The JNcQUOI Asia restaurant was once one of Lisbon’s hottest spots! And that’s not to say that it isn’t any more, but the hype has calmed down a lot and now it’s more peaceful and enjoyable to stop by and taste some of the most delicious Asian delicacies that have ever passed our lips.
Seriously… the menu – exteeeeeeeeense – is really good! Not to mention the decoration of the whole place: who hasn’t heard of the huge dragon skeleton hanging from the ceiling?
Sit at the table with us on this journey to one of Lisbon’s most immersive and beautiful restaurants .
Transcendent oriental decor
Let’s start with the part that stands out the most, before the dishes occupy the table where we sat in the main room, where you can see a giant dragon hanging from the ceiling, drawing all the attention to itself.
We can’t imagine how many photographs this mythological figure has appeared in since JNcQUOI opened in 2017.
Since its opening, this room has been the talk of the town! The oriental decor was immediately a huge hit on social media, with decorative moments that take us on a journey through practically all the latitudes where our Portuguese “discoverers” sailed, from China to Japan, from Thailand to India.
The space, very beautiful and comfortable, with a touch of chic but at the same time casual, has a capacity for around 300 people (wow!) and is divided into four distinct areas: bar, restaurant, sushi bar and terrace, the latter inspired by the alleys of large Asian cities, where you can eat all those more traditional delicacies.
We stayed in the main room, right next to the famous and dominant dragon, which even though it’s skeletal, leaves everyone’s jaw dropped.
Which is also how we felt when we visited another of this JNcQUOI’s luxuries, the bathroom… which is simply brutal and extremely tasteful. We love being positively surprised by unusual places, and this bathroom is truly unique!
Asian delicacies to eat and cry for more
The gastronomic influence you’ll find at JNcQUOI is clearly Asian-inspired, covering cuisines that are sure to delight your taste buds, especially if you’re a foodie who enjoys Cantonese, Japanese, Thai and Indian dishes.
We are the best customers for these delicacies, so we tried a bit of everything:
For starters we chose the Naan Bread with Garlic, Pappadums and Mango Chutney (6.5€), the Tuna Tartare with Caviar and Wontons (42€), the Lily Hamachi Usuzukuri (29€) and four Seiw Mai Wontons (24€).
As main courses, I chose the spicy Tandoori Chicken (26€), and Ringo the Black Cod with Miso (50€), a divine feast full of intense flavors from another world.
From Bar Ganda, the name given by the Portuguese to the first rhinoceros to arrive in Europe, came four cocktails, beautiful in appearance and no less incredible in taste: Matura, Mount Fuji, Bombay and Vrindavan, for €16 each.
For the grand finale we left the sweets, me a Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Tart (11€), and Ringo a Lemon and Yuzu Meringue Tart, each for 11€.
To sum up, the JNcQUOI restaurant is one of those places in Lisbon where it’ s good to go from time to time, especially at the beginning of the month, when you can treat yourself to a more extravagant gastronomic treat.
The space is one of the most beautiful the city has to offer, full of refinement but very practical, where we’re sure you ‘ll feel great.
The service was excellent and helpful, much needed when choosing from a menu full of good things.
Address: Avenida da Liberdade 144 (Restauradores)
Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday, from 12 noon to 2 a.m.; Thursday to Saturday, from 12 noon to 2 a.m.
Menus and reservations: on the website