TOPO MARTIM MONIZ

“Everyone knows this story: Catarina Portas has done the miracle of resurrecting dead national brands a long time ago. The shops are the dream of any tourist who is not content with a fridge magnet as a souvenir, but also a must-have place for those who miss the soaps Confiança and canned Minerva. In Intendente, the variety is more than a lot, ranging from pre-electronic toys to stationary ones that stopped in time. Along the way, there are faience, quilts, fashion and various delicacies, all 100 percent Portuguese and with the air of other times. Does it look amazing to you? No wonder this store received a Time Out Award in 2013.”

“Rooftop bar & restaurant TOPO Chiado in Lisbon can be found at a surprising location: behind the ruins of convent Convento do Carmo. The terraces around the Carmo church are a bit hidden in the center of Lisbon, between two historical monuments: convent Convento do Carmo and Santa Justa Elevator, both very popular tourist attractions. TOPO Chiado has a bar, and a restaurant on a higher level where dishes are served.”

“CUISINE: Japanese • This is my favourite local Japanese restaurant. Although they also serve sushi, my favourite dishes are the more traditional Japanese meals. Yuko Yamamoto, a Japanese based in Portugal for more than a decade, goes far beyond sushi and extends to traditional Japanese dishes made with the seasonal products. Famous are the takoyaki (fried octopus balls), the salmon zukedon (salmon marinated over sushi rice) or the ika somen (squid sashimi). Try it out! :)”

“Casa Independente is right in the middle of Largo do Intendente, in a charming old palace building. This place is a mix between alternative and fancy. You will find several rooms for different vibes. If you want to have tea, there is a room for that. If you want to smoke while watching the cool people there, there's a cozy patio. And last but not least, there is the Tiger Hall, that's where all the dancing happens. It is a concert hall that looks super cool with nice music.”

“Sea food lovers, its a MUST for the best in town. The best time to go to Ramiro is at five in the afternoon. There, when the big lunches are over, it's still not the time for the English to dine and the Portuguese are thinking about going there for an afternoon snack (but do not divulge this secret, please). When you leave, you will even laugh at the queue. Must try: the clams the Bulhão Pato way - with toasts full of butter, obviously.”