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It was our wedding anniversary, and we celebrated at Lita. Since it was our first time, we didn't know exactly what to expect, aside from hearing that it's a modern Iberian restaurant and a 2023 James Beard Semi-finalist.
The menu is mostly prepared in an open kitchen, featuring a fire hearth oven at the sides, so you can watch the chefs in action. All the servers are also chefs, which means they know the menu inside and out and are great sources of information about how everything is made. It's also worth mentioning that they offer a prix fixe menu with three courses.
For the first course, we chose Rissóis de Camarão (garlic shrimp) and Spanish Duck Confit Croquettes. Both were crispy and delicious, and the duck confit croquettes came with a perfectly paired aioli sauce that didn't overpower the crunch. The centers were warm, and we were encouraged to eat them with our hands, which added a fun touch to the experience.
For the second course, we had Albondigas (Spanish meatballs) and Caldeirada de Vieiras (Portuguese fish stew). My husband raved about the meatballs, calling them exceptionally tender and full of flavor. My fish stew also had great flavors but was a bit too salty for my personal taste. That said, it was still an excellent dish, and the saltiness was just a matter of preference.
The main courses were the highlight of the evening. We had Carne Guisada (short ribs) and Robalinho na Brasa (branzino) with a side salad. My husband couldn't stop praising the short ribs for being incredibly tender and succulent. As for me, I tend to eat salads with chopsticks, so I asked Rob, our server, if they had any. He wasn't able to find a pair at first, but a few minutes later, the managing director himself brought me a set! That level of attentiveness really stood out. The branzino was cooked perfectly, with charred skin and expertly filleted with no bones. The warm spices they used complemented the delicate fish without overpowering it. Both were truly outstanding.
For dessert, our wonderful server Rob asked if we wanted anything sweet. We ordered the Baked Madeira for Two, and I was blown away when it was served flambéed. It was a dramatic and delightful touch, especially since I'd never had Baked Alaska before. The combination of ice creams, sorbets, cookies, and a bit of chocolate cake inside was flawlessly executed. It was definitely a showstopper.
Overall, our experience at Lita was exceptional. From the impeccable service to the amazing food and the modern, open atmosphere, everything was top-notch. Not once did I see any table piled with dirty dishes. It was clear they take pride in keeping things pristine. It was truly a memorable celebration.