Every once in a while you visit a restaurant that gets it right. I mean, gets everything right–the food, the service, the wine, and the atmosphere. Da Prata 52 in Lisbon is that restaurant.
The first thing you notice when you get there is that you can’t get in! There is a rope across the open door with a “please wait to be seated” sign. We were lucky in that there were open tables when we arrived. When we were greeted, the server reviewed the posted menu, stressing the fact that all dishes are tapas (petiscos in Portugal) and meant to share. They also have 2 plates per person minimum. Our confirmation of understanding was the password that opened the rope! Once inside, he pointed out the empty tables and told us to choose one and seat ourselves.
The Service
This introduction was unusual, but it actually helps them provide some of the best service I’ve ever experienced. Lots of explanation upfront to avoid confusion. The server even clarified that the ceviche was indeed raw, so please don’t send it back for being undercooked 🙂 He asked if cilantro was ok for both of us, and also clarified that the shrimp were served with heads and tails on. I was impressed how detailed they were to avoid problems.
There were three servers covering the restaurant and they were each doing it all–greeting people when they could seat them, taking orders, bartending, delivering food, checking on you. They were so attentive and friendly and didn’t rush when they were with you. This was definitely not the typical hands-off European service! Even our wine glasses were kept full due to one server’s fear of empty glasses.
The Food
Wow! Get the daily specials for sure. We had calamar sauted with garlic and potaoes that was one of the best things I’ve ever tasted. The squid was so tender and the garlic had melted into the sauce like a confit. Seriously, click on the picture above and tell me if it doesn’t make your mouth water! The other special was fried sardinhas that were perfectly crisp and served over marinated peppers. Also outstanding! The tuna and swordfish ceviche was surprisingly raw (if only we had been warned!) with the perfect balance of citrus and spice–including cilantro. Finally, the camarão em azeite e alho was indeed looking at us, and the olive oil and garlic sauce was so good that we had to add on an order of bread to soak it all up.
The Wine
The wine everywhere in Portugal is wonderful. With dinner we had a buttery Hugo Mendes Lisboa Branco. It was great! When we asked for a recommendation for an after dinner red, we got one of the best wines I’ve ever had (don’t tell Juan Gil, please!) The server spend a lot of time with us recommending a couple high-end wines that we could have by the glass because they have a Coravin–a device that allows you to pour wine without removing the cork. The Tapada Do Chaves 2015 Reserva from the Alentejo region was huge. Full bodied, pronounced legs, lingering finish. Everything I love in a wine! The server even tapped and poured the wine at our table so we could see how the Coravin worked.
The Dessert
The wine was a perfect accompaniment for the Bolo de balcho we had for dessert. This “biscuit cake” is slightly similar to Tirimisu with layers of coffee soaked cookies layered with buttercream. It comes with a shot of espresso to pour over it. Trust me, even it it keeps you awake all night, you will think it well worth it!
Da Prata 52 is all-around impressive and you will really enjoy your time there. We definitely would have made a second visit if we had the opportunity. If you can get to Lisbon please don’t miss out on this star!
Saúde! (Cheers)
If I ever get to Lisbon, you will find me there. Great description!
Jana, it is worth the trip to go there! Truly outstanding.