The Four Seasons Hotel in Lisbon is a haven of luxury. The hotel-museum is filled with priceless works of art and staff ready to meet any request. So, in this same spirit, why would a dining experience be any less magical? This is what I felt after having dinner in the hotel’s lovely Veranda Restaurant.
The restaurant that evening wasn’t too crowded, it was full, but not overbooked. This was perfect. Diners all seemed to be enjoying themselves when I arrived. I was seated in the corner at a lovely table and welcomed with a glass of Portuguese sparkling wine. The chef, Pascal Meynard, is French and is supported by a bevy of Portuguese sous chefs. But, don’t be fooled by the French culinary background at the helm of the kitchen, the experience here is uniquely Portuguese, which I appreciated.
The menu is filled with traditional recipes like prawns, clams and fish in a coriander Cataplana, traditional Portuguese seafood rice casserole, baby goat confit, parmentier with truffle and cepes, and more. I opted for a delicious seafood rice in a tomato broth – incredible.
The service during the dinner was smooth and allowed me to enjoy my meal without feeling overwhelmed. The soft candlelight bounced off the walls and a light breeze blew through the doors of the terrace overlooking Eduardo VII Park. It’s really a spectacular setting.
Veranda is a “must”, even if you’re not a guest in the hotel. Don’t miss the opportunity to be impressed by these Portuguese food experts.