There is an unmissable name in the capital when it comes to quality meat and a secret sauce that has passed through generations of loyal customers. The fame of the original space led to an expansion strategy that now reaches a new level of sophistication and centrality. The iconic restaurant that serves the best steak in Lisbon is preparing to open a space full of history in one of the busiest areas of the city.
This is Café de São Bento, which decided to take its gastronomic heritage to downtown Lisbon on January 15th. The new establishment will be located in an emblematic building, where Club Bristol once operated, promising a fusion between culinary tradition and the city’s architectural memory.
A historic setting near the Colosseum
According to Lisboa Secreta, a digital platform dedicated to promoting leisure and culture in the capital, this opening “is the culmination of a gastronomic heritage that began in 1982”. The project is seen not just as a restaurant, but as the continuation of a legacy in a place that breathes history.
The chosen location is described as the brand’s most ambitious to date, located in a vibrant cultural area. The proximity to the Coliseu dos Recreios and the Teatro Politeama makes it the ideal space for meals before or after the shows.
Indicates the same source as the decoration preserves the bohemian soul of the 1920s through red velvets, noble woods and mirrored ceilings. One of the central elements are the female sculptures by Leopoldo de Almeida, modernist pieces recovered from the old club to dialogue with the classic atmosphere of the restaurant.
The secret remains in the sauce recipe
The house’s identity continues to be based on what made it famous among Lisbon residents and tourists over the decades. The steak with the characteristic sauce, inspired by the old Marrare recipe and accompanied by French fries, remains the central pillar of the gastronomic experience.
Anyone looking for Café de São Bento and the best steak in Lisbon in Baixa will find the same recognized quality in the original space on Rua de São Bento. Tradition is strictly respected, but the new menu brings additions designed to diversify the offer and surprise regular visitors.
Exclusive news on the menu
The aforementioned source explains that there are dishes available only in this new location to please the most demanding palates. The highlight is the Chateaubriand with Bearnaise sauce, which appears as a sophisticated alternative to the usual classic cut.
The starters were reinforced with varied options such as veal croquettes, Bulhão Pato-style clams and fresh oysters. For those who prefer fish, the menu now includes traditional Portuguese dishes such as Bacalhau à Brás and rooster fish fillets served with tomato rice.
Desserts and opening hours
The end of the meal features an exclusive Hazelnut Soufflé served with hot chocolate sauce. This novelty joins classics already known to the public, such as Tarte Tatin or the famous chocolate cake that appears on the menu.
It also explains that the space, located on the first floor, will share the building with Benfica’s future Hotel 1904. Opening hours will be from Tuesday to Saturday, covering lunch and dinner times on Rua das Portas de Santo Antão.
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