Canalha
Restaurant · Zona Interdita ·
Acclaimed chef's casual bistro: finest Iberian products
Acclaimed chef's casual bistro: finest Iberian products
"Probably the newest of the restaurants I’ve picked, this spot was opened by a very good friend of mine, João Rodrigues. It’s a nice story because he’s been operating Michelin star restaurants, and I imagine he may do that again one day, but he wanted a place that’s about local produce and what’s readily available. He’s gone through Portugal with a fine-toothed comb to find all the best producers in every corner of the country, and he loves to connect people to these suppliers. He’s got an amazing network of people as a result, and he often talks about them in the restaurant. This is a new take on old Lisbon food." - Cass Farrar
"One of Lisbon’s hottest tables since opening in late 2023, this fun, old-school canteen-styled spot channels chef João Rodrigues’s “cook what you are” ethos into ingredient-led dishes that span Portuguese and global influences. I loved the Ibérico pork presa with slightly crunchy edges and simple fries, while tuna sashimi with trout roe and asparagus with island cheese and a buttery, lemony sauce showed the kitchen’s precision; nearly everything is sourced locally. The result is simple food cooked exceptionally well, with a sense that the chefs are having as much fun as the diners." - Abigail Malbon
"In Lisbon, there are tascas and then there are fine dining restaurants—Canalha is the perfect medium between these two extremes. This step-above-casual Belém spot with marble tables and wood-paneled walls serves phenomenal shareable plates without any pretentiousness. The seasonal menu is simple but refined, and the high quality of the ingredients is what shines, like the smoked eel that tastes like bacon, or the two-year-aged tuna tiradito, marinated in soy sauce and sesame seeds. This spot doesn’t limit its small-plate mastery to the permanent menu—every day, like any typical tasca, there’s a “prato do dia” (dish of the day), which is basically the best excuse to keep coming back." - rita geraldes
"Chef João Rodrigues’s concept, located in a residential area, harks back to the neighbourhood restaurants of the past, yet retains the essence of a bistro. Sitting at the counter and watching the kitchen bustle contributes to a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. Here, the focus is on the products — displayed in a showcase at the entrance — prepared simply, offered at accessible prices, and presented in a sharing format. A blackboard displays the daily lunch specials and, in addition, an appealing menu. Whether it’s the succulent open prawn omelette with onion, the iconic squid dish with sheep’s butter, or the simple yet authentic peach served with eggnog and creamy pistachio ice cream, one thing is certain — it does not disappoint!" - Michelin Inspector
"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