Before I used to think about a place, book a trip and be somewhere glorious for a weekend. That was of course pre-covid, now with all the rules and tests that need to be taken, it makes me think twice. I am almost turning into a green princess. Well, this princess was grounded in London for the first May Bank Holiday weekend but with the sun shining, I was in search of a place to transport me to somewhere hotter with tasty food, enter Lisboeta.
Location, Location
Lisboeta is located in one of the best kept secret foodie streets in London, Charlotte Street. It is full of Georgian houses that are now converted and so many gems. It has the sweetest frontage, with two little tables where you can sit and have a drinkie before being taken to your table.
Good Vibes
I hadn’t bothered booking, that makes it sound as if I do book. I rarely do but with a ex Chiltern Firehouse superstar chef at the helm, Nuno Mendes at its helm. I probably should have but I stood there and smiled sweetly. I was offered two places at the bar. Being my contrary self I said, “would it be possible to sit at the window.” There was a pause, a checking with a manager and then I was shown to the window.
Food
I had come for one dish, bacalhau and it is gluten free so I was ready to be transported to the dish I eat every time I go to Portugal. The concept of the restaurant is a couple of small plates and then one big one to share. The wine list looked great too. I love a glass of Portuguese wine but sadly I was going swimming later that afternoon so no booze for me, another reason to go back.
The asparagus is as delicious and as fresh as it looked.
Ah, yes the bacalhau so hmmm it was ok but then the egg at the bottom and I didn’t remember seeing egg in the dish. The waitress when she came back to clear my plate said well this won’t do, try anything you like off the menu so I went for the ceviche. It was divine. You know what else was divine the fact they took the barely eaten dish off my final bill.
The service was impeccable and there was no rushing of this solo diner. There’s music but not overbearing and it was certainly buzzing on Saturday afternoon.
Baby in the corner? No way, baby got to choose her corner.
Pricey – not for the quality of the food.
How: it’s 5 minutes from Goodge Street and 10 mins from Tottenham Court Road.
Website: https://lisboeta.co.uk/
Address: 30 Charlotte Street, London W1T 2NG
