Lisbon’s Jardim da Estrela Has a New Café
Lisbon’s Jardim da Estrela, the charming neighborhood park faced by the beautiful Estrela basilica, has a new café. It’s in the same location as one that existed until two years ago, when it closed until this week. It now has a new management and a renovated look, serving Portuguese menus at any time of the day (until 9PM Sunday to Thursday; 11PM on Fridays and Saturdays).
This being one of the major stops of the unofficial “tourist tram,” the 28, you can make this a pleasant pause in your sightseeing. The park (actually referred to as a garden) is quite beautiful, with exotic trees, a duck-filled pond, a children’s playground, and plenty of space for a workout. Before or after a walk in the park, sit at one of the tables outside, or if the weather doesn’t permit that, go indoors which is filled with mismatched furniture. Whether you just want a Lisbon custard tart and a drink, or want to have a full meal, everything is quite inexpensive. There is always a menu of daily specials, usually offering soup, and a fish and meat dish. You may also go just for a glass of warm wine, although in the summer the offer will be cocktails.
On some days you’ll also catch some live music, usually jazzy and reggae sounds.
