Casa Lisboa has recently relocated to Wyndham Street from LKF Tower and updated both their interiors and their menus with a more contemporary vibe. They’ve just launched an 8-course weekend brunch menu, curated by the new executive chef Fabio Pombo and packed with traditional and contemporary Portuguese flavours.
The new location has been redefined to boast a cool colour tone of blues and whites and only seats 50 guests, making it much more of an intimate affair than their former HQ. With an open kitchen and marble-top bar tables, the space feels cosy yet modern.
Drinks
A brunch is not a brunch without a little alcoholic pick-me-up and the free flow package here includes vinho verde, a fruity red sangria, and house wine (including sparkling wine for those who can’t do brunch without bubbles).
Alternatively, you can opt for one of the specially crafted Portuguese cocktails. We began with the Ginja, the blueprint of the classic Whisky Sour but with a twist. The whisky has been substituted with liquor and with the addition of lemon juice, grapefruit, egg white, salt and Piri Piri sauce this cocktail is an incredibly tantalizing blend of hot, tangy and sweet! For those who prefer something a little more traditional, opt for a refreshing Caiparao made with Licor Beiroão, Portuguese liquor made with spices and herbs, and fresh lime juice.
Food
Starters
All diners begin their brunch with selection of six starters brought to the table to share, featuring both old classics and newcomers. The classic Codfish Cakes and Clams Casa Lisboa are deliciously moreish, and the Garlic Octopus, Alentejo Gazpacho Cold Soup and Algarvia Tartare Salad are an absolute treat to the palate. The Algarvia Tartare Salad is a traditional dish combining beetroot and carrot seasoned with vinegar, honey and salt, then topped with mint, corrinader, avacado and goats cheese. This is the perfect accompaniment to the punchy garlic octopus that is cooked to perfection and definitely one of my favourite dishes. For seafood lovers, the “Sapateira” Portuguese Cold Crab salad is a welcome addition, and consists of poached and cooked crab meat, removed from the shell and tossed in mayonnaise, with onion and celery. This mixture is served as a dip with fluffy homemade bread slices.
Mains
After six starters, I was more then satisfied, but could not resist mains! From the choice of 6 main courses, we opted for the signature “Leitão à Bairrada” suckling pig and Codfish in Caldeirada Sauce for something a little lighter.
Marinated for a day and then grilled for 3 hours, the suckling pig was an absolute game changer! The tender meaty centre paired seamlessly alongside a perfectly crisp outer skin – definitely not for the health conscious but so worth it. I also enjoyed the cod, which was served in a tasty, rich tomato sauce along with shrimps and clams.
Other main courses on offer include a traditional Portugese seafood rice and the Casa Lisboa “Francesinha” sandwich, a traditional sandwich that’s been upgraded to include beef tenderloin, slow cooked pork belly, chorizo and is topped with a tasty dressing.
Desserts
If you have not already tried the red wine based sangria at this point, now is the perfect time. This is definitely one not to miss. Enjoy a glass of this fruity wine with accents of cinnamon while you wait for your dessert!
For the finale diners can choose from 4 desserts, we ended with signature dessert Pineapple, Vanilla and Pistachio Sponge Raviolis, a dish wholly inspired by a renowned traditional dish from the Portuguese Azores Island, known for their pineapples. The sliced cuts of pineapple are seasoned in a syrup consisting of sugar and spices for 30 minutes to create a tender and smooth texture. They are then used as toppings over a scoop of ice cream with deliciously homemade pistachio sponge cake infused with Port wine.
The Verdict
This new brunch is set to be a favourite, offering foodies a mixture of Portuguese flavours with both classic and new dishes served in a relaxing atmosphere. And the price of $350 per head represents excellent value too. There is an option to add free flow drinks package (for 2 hours) ranging from $88-$188 HKD.
Casa Lisboa is a relatively small restaurant and an ideal option for couples or a small group of friends for an intimate brunch. Alternatively, opt for the semi-private VIP room if you are hosting a group brunch.
Booking
When: Available every Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday from 12pm – 3pm
Price: $350 HKD (adult), $210 (child, age 4-9) (+10% service charge)
Where: Casa Lisboa, 2/F, Parekh House, 63 Wyndham Street, Central
Book: 2905 1168
Find more fabulous free flow brunch options in this post.
Note: This meal was by invitation of Casa Lisboa, but the opinions are the reviewer’s own.
Hira is a British freelance lifestyle, food & travel writer currently living her best life in Hong Kong and blogging about her experiences here
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