This was the most elegant experience we had in Lisbon, and if you are looking for a spot to really treat yourself, this is it. First off, let me describe the interior. The dual dining rooms have almost a monastery-like zen vibe, with loads of space between tables, so that it feels like you own a section of the restaurant—it’s partitioned off just for you. We sat at a table that could easily accommodate four, so were able to spread out and really relax. In these environs, course after course was served to perfection.
The decor was a mix of modern, subdued elements joined with a touch of traditional Portuguese tile. The restaurant itself was perched on a hill, providing views behind the space. But the best views were right in front of your eyes, on the table.
The menu offers 5 ways to go: lunch, a la carte, and 4-6-8 tasting menus with optional wine pairings. We decided to go for the “Let Yourself Be Guided in 4 Moments” plan. This 4-course dinner offered wine pairings for an additional 40 €, so we decided to commit to the full monty. Actually, I like the way Epur counted the courses here, as it turned out to be much more than four: Three amuses, fantastic bread/olive oil, and a double dessert. Luckily we had a nice walk after dinner to work off some of those calories, to view a late-night Fado show in the Barrio Alto neighborhood. (see one of Lisbon’s oldest and most traditional Fado spot here)
Vincent Farges, the chef here, gained local fame working at Michelin-starred Fortaleza do Guincho, near Lisbon. At Epur, he expresses his creativity on traditional Portuguese cuisine with touches of French and Asian influences. His philosophy is to create minimalist plates based on two or three flavors. It’s food that is restrained and not-too-weird. And they certainly loved the table side pour, which I always appreciate.
A good meal always starts with a glass of bubbly, in my humble opinion. This one, Jose Carvalheira Hibernus Premier Brut 2017, a sparkling wine from Bairrada, was in keeping with the restaurants showcasing of Portugal’s best.
The first amuse: Cucumber, Keffir, Cilantro. A refreshing little bite. Right, the table was graced with a sweet floral display.
Amuse 2: Oilfish, Miso, Cedrat. Amuse 3: Shrimp and Pumpkin Soup. Wonderful flavors and textures.
Course 1: Tomato, Raspberry, Almonds, and Jalapeño paired with a Redona Rosé 2017, a wine from Douro. A refreshing way to start the meal, the tomatoes were extremely flavorful.
Course 2: Snapper, Fennel, Olives, Baby Squid paired with Torre de Palma Arinto e Alavarinho 2018. Perfectly done.
Course 3: Pork, Eggplant, Guanciale flawlessly paired with Reynolds Grande Reserva 2011.
Course 4: Dessert in Two Parts, part one: Red Berries, Almonds, Kaffir Lime Leaves Créme Glacè. The dessert wine: Villa Oeiras Superior.
More dessert: Chocolate, Chicory, Lemon Verbena.
Fantastic service here! Thank you so much for an unforgettable night. Right, the discreet signage on the front of the restaurant.
Just to the left of the restaurant shows the hilly-ness of Lisbon, and the view to the water.
Epur, Largo da Academia Nacional das Belas Artes 14 R/C 1200-005 Lisboa Portugal, open Tuesday – Saturday 12:30–3:00 lunch; 7:30 – 11:00 pm
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