Tasca da Esquina

Tasca da Esquina, the corner tavern, is the Campo de Ourique restaurant of Vítor Sobral, one of the chefs who led the revival of Portuguese cooking in recent decades. The idea is a modern take on the traditional tasca: a shared, sociable space where you order a range of plates for the table rather than a starter and main course each. The cooking reinterprets Portuguese recipes handed down in families, adding creativity and flavours from the wider Portuguese-speaking world.

The menu changes with the seasons, so the best approach is to order several plates and share. Expect seafood, fish, vegetables and meat in small and medium portions, combining traditional ingredients such as salt cod, pork, sausages, pulses and coriander with lighter, more contemporary preparation. Staff can help you decide how much to order, and vegetarians should ask what is available that day. Portuguese wines make up the list, with choices from many regions.

Campo de Ourique is a residential neighbourhood west of the centre, and eating here gives a sense of everyday Lisbon life away from the main tourist streets. The restaurant attracts a local crowd as well as visitors, and the atmosphere is relaxed and lively. It suits couples, friends and small groups who enjoy sharing, and it is a sensible choice for a dinner that feels special without being formal.

The kitchen serves lunch from 12:30 to 15:00 and dinner from 19:00 to 22:30. The website does not set out the days, so call to confirm before you go and to book, which is a good idea for dinner. Reservations for six or more people and special events are handled by email. Prices are in the mid to upper range for Lisbon, reflecting the chef's reputation and the quality of the ingredients.

The easiest way to get here from the centre is tram 28, which ends at Campo de Ourique near the Prazeres cemetery, or tram 25, both of which stop a short walk away. Before or after eating, explore the Mercado de Campo de Ourique, a neighbourhood market with food stalls, and the shops along Rua Ferreira Borges. The Basílica da Estrela and its garden are about fifteen minutes' walk away.