Cantinho da Paz

Cantinho da Paz Review

This place is on an alley off the Tram 28 route from Chiado to Estrela, but take a taxi if you're worried about getting lost. It's a joyful mom-and-pop establishment that specializes in the cuisine of Goa—otherwise surprisingly hard to find in Lisbon. The spicy veal balchão and ginger-and-cardamom-flavored xacuti are particularly rich examples of Goa's unique mix of Portuguese and Indian influences, but there are also tasty seafood dishes. English-speaking staff will guide you through the menu; they may suggest you split a main dish if you're not ravenous. Vegetarians note: you may have been spoiled for choice in Indian restaurants back home, but there are slim pickings here. The Fernandes family also now runs the swankier restaurant in the Casa de Goa community center on Calçada do Livramento in Lapa (21/393-0171), which is open daily.