Restaurant - Mestiço

The Kretcheu association has tried to establish itself in Lisbon several times, from what I know. They want to give this city a place that promotes the culture of Cape Verde, their music, dance, art and food.

The latest attempt is a restaurant, that may also serve for music concerts, workshops and art exhibits. I have been there 2 times and I liked it, the food, ambience and service was good, and it is cheap!

The manager(I think) is Aires Silva, a friendly guy that is also an African dances teacher, if you are interested give him a call.

Its a good place to make group dinners, and it is also very cosy, nice place to take your date. On weekends night sometimes they have live African music.

I have tried the Cachupa, Moamba and the Caldo de Peixe, all good, normal doses around 6 Euros. At the end ask for the Grog(strong sugar cane firewater) or the Ponche(less strong but sweet), traditional drinks from Cape Verde.

Its near the Terreiro do Paço subway station, and parking should not be difficult, afterwards you can go to Bacalhoeiro for a drink with your friends.



Misc:
Average price: ~9 Euros
Multibanco/Visa: No
Smokers: No
Closes at: Open every day

Pros:
- Good ambience and service
- Good for groups and dates
- Live African music
- Very good quality/price ratio

Cons:
- Nothing to point out



Facebook page

Google maps

Restaurant - Alcaide

Some times you go to a place, and you have that strange feeling, you can't really explain it... but you just feel at home.
One of those places is Alcaide, a small restaurant located in Mouraria district, but as soon as you get there you will realise that it is much more than a restaurant, it is a place where friend meet for a drink, chat, listen to  music and dance. The owners Sandra and Walter are also very friendly.

Most nights, I think, they have live typical music from Brasil and Africa, and if you have some music talent in you feel free to join in.

They have brasilian, african and portuguese food, all good at affordable prices, my favourites being the chicken Moamba and the prawn Muqueca. You can make a reservation and ask for traditional dishes that are not usually in the menu(check the site).

For all of you visiting Lisbon, this restaurant is on of those "must go" places, I promise you will have a great time there!



Misc:
Average price: ~13 Euros
Multibanco/Visa: No
Smokers: No
Closes at: Sunday

Pros:
- Feels like home
- Good food from Africa and Brasil
- Live brasilian and african music
- Moamba!

Cons:
- Small, not good for large groups
- No near places for a drink afterwards

- Sometimes the music is too loud, not good for chatting

Website

Google maps

Espiral

Espiral is a place about nature, ecology and spirituality. There you can find a bookshop, a bioshop, a gym for therapy and martial arts, and a vegetarian restaurant(also serving fish).

I have only tried the restaurant, so this post is about that. Being a meat lover I don't know many vegetarian restaurants, but so far this is my favourite. It is cheap and well served, calm and cosy and some nights you get live music. There is free tea with your meal, and you have a variety of dishes to choose from(check the website), the ones I tried were good.

It is a good place to take your date, specially is she/he is eco/bio/vegan nature lover, the decoration is good and they have candles ;)

Misc:

Average price: ~8 Euros

Multibanco/Visa: Yes

Smokers: No

Closes at: Does not close

Pros:

- Excellent quality/price ratio

- Cosy and calm

- Live music

- Great food variety and large doses

Cons:

- Not good for large groups

- No near places for a drink afterwards

Facebook page

Website

Google maps

Association - Ilusão Paralela

UPDATE - Unfortunately Ilusão Paralela has closed on 1/12/2011.
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Translated to Parallel Ilusion, it is an association, and as many others in Lisbon, it's a place where you can have a drink, eat, play board games, listen to music, attend workshops, read a book, watch art exhibitions, have parties, watch football games, etc. Make yourself a member to get discount at the bar, and like the facebook page to receive the events notifications.

Thursdays it's board game night with Vasco Chita, if you like board games you should go there, you will discover new games, make some friends and have fun!

They have lots of games like, Settlers of Catan, Dixit, Puerto Rico, Times Up, Tichu, Atlantis, Chinatown, etc. And thursdays Vasco brings even more games.

Quiz nights are Tuesdays, so if you are into general knowledge trivia feel free to show up, teams are of five, 50 questions and the winning team gets a prize. Don't worry if you can't round up a team, just show up and ask to join one of the teams.

There is also the Origami workshops and the role-players gathering, and many other activities, check the facebook for the dates and details.

You can talk to the owner and have a private dinner and/or a party, or have an exhibition with your photos, paintings, sculptures, etc.

Misc:

Beer price(20cl): 80 Cents for members

Smokers: yes

Multibanco/Visa: yes

Closes at: Sunday and Monday

Pros:

- Nice place to take your friends for a drink and chat

- Many different activities

- Stays open till late

- Restaurants and bars nearby

Cons:

- Difficult parking

- No near Subway

- Lots of smokers

Facebook page