Gambrinus

"Opened in 1936, Gambrinus is an institution serving classic items like seafood rice, kidneys in Madeira wine, and crepes suzette made tableside. In a city where eating at the counter is a way of life, Gambrinus has perhaps the most famous counter in Lisbon, where locals huddle together to eat croquettes with mustard or snack on a prego (a garlicky, thin-sliced beef sandwich) with a beer. As at many traditional restaurants, each day of the week brings specific dishes, such as empadão de perdiz (partridge pies) on Mondays and roasted salt cod on Fridays." - Rafael Tonon, Miguel Pires

"Iconic Portuguese restaurants are a part of the city’s fabric in the same way its monuments are. Gambrinus is one of those restaurants, and it’s been untouched since 1936. Three distinct dining areas show off traditional food in Lisbon: one counter, and two wood-paneled dining areas with immaculate white tablecloths. Pop in for dinner before a concert at the Coliseu, order a draft beer and a croquette at the bar, or sit down for a full meal of their perfectly cooked roast beef, all types of seafood, and the crepe suzette that’s prepared tableside. Don’t be alarmed if you hear kissing sounds—it’s the way the waiters get each other’s attention during service. " - rita geraldes

"Iconic Portuguese restaurants are a part of the city’s fabric in the same way its monuments are. Gambrinus is one of those restaurants, and it’s been untouched since 1936. Three distinct dining areas show off traditional food in Lisbon: one counter, and two wood-paneled dining areas with immaculate white tablecloths. Pop in for dinner before a concert at the Coliseu, order a draft beer and a croquette at the bar, or sit down for a full meal of their perfectly cooked roast beef, all types of seafood, and the crepe suzette that’s prepared tableside. Don’t be alarmed if you hear kissing sounds—it’s the way the waiters get each other’s attention during service." - Rita Geraldes