Lisbon Updates – Openings and Closings
Here are some updates on a few previous posts on this blog.
The first one is that O Terraço, one of Lisbon’s beloved terrace cafés has just closed and in a few months a new restaurant will take its place. Fans of what used to be one of the city’s most attractive hangouts have started a petition to keep it alive, but the plans for the future restaurant and renovation of the building it stands on top of, are already practically set in stone. While the terrace had its numerous fans, I have heard others say that such a privileged space is worth much more than just a café, although the fear is that its future incarnation may be less “democratic,” catering to a more upscale clientele with high prices which younger crowds can not always afford. The café that just closed attracted locals and tourists in almost equal number, the prices were reasonable, but for many the snacks and drinks menu could also have been more varied. Others felt the service was way too slow, but perhaps going to a café offering loungy seats and such a fantastic view is supposedly for a long stay with no rushing. So perhaps the future restaurant will gain as many fans as the café, and will certainly be a much eagerly-awaited opening. If you’re from Lisbon and this was your favorite terrace, keep checking this blog for updates about its future.
Another closing was that of Luca, one of Lisbon’s trendiest restaurants which GoLisbon once ranked among the city’s 10 best to try. It started as an Italian restaurant, then it was described as “Mediterranean,” and eventually added a separate section for tapas. Apparently the Italian chef who gave his name to the restaurant has decided to leave Portugal, so a new restaurant with a new concept will take over its home very soon.
One other update is in relation to our Colcci Caffé recommendation. This café above a boutique in Chiado has just expanded its hours on weekend nights, and is now open for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays now opens for breakfast and closes after lunch. Similarly, the Berardo Museum has also just announced that its Saturdays will be longer, remaining open until 10PM starting on October 10. Remember that this museum is always free and holds one of Europe’s most acclaimed modern art collections.
Finally, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara which is one of Lisbon’s favorite viewpoints, has reopened its kiosk cafés under new management, with the lower terrace offering a new “wine bar” kiosk where you can sample Portuguese wines accompanied by cheeses and cold cuts. It’s available from 10AM to midnight from Sunday to Wednesday, until 2AM on Thursdays, and until 3AM on Friday and Saturday.
