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6.1.7 Confeitaria Nacional

Praça da Figueira 18B Location HERE . On the south-west corner of P. Figueira. There is a second outlet in Belém. Part of Lisbon’s social fabric since 1829. Another place that claims its Pastéis de Nata are Very Good Indeed, honestly. They do take-away as well as eat in. The café is upstairs, so a flight of steps to consider. Also claims to have introduced Bolo Rei (literally “ King's Cake ”) to Portugal. What that? It’s the Portuguese version of Christmas Cake, with a similar list of ingredients. Every supermarket chain worth its reputation offers this in the run-up to Christmas. And so do most Pastelarias. Very elegant, waiter service, proper tablecloths, you get the picture. But not expensive. Nor does it seem to attract hordes of tourists, although the staff will speak to you in English. And Gregg Wallace would love it. Perhaps. That’s because Ladies Of A Certain Age descend on the place at lunchtime, maybe for actual lunch (like any good Pastelaria, they also do a breakfast an...
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6.2.30 Pils Grill Eatery

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Rua do Conde de Redondo 70 Location HERE . 24 taps, and leaning towards Pilsner, Sour + Fruit Beer, with a smattering of Belgian, Wit, IPA and others. The first thing that a scan of the place reveals is that there are a lot of people around, front of house, behind the bar, and indeed, in the kitchen, although the menu is not so extensive. One consequence of that is the service is good, attentive, and perhaps a little too keen to encourage you to order food, and second guess your next beer choice. On the beer side, the Pilsner choices were enjoyable, but pride of place went to a glass of Sierra Nevada Big Little Thing, an IPA with a full 9% ABV and a memorable taste profile. Wallop! Default “ small ” size glass is usually 35cl, which is not too little, and enough to appreciate what is being put in front of you. It was the food part that brought the highs and lows. Pickled olive tapa: a little chilli infusion, a very pleasant taste, and a most enjoyable experience. Whether it’s worth fou...
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4.3.8 Miradouro da Penha de França

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Rua Marques da Silva Location HERE . A short climb from the main road; the reward is another quiet viewpoint, with a few benches and very few tourists. No café, no TVDEs, no TukTuks. I did see one small electric vehicle pass by, but it was a CTT delivery truck. Best views from this viewpoint tend to feature ... Even so, you’re not so far from the busy thoroughfare of Avenida Almirante Reis, and if you carry on along Rua Marques da Silva, round the corner and down the (steep) hill, you’ll soon be there. The usual caution on tiled pavements applies. ... the Ponte Vasco da Gama in the background Views from the west round to the north and north-east. Best not leave it too late in the afternoon to get photos looking west. Can easily be done as a pair of viewpoints with Miradouro do Monte Agudo - the walk between the two is not a long or challenging one. Bus 797: alight at Rua Cesário Verde if coming from the Alameda, and at Igreja Penha França if coming from Sapadores. [ HOME ]
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4.3.7 Miradouro do Monte Agudo

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Praça Novas Nações Location HERE . Approached by a short private road from Rua Heliodoro Salgado, close to Praça António Sardinha. The gates from the main road should be open during daylight hours, and there is a short and not difficult climb to the viewpoint. A tiled panorama dates from 1965; you can see from the Bridge and Cristo Rei, then through an arc to the west and north. And what’s good about this location? It’s quiet. There is a café, but it’s unobtrusive. Sunlight angle tricky for photos looking south-west if you go in the afternoon. Maybe the approach road is barred to vehicular traffic - because, wait for it, there were no TVDEs or TukTuks when I visited. None at all. No crowds, no recycled guidebook patter, no road space clogged up with hopeful pilots and their equally hopeful punters. You find this one on your own, and as a result, get to enjoy it on your own. There is a mix of locals and visitors, taking an unhurried look across The Great City. You may have to compete fo...
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5.2.10 Indian Dosa

Saldanha Residence, Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo Location HERE . Inside the ground floor of Saldanha Residence, along with several other food outlets, all of which get busy at lunchtime as office workers, shoppers and visitors descend on the place. But even at busy times, it is not difficult to find a table. Dosa is the main offering, but there is also an Idli menu, they offer a selection of Thali, and there is also a curry menu. Dosa and Idli come with chutney, raita and sambar. Not expensive, service good, and the staff will be happy to see you. They serve beer as well as soft drinks, but also offer mango lassi. Metro Picoas (steps only); Buses 722, 727, 736, 738, 744 and 783 nearby.
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5.4.6 Zahir Kebab

Several outlets across the Greater Lisbon area.. I visited the outlet in Saldanha Residence. Location HERE . “ We make tasty food ” is the strapline. The brand originated in Poland, but has now come to Portugal, and especially Lisbon. Lots of choices, reasonable prices, and yes, tasty food. I had a Prato Zahir (chicken version), which comes with chips, salad, and whichever of the sauces on offer you choose. There is a queue at lunchtime, but it moves quickly and you won’t have to wait long. There are also outlets across from Campo Mártires Pátria, at Areeiro, near Rato, at Campo Grande, and elsewhere. You are unlikely to be far from a Zahir Kebab when visiting Lisbon. Metro Picoas (steps only); Buses 722, 727, 736, 738, 744 and 783 nearby.
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4.3 Viewpoints

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Some are pay viewpoints; most are free, but of course you have to get there first, which may mean a bus or tram journey, plus some climbing. REMINDER Already covered in The Old Downtown are the following: O Arco da Rua Augusta Jardim do Torel Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara Parque Eduardo VII Covered in Landmarks is Castelo de São Jorge A cruise liner seen from O Arco da Rua Augusta Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol Miradouro da Graça Miradouro da Nossa Senhora da Graça Amoreiras 360 Miradouro de Santo Estêvão Alto da Serafina Miradouro do Monte Agudo Miradouro da Penha de França [ HOME ]
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