Canalha

Lisbon, Portugal

Opened by João Rodrigues – one of Lisbon’s most celebrated chefs – this place prefers to keep it simple. Behind a tiled frontage in Belém, it’s a laidback neighbourhood restaurant, with a kitchen-facing marble bar to perch at, a blackboard listing the lunch specials, and a noisy, good-natured buzz at pretty much any time of day. The democratically-priced menus focuses on the classics, while showcasing some of Portugal’s finest small producers (who Rodrigues also champions with his non-profit Projecto Matéria). Come on a weekday lunchtime, when the dishes of the day are a steal, or book well ahead for dinner, when the full menu runs from prawn-studded omelettes to slow-braised veal tongue with mash. Look out for the squid with sheep’s butter sauce, which is incomparably delicious, and save room for a leite crème, Portugal’s answer to crème brulée.

Key Information

• Average price per person $35
• Lunch and dinner: Mon – Sun
• 351 962 152 742
• Visit Canalha's Website

Location

Rua da Junqueira 207, Belém, Lisbon, 1300-346