Lisbon may be full of experimental concepts, but there are days when the palate calls for a return to its roots.
It was on one of these days, rediscovering the flavors of our grandmothers’ cooking, that we found Delfina – Cantina Portuguesa in the heart of Baixa, an authentic gastronomic “safe haven” where refined technique does not “overpower” fond memories.
The goal was to try the restaurant’s latest star dish: Assado de Domingo, a dish that proved that simplicity, when well executed, is the greatest luxury.
A design haven between Chiado and Baixa
Before we move on to tasting this dish, let us give you a guided tour of this space.
The Delfina restaurant manages the feat of being cosmopolitan without being cold, through an interior design that focuses on earth tones, old rose velvet tufted sofas, and sturdy wooden tables, with an atmosphere that invites long conversations, whether inside or on the terrace outside (properly heated on cooler days).
Inside, the vintage world map that adorns one of the main walls stands out, reinforcing Lisbon’s connection to the world, as does the warm lighting that makes the restaurant welcoming for both a family lunch and a more intimate dinner.
Delfina Cantina Portuguesa is the gastronomic face of the AlmaLusa hotel units, namely AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado, boutique hotels that are known for restoring historic buildings and transforming them into accommodation experiences deeply connected to local culture, a philosophy that also carries over to Delfina and, of course, its menu.
The star of the show: veal rump and the perfect gratin.
Let’s start with the main course, which brought us to Delfina, a very beautiful and welcoming restaurant located in a “corner” of Praça do Município: the Assado de Domingo (€44 for two people), consisting of a generous cast iron platter with oven-cooked veal rump.
It arrives at the table with the promise of comfort, a goal that was fully achieved. The meat, which is slow-cooked, fell apart as soon as we stuck our fork in it. It is also worth noting that it is bathed in a deep and shiny demi-glace that brings together all the elements of this traditional Portuguese dish, which is accompanied by Brussels sprouts, carrots, and shallots, which bring the sweetness of caramelization necessary for this dish to triumph in all its splendor.
However, the real “attention grabber” is the side dish that comes served separately, on its own plate: potatoes au gratin with a golden crust and a creamy interior that invites you to repeat without rushing.
Starters with substance and an intense finish
Before tasting the chef’s recommendation for a family Sunday, the whole experience began with some delicious starters: a Creme de Tomate Assado (€7), enhanced by the silky texture of a low-temperature cooked egg, undoubtedly a starter that warmed our souls before the main course.
If you can’t do without a classic sharing dish, we also got to try the Pica-Pau do Lombo (€16), with top-quality meat and homemade fries, ideal for enjoying the rich and well-balanced sauce.
Sweet moments
To finish off in style, we tried the Chocolate Mousse (€6), which at Delfina is a little out of the ordinary: it is a dessert for those who really love chocolate, with 70% cocoa, also notable for the light touch of fleur de sel that cuts through the density, while small pieces of dried orange add a citrusy and crunchy note that cleanses the palate.
Useful information:
Address: Praça do Município 23 (Downtown)
Opening hours: lunch from 12pm to 4pm; dinner from 7pm to 10:30pm
Average price: €30-€40 per person
Reservations and menus: on the website