More and more, there are restaurants, cafés, and other establishments that seek to adapt too much to new trends, running the risk of losing their essence. Located in the heart of Lisbon, on Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, Solar dos Presuntos is one of those cases that has not only survived the passage of time, but has also managed to grow without losing sight of its core recipe: serving hearty Portuguese food.
Created in 1974 by Evaristo Cardoso and his wife, Maria da Graça Cardoso, the restaurant began as a small tavern where Minho cuisine took center stage. Today, the space has grown and occupies three floors, with more than 300 seats; the Minho influences are still there, such as the Monção-style roast kid, but the menu now includes other options, including vegetarian choices.
The “best restaurant in Europe”
Photo:
https://www.solardospresuntos.com/
DR / Disclosure
Solar dos Presuntos was recently named the Best Restaurant in Europe at the AURUM Europa – Excelência Enogastronómica Awards, presented in December by the European Council of Enogastronomic Confraternities in O’Grove, Galicia.
In statements quoted by the Expresso newspaper, Pedro Cardoso, owner of the Lisbon restaurant, highlighted the “enormous honor” of “receiving this prestigious award,” also emphasizing the fundamental role of his employees and mentioning the efforts of all professionals in the restaurant sector “who struggle daily, often without due recognition, but who continue to elevate gastronomy.”
A place that has never been discreet
At Lisboa Secreta , we love to write about the city’s “secrets,” but in the case of Solar dos Presuntos, the truth is that it never tried to be a hidden gem. In fact, this place has always been talked about and frequented. All Lisboners (or almost all) know the restaurant—or at least have heard of it. After all, it is a regular feature on leading gastronomic lists.
Since the days when it served actors and people connected to Parque Mayer, the establishment has become known as a true artists’ house. Later, the famous faces who surrendered to its Portuguese flavors extended to figures from the world of soccer and music. Nasser Al-Khelaifi (president of PS Germain),David Beckham, Jorge Jesus, Roger Waters (Pink Floyd), Madonna, and the Scorpions are some of the personalities who could not resist the charms of typical Portuguese cuisine.
Portuguese cuisine, for sure!
Photo:
https://www.solardospresuntos.com/
DR / Disclosure
From seafoodto fish, not to mention generous portions of meat and vegetarian options, there is no doubt that Solar dos Presuntos is a Portuguese restaurant. Just take a look at the menu, available online.
The restaurant’s reputation and quality justify its above-average prices, but even so, this is a place to consider for a special occasion, whether personal or professional. With a rating of 4.5 on Google, based on around 6,000 reviews, it seems difficult to leave dissatisfied.
When is it worth it? And when is it not?
For those looking for a gastronomic experience that respects tradition and spares no effort in terms of quality, as well as for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere and busy restaurants, Solar dos Presuntos is an (almost) mandatory stop.
However, it may not be the best option for those who want a quiet atmosphere away from the ‘hustle and bustle’. Even so, it should be noted that this is not necessarily a problem, as there are private rooms for more intimate dinners and options for groups.
A timeless classic
Tradition seems to be the Lisbon restaurant’s best ally, but that does not mean immobility. A sign of adaptation—and also of inclusion —is the investment in a special Portuguese language training coursefor members of the Nepalese team. This is an example of integration for employees and, probably, greater satisfaction for national customers.
At a time when the ‘pressure’ to reinvent oneself is a constant both online and offline, Solar dos Presuntos is proof that you don’t need to look like something else. You just need to continue being what you always were. And perhaps that is why it continues to be full – and to be highlighted beyond borders.
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