Tucked along a small side street, Bonjardim makes its home in an unassuming building in an unassuming corner of a city full of restaurants with staff begging you to come eat with them. No one will chase you down the street with fliers trying to bring you to Bonjardim, but then again, why should they, the smell of the food takes care of that for them. Despite their seeming lack of initiative, from the moment you seat yourself (as is common practice for outdoor dining in Lisbon) the staff at Bonjardim is ready for you. Service is attentive but not overbearing, but the real experience starts when you receive your food.

Known locally at the Rei dos Frangos (King of Chickens), you MUST order the chicken here; spit roasted and flame kissed in Bonjardim’s rustic kitchen until it’s perfectly crisp and falling off the bone. To kick things up a notch, you’ll receive a small pot of piri piri sauce to brush over your meat. Be warned, a little of this innocent looking liquid goes a long way. The food at Bonjardim is simple, traditional, absolutely delicious, and dirt cheap. If you are in the mood for a quick but satisfying meal in the heart of Lisbon, look no further than Bonjardim.