Located just off the Rossio in the heart of town, Gambrinus is a Lisbon institution. Long famed as one of the city’s top restaurants it continues to live up to its name and its die- hard aficionados include politicians and other city high-flyers.

It is rightly famous for its seafood that can be enjoyed either at the long bar or in the formal dining room. The ultimate house speciality is the large fresh langoustines, fished deep from the Atlantic and plain boiled to perfection.

Gambrinus offers a diverse a la carte menu and specialties of the day. The shades and nuances of the cuisine definitely appeal to the cultivated palate. The soups, especially the shellfish bisque, are good. The most expensive items are shrimp and lobster dishes. However, you might try conch with shellfish Thermidor or sea bass minhota, cooked in tomato sauce with onions, white wine, and ham. If you don't fancy fish but do like your dishes hot, ask for chicken piri-piri (served with blazing chiles). Desserts are elaborate. Coffee with a 30-year-old brandy is the perfect end to a sumptuous meal here.