…The first pitstop when you arrive in Portugal’s capital should be somewhere for really great Portuguese food, and ÀCosta by Olivier, Oliver da Costa’s signature Portuguese restaurant, is the place for it. Set on the harbour-side, the restaurant overlooks where the Tejo river rolls into the sea, and to the back, Lisbon Cathedral and brightly coloured buildings stagger up the city’s famously steep hilltops. This airy space merges sophisticated city dining with breezy coastal lunches to create an amiable ambiance that you could sit in all day. Look around and you’ll find lots of locals enjoying a long lunch with family and close friends (always a good sign). A meander through the à la carte menu will introduce you to over 700 years of Portuguese cuisine, which is the focus here, homaging Olivier da Costa’s roots. Start with clams à bulhao pato (steamed in garlic, white wine, and garnished with herbs) before moving on to seafood bitoque. The beauty of Portuguese cuisine – which Olivier da Costa masters – is the simplicity of it all. The very best quality fish and finest cuts of meats plus fresh, seasonal vegetables from local supplies, mingle with olive oil, garlic, lemon and salts for wonderfully rich and fresh flavours. This is where the chef’s culinary heritage shines through – in the likes of roasted codfish served with greens, peppers, and potatoes, and slowly-cooked lobster risotto…

Read the original article in Citizen Femme.