfo, Saloio and Santa María oils, which have been sold in traditional cans since 1878, the mythical Couto toothpaste, Benámor hand cream, and a long etcetera.
For a few years, Catarina's team has been traveling through Portugal from North to South to find those articles of Portuguese creation and production that have been part of the future of generations and that 'have touched the heart' of the Portuguese.
The store is located in a beautiful 18th century building in the Chiado area and is a must-see to learn more about the soul of Portugal. Not in vain is it cited by the prestigious Time Out as one of the best stores in the entire Iberian Peninsula. Good news, without a doubt, for those of us who are fed up with so much globalization.
Rua Anchieta 11, 1200-023 Lisbon
Some of the Design Store BCT designs.
8. Infinite Fabric - Unique and unrepeatable objects A Brazilian and a German are behind this gallery store where art and uniqueness are a constant, as is evident in the slogan that is displayed in its window: “In Fabrico Infinito each object is unique, it is not repeated. It doesn't come back. Take advantage. And be happy."
So now you know, here you will only find unusual things, a careful selection of CDs, limited edition books, decorative objects, a selection of curious lamps or strawberry-scented plastic shoes. But, above all, don't miss their coffee with organic products on whose terrace the world seems to stop in front of a tea served in a beautiful china cup.
Rua D. Pedro V, 74. Principe Real
9. Design Store BCT - All about design
This showroom opened at the beginning of 2011 (although the company already existed since 2007) brings together the most exclusive European and Portuguese design brands: Tashen, the English lighting brand, the Portuguese EGGO and Branca Lisboa of designer furniture or the Danish brand Muuto . An impressive list of furniture, textiles and accessories. Impossible not to find the perfect detail for our house.
Principe Real Square, 20/21
The suggestive entrance of the Pensâo Amor.