The city of Lisbon's style, design, food and culture is being captured by London-based Portuguese chef, Nuno Mendes for his latest restaurant, Lisboeta, set to open on Fitzrovia's Charlotte Street, in spring 2022.
Lisboeta is a collaboration between Mendes and MJMK Restaurants, which as well as its own-brand concepts including Casa do Frango and Bar La Rampa, last year opened the critically acclaimed KOL Restaurant and KOL Mezcaleria.
As Mendes returns to London he brings with him his own discoveries and secrets from Lisbon’s wonderful food and wine scene, that have both inspired him on his journey and reflect the rhythm of Lisbon today.
Lisboeta, which literally means 'a person from Lisbon'', sums up the lifestyle, tradition and emotion of belonging. It will give guests the chance to dine like a Lisboeta, from enjoying traditional and non-traditional ‘petiscos’ (little plates of this and that) with a glass of Portuguese wine from an exciting new producer, to lunch and dinner served ‘Tasca style’ in a fun and lively environment.
The cellar will be home to a unique kitchen dining space that aims to bring to life the exciting culinary inventions that are happening across Lisbon, in a dynamic and immersive space.
Mendes said, “Lisboeta is my love letter to Lisbon, the city I grew up in and the place I call home. I’m excited to share with London everything that makes it such a special city. Lisboeta embodies the very spirit of Lisbon, in an informal yet informative dining space, that showcases the young, vibrant food culture, produce, wine and the gastronomic heritage of my home, in a playful and thoughtful way.”
Set across three floors, Mendes has worked closely with his friend and architect Joao Guedes Ramos, to transport Lisbon to London. Guedes, who has offices in both Lisbon and London was well placed to reimagine what a Lisboeta in London could be.
A traditional awning will line the front of the three-story blue-washed Charlotte Street townhouse; inside a ground floor inspired by café culture will feature a long, seated bar built from repurposed tram wood and topped with limestone sourced from Lisbon.
Upstairs, banquette seats will flank the whitewashed walls of the dining room creating an elegant setting for lunch and dinner. Following later in the year, ‘The Adega’, will be a unique space overlooking the glass fronted kitchen and extensive wine cellar in the basement.
Where in Lisbon the rhythm of the day revolves around mealtimes, LISBOETA’s menu will follow the culinary clock from midday to late evening. Lunch and dinner will be a communal affair with large sharing dishes for the table inspired by the popular ‘tasca’ (casual Portuguese eatery, often family run) of Lisbon, all with Nuno’s original take.
The wine list will reflect this unique Lisbon fare focusing on local producers in the Lisboa and sub regions, highlighting long-standing wine makers alongside key players in the new scene.
