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Flores is the trendy, attractively decorated restaurant of the new boutique Hotel Bairro Alto, which opened in May last year. Young head chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, who was elected Portugal’s Chef of the Year 2005, presents a fusion of Oriental, Mediterranean and Portuguese cuisine. Dishes served at lunchtime are less elaborate and therefore less expensive (around €15).
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Having dinner at Kais is an experience, and not only because of the food, which is classy international with a Portuguese touch. The sheer size of the place—a converted riverside warehouse—and its spectacular, industrial-chic decor are awe-inspiring. Kais, with live jazz music every evening, is on the first floor. On the ground floor there is a less expensive, all-you-caneat restaurant called Adega that offers traditional Portuguese fare.
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Situated high on a hill Restô offers international cuisine, especially South American (the chef is Argentinean) and breathtaking views. The latter are best enjoyed while sipping a Brazilian caipirinha on the esplanade. If it’s too cold, take lunch or dinner at a table near the window.
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First established in 1784, the Lisbon classic Tavares changed ownership two years ago and was entirely renovated. The present head chef is Philippe Preudenier, who last was sous chef at the three-starred restaurant Lucas Carton in Paris. Cuisine is sophisticated European international with Oriental influences. Go to Tavares only if you enjoy having dinner in a museum-like environment with lots of red velvet, gold lamé, mirrors and chandeliers. For a more casual experience, have lunch (€12) at the belle époque-style Café Tavares on the first floor.
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One of Lisbon’s best restaurants, the Valle Flôr, is located inside the city’s most luxurious hotel the Pestana Palace, housed in a converted 19th century palácio. French chef Aimé Barroyer does wonderful things with the typical Portuguese ingredients he has learned to love and is still discovering. “We try to be international, but respect the country,” he told the Portuguese Review recently. An added bonus here is the wonderful romantic dining room with sleek pillars, palm plants, high ceilings and windows with a view of the hotel’s private botanical garden.
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