There’s a huge “box” in the renovated and increasingly busy Doca da Marinha, right next to the Tagus, near the Sul Sueste River Station. It’s Chefpreneur Olivier da Costa’s new gastronomic venture, the ÀCosta restaurant, which thus joins the already vast “collection” of places owned by this renowned Chef , such as Real Pérola, SEEN or XXL, where we’ve also tasted some great delicacies.
But what brought us to ÀCosta was its Executive Menu, which quickly joined our guide to the best in Lisbon.
The Secret Lisbon experience
We can confirm with complete certainty that the Executive Menu at the ÀCosta restaurant is an incredible gastronomic experience that is as sophisticated as it is affordable.
After all, it’s not everywhere that you can enjoy contemporary Portuguese cuisine for just €29/person.
Available from Monday to Friday at lunchtime (except on public holidays), ÀCosta’s Executive Menu includes starters(couvert), main course, drink and coffee… not to mention the incredible view of our Tagus River.
This was one of the best lunch breaks we’ve had in recent times, in a refined space with elegant décor, where the details alluding to the sea and Portuguese culture caught our attention.
As far as we could tell, this Executive Menu was designed to harmonize authentic flavours with modern influences, highlighting the memories and experiences of the Chef who signs this delicious menu.
One of the dishes we liked best only appeared at the end, but we’ll get to that in a moment, because the starters were also divine: a basket of fresh bread accompanied by a delicious tuna paste and the unmistakable salted butter from the Azores.
Also noteworthy were the small pieces of toasted bread with butter. We couldn’t have wished for a better start to the experience.
Among the main courses, you have a choice of fish and meat: Roast Cod, Monkfish and Prawn Rice, Hake and Cockle Rissoles, Rooster Fish Fillets, Shrimp Açorda, Squid Strogonoff, Alentejo Pork, Steak Tartare and Black Pork Presa.
We opted for the magnificent and well-chipped Roast Cod with Sprouts, Onions, Peppers and New Potatoes; and the sliced and fragrant Presa de Porto Preto, Mango Compote and White Rice.
Both dishes are a perfect choice for those looking to be satiated and well served, with the quality that Chef Olivier da Costa has accustomed us to.
As for desserts – mind you, they’re not on the menu – you really must try this sponge cake.
It’s perfectly good for two sweet tooths and was one of the most incredible sweets we’ve tasted in recent months in Lisbon… it’s simply divine.
The menu also includes a drink of your choice ( water, soft drink or house wine) and a coffee to round off the meal.
As we said at the beginning, the Executive Menu is much more than just a meal… it’s a journey through the flavors of the sea and the land, reinterpreted with a special, sophisticated touch.
If you’re looking for a place to impress (romantic dates, business meetings, with friends or family), ÀCosta may well be one of the best options in the city center.
Address: Avenida Infante Dom Henrique A (Doca da Marinha)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 12.30pm to 3pm (Executive Menu)
Reservations: on the website