At times, we simply need a restaurant where good food, a cozy environment and the chance to try new things connect. A place that’s as good as it is for date night as it is for a good conversation and dinner with friends. Recently, I visited Old Lisbon with my husband and was not only impressed but felt right at home in a place where fine dining and an extensive list of hand-selected wines exist in harmony, connecting to make the dining experience a memorable one.
Once my husband stepped inside, we were greeted by a dining room with gorgeous and peaceful shades of white and light blue additions to their cushy tables, as well as dashes of deep brown tones within their wine cellar, as well as the addition of a 120-year-old olive tree.
Known as an “Oliveira,” the tree is there to symbolize the importance of tradition and longevity. The décor, including gorgeous hand-painted columns with dashes of décor representing Portuguese culture, is all designed by architect Ricardo Azevedo.
Azevedo’s obvious care for detail will also have you feeling impressed and eager to share all about your experience to others who might want to visit.
With all of this, the new Aventura location adjacent to the upscale and expansive Aventura Mall is a magical one to visit.
It’s no surprise, especially since the restaurant has a lovely history in South Florida. Old Lisbon is known for its perfectly authentic Portuguese cuisine in a traditional and elegant environment, which is proven by its vast history.
Old Lisbon has been an important dining establishment in South Florida since 1991. When you visit the restaurant, you can see why, since the place not only feels like home but also offers delicious food and an environment to relax in and feel pampered.
When the restaurant was created, founder Carlos Silva started as its first customer, and now his son, Carlos Jr., has taken over the responsibility of keeping the restaurant’s history alive, especially when it comes to its culture and roots.
When my husband and I went, this was proven by the food. And we were happy to ask for recommendations from the server that was not just knowledgeable, but attentive and caring.
Some favorites that we tried were the classic Bolinhos de Bacalhau (codfish croquettes), hot and well-seasoned Chouriço Assado (flaming sausage,) as well as one of my favorite dishes, Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (clams in white wine.)
The restaurant’s food is perfectly complemented by its excellent wine selection. Their extensive collection of Portuguese wines, the largest in Florida, stored in a floor-to-ceiling wine cellar, are some of the best that we’ve tried. Make sure that you do not leave until you sip on some Vinho Verde, a traditional and refreshing Portuguese wine that perfectly complements the spot’s diverse dishes.
The dishes are traditionally Portuguese, and the churrasco steak with chimichurri, as well as their delectable and traditional desserts such as the Pasteis de Nata (custard tarts) and Delicia de Fátima (custard-based dessert), make this restaurant a spot that is a must visit for those who love a place fueled by a passion for culture, tradition and fine dining.
For more information on Old Lisbon and to make a reservation, visit http://oldlisbonrestaurants.com
