Located in one of the best neighborhoods in Lisbon, Gin Lovers sits inside an extraordinary shopping space (the Embaixada, a concept boutique mall), with spots indoors and out. We made a pitstop here for lunch to bask in the architecture and relax under the soaring atrium and skylight. It really epitomizes the edgy and creative aspects of the Principe Real neighborhood.
The building, the Ribeiro da Cunha Palace, takes its style cues from the Moors and its shops come with dramatically high ceilings and a crumbly luster that only comes with time. This building was just one of the many in the area’s concept stores, whose themes change on a regular basis.
The chef, Miguel Castro e Silva, has a modern take on Portuguese and southern European cuisine, as witnessed in the photos below. Though we didn’t hit the bar area that day, there are 60+ gins on the menu with creative cocktails to match, as you would imagine a place named Gin Lovers would have.
The Gin Lovers concept is the brainchild of Carlos Alves a dedicated Gin aficianado and collector of knowledge on the spirit. He started the Facebook page in 2013, and was instrumental in getting Portugal’s bars and restaurants to honor National Gin and Tonic day in June. This is their first bar.
[photo at the top of this post] The bread offering was practically a meal in itself.
I ordered the beef cheeks. It was an interesting dish, but a little heavy for a middle-of-the-day meal. Right, the atrium above the dining area.
The backyard offers a seating area on a deck. I bet this spot is packed in warmer weather. Right, the mural in the bar.
I had food envy when Bob’s dish arrived: Bacalhau croquettes on an especially flavorful potato salad. (reminded me of my Brazilian friend Shirlei’s potato salad recipe) Right, our server with British flag tie.
After lunch, we continued our walk around Principe Real which is on top of a hill, so affords views in many directions. Next time I’m in Lisbon, I would focus exclusively on this area, it really offers so much. Right, a peek inside A Ceviceria, a few blocks away.
A little further down, Coyo Taco, and Tapisco compete for foodie attention.
Gin Lovers, Praça do Príncipe Real 26 – 1250-184 Lisboa
Want to see more Lisbon dining picks, click here.
