CLIP OF THE DAY: Word of mouth

Let me introduce you to one of my favorite restaurants in Lisbon -  Esperança -  (which stands for "hope" in Portuguese) situated in Rua do Norte  (the heart of hip "bairro alto" busy neighborhood). Great food, fair priced and perfect for fun easy going dinners with friends. The owner and a long time friend Duarte Uva emailed me while I was in New York to let me know that he had just opened his second "Esperança", this time across the street from one of the most beautiful and  historical places in Lisbon: Sé Cathedral. As per promissed as soon as I landed my first dinner out with friends was evidently at his new spot.  Esperança Sé is located in a very Portuguese tradicional building  that was kept truthful to its  simple heritage while its interior was cleverly re-designed featuring low lighting around and GREAT music where groups gather before a long night out. Duarte has also managed the impossible and the new Esperança Sé has tables outside surronded by Olive trees overlooking the breathtaking Sé Cathedral walls. The menu has strong Italian influences, including excellent thin-crust pizzas, bruchettas and fresh italian ice-cream for dessert.  

CLIP-IT: Book in advance, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Rua do Norte, 95 (Bairro Alto) & Rua de São João da praça, 103, Alfama (Sé, the new Esperança) - Tel (+351) 213432027.  Esperança has no website, for Duarte its all about finding the truth about a great spot: word of mouth.