We had heard great things about ‘A Travessa’, a trendy restaurant located in a former convent in Bairro da Madragoa, and one of Lisbon’s best: from food, service to location.
Restaurant ‘A Travessa’ Lisbon
The building used to be a 17th century convent. Set in the very peaceful quarter in Santo (Lapa) this is one of the most atmospheric restaurants in Lisbon. There are at least three dining areas; the main room, a small side room and a terrace in the old courtyard. In the bar right next to the restaurant you can have an appetizer while waiting for your table. In winter, you can dine inside by the fireplace, and in summertime ‘al fresco’ in the wide courtyard.
Restaurant ‘A Travessa’ Lisbon
The menu is Portuguese-Belgian, but international as well. Before you order they do provide you with some original hors d’oeuvres. The wine list includes many of Portugal’s best, including an extensive selection of Douro reds. The place is stunning, the people are really nice and the food is excellent!
There’s no parking area – so don’t go driving, instead use a taxi.
A Travessa (website including the history of the Convent and a virtual tour)
Travessa do Convento das Bernardas, 12
Bairro da Madragoa – Santo
1200-638 Lisbon
Tel: (+351) 21 390 20 34 / 21 394 08 00
Prices: more expensive than average. Open on 24, 25 & 31 December and 1st January.
The creator of restaurant ‘A Travessa’ in Lisbon is Viviane Durieu (Belgian origine), read her story and Viviane’s favorite places in Lisbon
A Travessa is one of the best restaurants I have ever visited. My girlfriend and I are just a poor students who stumbled in unsuspectingly, as ignorant tourists do, and we were immediately seated at a huge table with all sorts of delicacies on it. We were impressed with the atmosphere of the interior. The staff is amazingly friendly, polite and well-spoken – even in English! After finishing only the (superb) starters, we figured out that we couldn’t possibly afford an entire dinner here, the waitress offered us a bottle of fine red wine on the house anyway. Class! We’ll come back as soon as we have the money, we promise!