Lisbon Portuguese Cuisine lives up to the spirit of its location along International Drive, bringing a cuisine not commonly found among Central Florida restaurants to an unlikely spot — under the Orlando Eye in I-Drive 360.
What I would try a second time
The charbroiled octopus (market price) was tender, almost to a butterlike level. The garlic-heavy mollusk came with potatoes, green peppers, onions and tomatoes.
What I didn’t like
On the other end of the spectrum from the octopus, the febras de porco grelhadas ($14.95), or grilled pork loin, was tough and flavorless.
What I would put on Instagram
Chourico, a popular Portuguese sausage similar to chorizo, is cooked several ways at Lisbon Portuguese. We opted for the chourico a bombeiro ($11.95), which is flambeed in brandy. It was delivered to us nestled in a pig-shaped vessel with a grate inside and a small fire underneath. Despite the fun presentation, the sausage was overcooked — but still tasty with its garlicky spice.
I’m still kicking myself for not filming our tabletop grill in action.
Other eats
Codfish is another Portuguese staple, so we ordered the pasteis de bacalhau ($9.95) appetizer. Crisply fried egg-shaped cakes broke open to a flaky mixture of cod, potato and parsley.
The pasteis de belem ($5.95) were a not-too-sweet way to end our meal. Two warm, wobbly egg custards came encased in flaky pastry for this dessert.
How I was treated
Our friendly server took time to talk to us about Portuguese cuisine, pointing out a few of the more authentic dishes.
Unfortunately, our courses were slow to reach us.
My next visit
I would like to try one of Lisbon’s codfish entrees. The bacalhau na telha ($26.95) fills a Portuguese ceramic vessel with baked codfish, chourico and baked potato and black-eyed pea salad.
For bar-hoppers
Lisbon’s wine list is full of Portuguese varieties, including green wine. Generally speaking, this particular style is light, crisp and slightly effervescent. Green wine doesn’t usually get aged, it’s meant to drink while still “young.”
Beerwise, the restaurant offers a single brew from Portugal: Super Bock’s refreshing lager.
For those with special diets
Lisbon Portuguese has a very meat- and seafood-heavy menu — only a few salads will fill the needs of a vegan or vegetarian diner. Gluten-free diners will fare better.
ldelgado@orlandosentinel.com
Lisbon Portuguese Cuisine
Where: I-Drive 360, 8441 International Drive, Orlando; next door to Tapa Toro
When: noon-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; noon-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon-9 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $10.95-$32.95
Beverages: Beer, wine, cocktails, coffee
Wine by the glass: Yes
Attire: Casual
Extras: Indoor bar, good for groups, lunch, dinner
Noise level: Moderate
Wheelchair access: Good
Credit: Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Discover
Call: 407-757-0500
Online: lisbonorlando.com and Facebook
