- Insiders Profile -

Bárbara Pinto

FOUNDER 
Nicolau Lisboa, Porto and Cascais, Amélia Lisboa and Foz, Basilio Lisboa and Olivia Lisboa

Photo credits: Katrine Malinovskaya

◆ What recent trends in Lisbon’s food scene have caught your attention, and how do you see them evolving?

Sustainability is on the rise, with restaurants going green and sourcing locally. Also blending global flavors with Portuguese classics is a thing now. Another aspect that I actually adore is that the restaurants are getting smaller and with much more personality. Say goodbye to the big international chains and hello to unique places. It's like a tasty adventure. Hope it stays that way.

◆ Describe your restaurant ventures in 3 words.

SOUL | FAMILY | FREEDOM

Our journey started back in 2016 when there was no one else doing, paving the way for breakfast and all-day cafes. It was a total game-changer, offering up fresh, healthy eats and a chill vibe like no other cafe every day and every hour. Plus, we were pet-friendly, our crew was laid-back, the prices fair, and the vibes unique - a spot that just felt right.

◆ Beyond your own places Nicolau Lisboa, Porto and Cascais, Amélia Lisboa and Foz, Basilio Lisboa and Olivia Lisbon, where do you like to go for a memorable brunch in Lisbon with your friends and family?

I'm all about mixing it up, so hitting up Dear Breakfast, Comoba or Marquise always brings good vibes. Those places have great coffee, pastry, and killer design, which totally fits my aesthetic. Now I am curious about the new Do Beco in Santos. 

Olivia Lisboa: Photo credit @olivialisboacafe

◆ Are there any chefs or culinary creators who are inspiring you right now?

Got my eye on this not-so-new crew, the so-called "New kids on the block," who are shaking things up at cozy eateries in Lisbon. José Paulo Rocha at O Velho Eurico and Pedro Monteiro at Tasca Baldracca are blowing my mind with their fresh takes on classic flavors, like a nostalgic trip to grandma's kitchen.

◆ What role do you think traditional Portuguese flavors play in modern Lisbon restaurants today?

They play a crucial role. Every Portuguese family has some mother, or grandmother who cooked incredible meals when we were young. So the blend of old and new in today´s food scene is like a delicious ode to the past sprinkled with some nostalgia.

◆ What do you love most about the food culture in your neighborhood? 

Living in "Little Italy" over at Rua Artilharia 1 means we're all about the Italian eats. La Campania serves up kickin' breaded beef with green pasta that's totally worth the trip. And I can't forget about La Trattoria for those thin-crust pizzas just the way I like it.

◆ How do you find inspiration for your restaurant menus, and do you draw from other global food scenes?

Our menu is like a passport stamp collection, filled with flavors from our worldwide adventures and family roots. I also enjoy buying cooking books from around the world. Anyway, we try to keep our menu simple and made from scratch.

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◆ Could you walk us through your ideal day in Lisbon, from morning coffee to a late-night bite, including your favorite spots?

–I like slow mornings with my coffee, where I catch up on work WhatsApp and emails before heading for a Reformer workout and if possible 20 minutes sauna. In this business every day is different but I try to spend half a day at one of our places for meetings, some corrections, and different topics. I always have my green juice along with some eggs or a hearty salad. Dinner with family is precious and we try to maintain some routine during the week. 

◆ With Lisbon’s diverse dining scene, what do you think makes a restaurant truly stand out?

For me, a standout restaurant is all about the people, the vibe, and the cozy places that make you feel like you're dining with friends even when you don't know them. 

◆ Do you have a personal favorite dish you crave in Lisbon, and where’s the best place to enjoy it?

Choosing just one? Impossible! Here's a tasty list: 

◆ Can you share with us your hidden gem or local hangout?

The old restaurant called O Mattos has the best-grilled meat in Lisbon. When we go out, we always like to have a beer at our favorite bar, Imprensa. They have great music and the best staff. For dinner, we are currently really into Bar Alimentar, Parra Bistro, and the newbie La Joya Cantina. If we are in the mood for some dancing, Incognito is a perfect option to hit the dancefloor. 

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