Lisbon’s gastronomic offer, “Europe’s Best Culinary Destination”, has just gained a new space: Real Pérola by Olivier. Located in the heart of Lisbon, next to Largo do Rato, it’s a place where sophistication, contemporaneity and tradition go hand in hand. And we’ve already been there to try almost everything.
Housed in a historic former bakery, the new restaurant immediately transports us to the glamorous atmosphere of the “roaring twenties”. However, don’t think that this is “just” another fancy place. The concept is intended to be broader, in a true ode to seafood.
What can you find at Real Pérola by Olivier?
The menu is the result of a blend of creativity and respect for authentic, traditional flavors. As already mentioned, in each dish, the “treasures of the ocean” are the protagonists. But there is something new here: the birth of a concept.
It’s a space that stands out from anything we’ve ever created. It’s an innovative concept in Portuguese gastronomy, a Snack-Mar where many dishes can be enjoyed with your hands. We want to pay homage to our sea and our ancestors with elegance and quality, both in taste and service,” says chefpreneur Olivier da Costa in a statement.
Some highlights from the menu… the ones we loved!
In this “snack-sea” there are oysters from the Algarve, the Sado, Aveiro and France. In fact, these are the “silver of the house”.
We tried the complete tower, just with the delicacies from our country, with various sauces and prices ranging from €9 to €28, depending on the quantity, 3, 6 or 12 units.
At the top of this tower, we also tried two types of shrimp: Banana (between 12€ and 40€); and Rabo Azul (between 15€ and 50€).
For starters, you can find Amêijoa à Bulhão Pato (26€) and Camarão à Guilho (25€), among many other specialties that we love so much.
As well as the typical summer snack, the clams, we were also offered the Royal Salad (39€), which was something transcendent for our taste buds.
Moving on to the main courses, there are options for all tastes (and wallets). Some of the highlights at this level include:
- Tuna Prego (21€)
- Truffled Scallops (25€)
- Royal Bun (35€)
- Seafood Rice (85€)
- King crab leg (95€)
- Veal Tartare (25€)
- Olivier steak (35€)
In this section, and as we were already very “full”, we opted for something lighter, but equally delicious: a Prego do Lombo (24€), and believe me there are very few in Lisbon with this quality, we would say, supreme.
If you’re looking specifically for seafood, there are Carabineiros (€39 a piece), Gamba da Costa (€18 a dozen), Lobster (€140 a piece), among others.
To round off the meal in the best way, the indispensable desserts are also present with Quindim (€7), Mango Mousse (€8), Chocolate Cake (€8) and Biscuit Cake (€8).
As we’re very sweet tooths, we opted for the last two, of course! They were a real treat.
For drinks to accompany this meal, we started with a delicious house cocktail and a very fresh white wine with the Olivier seal of approval.
A spectacular decoration
The décor is a major focus at Real Pérola by Olivier, designed by Camilla Degli Esposti, an expert in interior spaces, who has divided the space into three distinct rooms: the room with the beautiful bar and counter with footstools; a middle area with two round tables and a wine cellar, perfect for socializing in groups; and a back area, more open and with more tables and a counter where you can even watch the chef prepare your meal.
Oh, and outside you’ll also find a terrace with several seats, perfect for milder days.
In general, there is a synchronicity between luxury and authenticity, tradition and contemporaneity. For seafood lovers, here’s a new place in the heart of Lisbon.
Address: Rua da Escola Politécnica 247 (Rato)
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 12pm to 3pm and from 7pm to midnight