LOCO is a one-Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant with a modern dining room and seven tables that all face the open kitchen. The big menu (LOCO) is divided into 18 moments, while the smaller (Discover) has 14. Both are split into four parts: snacks, bread, main courses, and desserts. Although the setup is familiar, the meal is constructed to surprise you. Guests are not told the menu in advance, and not everyone around the table will necessarily get the same dishes. Not only do they accommodate allergies, but even dislikes! Chef Alexandre Silva uses mainly local produce, but the cooking is more experimental than traditional, and the presentation and style reminded me more of a New Nordic restaurant than a Portuguese. Tasty food, combined with superb service and great (local) wine recommendations from the sommelier made for a memorable evening in Lisbon – even though I missed the big highlights (or moments if you will) on the food side. Except for the wonderful bread serving! Also, when we got siphon coffee to end the night, we couldn’t be happier, though.
Bacalhau cakes
Chicken skin & caramelized yoghurt
Asparagus, lime, and rosemary
2016 Soalheiro, Terramatter Alvarinho
Chef Henrique Castilho at work
Razor clam, green chillies, and coriander
Oyster, fermented turnip, and grilled turnip tops
A key?
Chorizo steamed bread
Black pork croquette & rhubarb ketchup
Bread, butter, meat sauce, and olive oil
Chef Henrique Castilho prepares the next dish tableside
