It’s not an easy time to be in Portugal. But for now, at least, one bright spot (or at a least less bleak spot) is the excellent options for food delivery and takeaway. Several top restaurants and star chefs in Lisbon, who never offered in-home options, have begun making it possible to enjoy their food at home. Others, who have been in the delivery business all along, are staying in the fight so that they can keep providing their customers with comfort food, nutritious immune-boosting fare and treats to help us endure lonely nights on lockdown while we fear COVID-19 and wait for the pandemic to pass.
Ordering from these restaurants is also a good way to support local businesses—not just the bosses but the entire kitchen staff (and even staff from other restaurants). Please consider them instead of McDonald’s or pizza chains. In most cases they are on Uber Eats or Glovo, and if not, I’m including ordering information here.
Memoria and Pasta Non Basta
Memoria was one of my favorite new restaurants in Lisbon in 2019 for their fresh and lively approach to Italian cuisines. They and their sister restaurant Pasta Non Basta are offering delivery on Uber Eats and directly with the restaurants. They have introduced family-style portions, soups, fresh pasta, prepared homemade sauces and—I love this—“do it yourself” kits for lazy cooks or parents who want to entertain their housebound children by making pizzas. This strategy lets them use the surplus from their own biologic garden.
Contacts:
Memoria: 210998366
Pasta Non Basta Alvalade: 215846772
Pasta Non Basta Av. Novas: 217979214
Olívia
This project from the SEA ME group (Soão, Sea Me and Meat Me) makes gourmet hamburgers available via Uber Eats for a fair price (€7.50–8.50). These are a big step up from the mass-market chains: Special versions include the Spicy (with red onion, cheddar and salsa on a brioche), Thai (chicken burger with aioli and Thai-style slaw) and Veggie (tofu burger with mushrooms sautéed in orange juice, pickles and spinach).
Boi-Cavalo
Chef Hugo Brito announced that the restaurant is closed for indefinite period but will have a pop-up functioning only for takeaway. They are providing work for chefs and staff from other restaurants that can’t materialize their own projects right now.
Tasca da Esquina, Peixaria da Esquina and the Padarias da Esquina
Star chef Vitor Sobral is launched takeaway service at his gourmet restaurants.
Contacts:
Tasca da Esquina: 919837255, info@tascadaesquina.com
Peixaria da Esquina: 912946155, geral@peixariadaesquina.com
Padaria da Esquina: 910 019 616 ou geral@padariadaesquina.com
Pizzeria Lisboa
Michelin-star dining can never be the same as quarantine dining, but two-star chef José Avillez has made the gourmet pies from Pizzeria Lisboa available on Uber Eats.
Dear Breakfast
It’s not just lunches and dinner that can be brought to your door. This brunch standby has made its pancakes, avocado toast and açai bowls available on Uber Eats.
Pigmeu
Campo de Ourique’s palace of pork has made its meals available for porcine pleasure at home, available via takeaway.com or Uber Eats.
Taybbeh
This restaurant run by a Syrian family is doing an amazing job, not only reinforcing their take away and delivery systems but also offering meals to the medical staff.
El Bulo Social Club
Star chef Chakall has made the food from his popular Argentine hangout available for delivery.
Pistola y Corazon
The proprietors of this perpetually packed Mexican taqueria have launched a new space, Las Gringas, to prepare food that travels well (mostly quesadilla-shaped tacos) and cocktails for delivery.
Union Empanadas
This hip joint is selling frozen empanadas to go and offering delivery of the hot, fresh, flavorful comfort food.
For more than one dinner
Microgreens.pt
This organization has launched a project called “A Horta do Amigo” with some of the most renowned vegetables and fruit producers in the market. Acknowledging that the supermarkets are not being able to guarantee all the products due to a high demand, A Horta do Amigo guarantees the delivery of meat, fruit and vegetables within 24 hours in Lisboa, Cascais, Almada and Seixal. If there was ever a time to try a CSA, this is it.
Comida Independente
This cool-kid favorite now has a delivery system in Lisbon area. You can order biologic vegetables, fruits, wine, cheese, compotes, pastrami sandwiches and all of the products you can usually find in the shop.
And to drink…
We all know that drowning our sorrows is a terrible idea right now. But for those who wish to allow themselves a few sips of one of life’s great pleasures, there are good options right now.
Wines by Heart
Lisbon’s best international tasting room and wine shop is closed, but it offers a delivery service for wines by phone and online.
Contact: 231540772
The Wine Hour at Home
Lisbon’s most dashing wine ambassador, Claudio Martins, created this partnership with Chefs Agency, a leading communications firm. The idea is a virtual gathering two or three times a week, with the presence of a reputed wine producer, happening via and Instagram live broadcast. It is a chance to relax with a good glass of wine together, with the added benefit of having the presence of a reputed wine producer, along with Martins and sommelier Rodolfo Tristão.
And for the future
Another Collective
For food lovers who want to support their favorite restaurants, this organization has launched an initiative called #atuamesa that aims to persuade people to buy vouchers in their favorite restaurant, helping them to resist during this crisis. In Lisbon, restaurants like FOGO, LOCO, 100 Maneiras, Attla, Kitchen Dates, José Avillez restaurants and Café com Calma have vouchers, some of them with significant discounts. Follow the hashtag on instagram to learn more.
