Once again, we express our appreciation for kitchens where traditional stoves are replaced by incandescent embers, the kind that transform with the crackling of wood at high temperatures and bring that unmistakable and hypnotic aroma of smoke to the dishes .
So, you can imagine how happy we were to receive an invitation to Lisbon’s newest fire-cooked restaurant, 550º; we were thrilled!
Smoke as the main ingredient
Located near Jardim das Amoreiras, we visited this place where fire cooking is taken to the extreme, from the appetizing starters to the desserts that end the feast, always with that touch of smoke that characterizes this restaurant.
The Secret Lisbon experience
The surprises begin with the bread, butter, and olive oilcouverts (€5): the sourdough bread is grilled, giving it an intense smoky flavor, accompanied by noisette butter and smoked olive oil that set the tone for what follows.
In the starters, Portuguese tradition takes on a new layer of complexity, with Mexilhões no Fogo à Bulhão Pato ( Mussels on the Fire à Bulhão Pato ) (€8) maintaining the freshness of the sea, but with the rustic touch of direct flame, while Pimentos Padrón na Brasa (Grilled Padrón Peppers) (€6) deliver that toasted flavor that only extreme heat can provide.
From the sea to the oven comes the dish that makes a visit to 550º a must, the Oven-baked Rice with Tiger Prawns (€43), ideal for sharing.
It’s not just seafood rice; it’s a dish with texture, where the rice absorbs the intensity of the broth and the aroma of the fire, serving as a bed for a generous tiger prawn cooked to perfection.
It is pure comfort, but with the sophistication of those who know how to master temperatures.
Now for the most unexpected: the desserts, which also carry the DNA of this space’s fire.
If you think the fire goes out before the desserts arrive at the table, think again! The transition to the final chapter maintains the coherence of the concept: we tried the Banoffee version (€8) and the Lemon and Meringue combination (€7), with both options balancing sweetness with the freshness needed to cleanse the palate after the intensity of the smoked dishes.
As for the space, it is large and cozy, which also surprised us, since spaces of this size usually offer little comfort.
At 550º, there are several areas where you can sit, and for groups there is a long table that seats around eight people, not to mention a more private area where small parties and after-work gatherings are often held to have a drink with friends or coworkers.
One thing is certain: as soon as you look at the menu at 550º, it won’t be easy to choose your first course, so if you love this type of fire cuisine, it’s very likely to become one of your favorite restaurants.
Useful information:
Address: Travessa da Fábrica dos Pentes 12 (Marquês)
Opening hours: every day from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to midnight
Average price: €30–€40 per person
Reservations and menus: on the website