"After leaving a Michelin-starred restaurant in the city, acclaimed chef João Rodrigues decided to take a different path: Canalha is his love letter to Lisbon’s neighborhood restaurants — think marble counter, leather chairs, and a TV tuned to soccer matches — all built around the finest products the Iberian Peninsula has to offer. From 100 percent Portuguese charcuterie (such as acorn-fed Iberian ham) to the freshest sea creatures, the menu is straightforward and executed with impeccable technique. There’s also a touch of tradition in some of the dishes, such as the bitoque (a steak crowned with a fried egg and a signature pan sauce) and the leite creme (Portugal’s answer to creme brulee). Since its opening, Canalha has become one of the city’s most coveted dining experiences, making advance booking essential." - Rafael Tonon, Miguel Pires