Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and rich history. One of the most iconic aspects of Portuguese culture is fado music, a traditional genre that originated in Lisbon in the early 19th century. Fado, which means “fate” or “destiny” in Portuguese, is a melancholic and soulful style of music that tells stories of love, loss, and longing. It is often accompanied by the haunting sounds of a guitarra portuguesa, a traditional Portuguese guitar.
Today, fado music can be enjoyed in various restaurants and bars throughout Lisbon. These establishments not only offer delicious food and drinks but also provide an authentic and intimate setting to experience this unique musical genre. In this article, we will explore some of the best fado music restaurants in Lisbon, each with its own distinct atmosphere and style.
1. Clube de Fado
Located in the historic Alfama neighborhood, Clube de Fado is one of the most renowned fado music restaurants in Lisbon. This cozy and intimate restaurant has been hosting fado performances since 1995 and has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The walls are adorned with photographs of famous fado singers, creating a nostalgic ambiance.
The menu at Clube de Fado features traditional Portuguese dishes such as bacalhau (salted codfish) and cozido à portuguesa (Portuguese stew). The average price for a meal here is around €25-30 per person. The restaurant also offers a selection of Portuguese wines to complement your meal.
Address: Rua São João da Praça 92, 1100-521 Lisboa, Portugal
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/6Z8QjzKJ7j2g9J3y6
2. Sr. Fado de Alfama
Another popular fado restaurant in Alfama is Sr. Fado de Alfama. This family-owned establishment has been serving up delicious Portuguese cuisine and fado music for over 30 years. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with traditional decor and live fado performances every night.
The menu at Sr. Fado de Alfama features a variety of seafood dishes, as well as meat and vegetarian options. The average price for a meal here is around €20-25 per person. Don’t forget to try their famous sangria, made with a secret family recipe.
Address: Rua dos Remédios 176, 1100-441 Lisboa, Portugal
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/5jJ1X6zJ3QZ8Z7Jx9
3. Mesa de Frades
Located in the picturesque neighborhood of Graça, Mesa de Frades is a charming fado restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant is housed in a former convent, and the interior still retains its original features, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere.
The menu at Mesa de Frades features traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern twist. The average price for a meal here is around €30-35 per person. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, with a focus on local and organic wines.
Address: Rua do Paraíso 15, 1170-281 Lisboa, Portugal
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/4y5gjKJ1GZ2QY5mH9
4. A Baiuca
A Baiuca is a hidden gem in the heart of Bairro Alto, one of Lisbon’s most vibrant neighborhoods. This cozy and rustic restaurant has been serving up delicious food and fado music since 1976. The walls are adorned with traditional Portuguese tiles, and the atmosphere is lively and welcoming.
The menu at A Baiuca features a variety of traditional Portuguese dishes, including grilled sardines and octopus salad. The average price for a meal here is around €20-25 per person. Don’t miss their homemade desserts, such as the famous pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart).
Address: Rua da Barroca 86, 1200-049 Lisboa, Portugal
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/6Z8QjzKJ7j2g9J3y6
5. Tasca do Chico
Tasca do Chico is a small and cozy fado restaurant located in the Bairro Alto neighborhood. This traditional tasca (tavern) has been around since the 1950s and is a favorite among locals. The atmosphere is lively and informal, with communal tables and a friendly staff.
The menu at Tasca do Chico features simple and delicious Portuguese dishes, such as grilled meats and petiscos (Portuguese tapas). The average price for a meal here is around €15-20 per person. The restaurant also has a great selection of Portuguese wines and beers.
Address: Rua do Diário de Notícias 39, 1200-144 Lisboa, Portugal
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/5jJ1X6zJ3QZ8Z7Jx9
Conclusion
Fado music is an integral part of Portuguese culture, and experiencing it in one of Lisbon’s fado restaurants is a must-do for any visitor. Each of the restaurants mentioned in this article offers a unique and authentic experience, with delicious food, live fado performances, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. So next time you’re in Lisbon, make sure to visit one of these fado restaurants for a truly unforgettable experience.
Average price per meal/dish:
– Clube de Fado: €25-30
– Sr. Fado de Alfama: €20-25
– Mesa de Frades: €30-35
– A Baiuca: €20-25
– Tasca do Chico: €15-20
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I'm based in Lisbon/Portugal and experienced in travel planning, tour guiding, and entrepreneurship since 1996, and guiding customers for over 20 years across Portugal. Helping customers from all over the world, planning their stay in Portugal. I'm also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide, assisting thousands of travelers yearly to plan their perfect trip.
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