Ti-Natércia

I usually don’t leave negative reviews, and I do not make accusations lightly. I’m also very aware that being in a tourist-heavy area can be challenging for hospitality staff. That said, my recent experience at this restaurant was deeply upsetting and left a lasting impression—unfortunately not a good one. We had a confirmed reservation and arrived about 10 minutes early. My friends and I were polite, quiet, and respectful throughout our visit. However, from the moment we stepped in, we were met with extreme hostility. An older woman, who appeared to be part of the staff, was shouting, swearing, and even pushing guests—including myself. I was verbally and physically confronted simply for asking to use the restroom. I’ve never felt so uncomfortable in a restaurant before. If my friends hadn’t insisted on staying, I would have left immediately. The food itself was acceptable for the price, but the overall treatment we received was completely unacceptable. I always strive to respect people’s space, privacy, and boundaries. What we experienced here, however, crossed a line into behavior that I can only describe as discriminatory and aggressive. It’s not something I ever wish to repeat.

From the outside it does not look like a restaurant. The barred doors don’t not appear welcoming or like a typical restaurant. This is far from a typical restaurant though. It’s like entering an extension of her house. In danish you would call her “madmor”. She is talkative (not in English) and tries her best to give you the best food experience but at the same time is like your grandmother and expects you to finish the lovely food she made - AND WE DID. Amazing food from the starter to the dessert. She also focus deeply on her customers. There were two tables that were taking and others that walked in got rejected. A truly special experience. We got codfish with cream, codfish for two people, cheese plate and ended it all with tiramisu and an espresso. Portions are big but incredible.

I wanted to like this place because it was suggested from a friend that had lived in Lisbon. Unfortunately we ended up not eating anything because the fish my boyfriend ordered smelled bad and was raw. We also saw the owner/cook dropping something from another's table plate and picking it up and re-placing it in the plate she served them. She was kind with us but we could not trust and eat what we were served. We should have left when we arrived and sensed the vibes were off.

The first booking to make as soon as you decide to go to the wonderful Lisboa. The place is very small and, therefore, it is almost useless to go there without a reservation. The only "problem" is that the owner speaks only portuguese. I usually prepare main sentences in portuguese with Google translate and then I extemporize with the spanish. Try Bacalhau Ti Natercia!

The owner of the restaurant, Tia Natercia is definitely the main attraction. And I wonder if she is aware of it, I really hope she reads the reviews on here. I was warned before my visit that it will be a peculiar experience, and it really lived up to it! The food was by far the best that we had in Lisboa. And the treatment was like no other restaurant we´ve been in. Tia Natercia gives maximum priority to the quality of the food she serves. If you go there expecting to be treated like a king, you´re in the wrong place. Tia Naterca might appear cold at first, but if you are patient and respect the fact that she is a one person operation and has been for god knows how many years, you will end up having the best meal/experience of your life. There is a reason why all of the reviews include a picture of her after al!

Took the woman a while to warm up to us but she did in the end 😅 it added to the experience. Food was great. Lovely orange tart at the end also. Funny interesting experience

If you want some real good cooking, this is a great place. Lovely owner, delicious food, nice atmosphere, good prices. Instructions: - speak Portuguese or try to. No English allowed - be nice. Rude people not welcome - enjoy the homely atmosphere, this is not a McDonalds nor an Hotel

This place is an absolutely incredible gem - Ti is an amazing traditional Portuguese woman who is very passionate about making delicious food. She's a one-person operation, so she does everything herself with no other help. This means that walk-ins are NOT allowed, make sure you reserve ahead of time. In order to appreciate this place and appreciate Ti, you have to make sure you really understand her & the culture. She's old-fashioned & will speak Portuguese (to you and mostly to herself) almost the entire time... so the language barrier is real. There are a lot of comments where people are offended/confused - they think she's rude or doesn't want to serve them. That's not the case AT ALL, you just have to show her love & genuine kindness and not act like you're entitled to her food because let's face it - at the end of the day, she doesn't need us. She's got a waiting list of people (including myself) who would be back in a heart beat for that delicious Bacalhau w/ Creme & the Octopus Salad. These two dishes were absolutely the best I ever had in both categories (best Codfish & softest tastiest Octopus).. trust me, I've tried A LOT of 'amazing' food. Ti makes magic in the kitchen, and if you get the chance to experience it THE RIGHT WAY, it'll be an unforgettable positive experience!

A meal at this restaurant is a magical experience. Although the menu is quite extensive, it is much more like eating dinner at a beloved grandmother's house than it is like eating at a restaurant. It's a one woman show. The same woman answers the phone, greets you at the door, takes your order, cooks your dinner, and serves you..... all the while making you feel like a cherished guest. It's truly remarkable. There is one seating each night at 8pm with a communal table that seats 12.... and a smaller one that seats 4. That's it..... so don't expect to walk in without a reservation (made days ahead). And, it's cash only. The food is not fancy, but it's prepared well and the serving sizes are more than adequate. Omelets and many fish and beef and pork dishes. Great crusty bread and a choice of three local cheeses and bowls of olives are served with your meal. There's a great wine list of both bottles and carafes of local vintages. Our red (chosen by the owner) was a perfect compliment to our meal. Three of us shared steak with potatoes and eggs.... and an amazing pot of seafood stew with rice. The former was panfried meat topped with a fried egg and served with the most delicious fried potatoes. The later was a feast in a tureen..... mussels and shrimp and lobster and squid and bits of cod (and, quite honestly, who the heck knows what else) were in a perfectly seasoned broth with arborio rice. It was an aquarium in a pot.... and more than enough for two or three to share. Desserts are also house-made..... a choice of custard tart and chocolate mousse and tiramisu with each one being more lovely and delicious than the former and the later. Coffee and tea too. And, the fact that the woman who runs the place never stops smiling and chatting with her guests as she prepares and serves their meals.... is truly an experience to behold.

Best meal in Portugal, restaurant is outstanding. Order this! The baked bacaulhua! Devine!