Mini Bar by Jose Avillez

Mini Bar by José Avillez was a delicious concept, executed flawlessly in Lisbon, Portugal

One of the best things about having friends that also explore the world is receiving their recommendations. During their trip to Portugal, Ted told me that he and his wife absolutely loved their dinner at Mini Bar. So, when I planned our own trip to Portugal, getting a reservation at Mini Bar was right on top of my list.

I made the reservations for later in the evening, around 8pm. Honestly, I could have made them at 9pm and it would have been completely normal. I forget how, outside of Los Angeles, the evening really comes to life the later you dine.

As the Uber dropped us off at the front of Bairro do Avillez, I was taken aback by how gorgeous everything was.

I could easily have made reservations at each of the restaurants in the restaurant group, all day, and have been delighted. Each concept had it’s own vibe that was visually put together excellently.

Mini Bar was located in the very back of the restaurant complex – as a delightful speak easy. It’s labeled as a creative restaurant and bar to showcase creative cuisine. And that, it surely does.

Opening the bookcase to find the space, I was actually impressed. It felt sensual, new and like a delicious secret, waiting to be told.

Within seconds, we were led to our table and began browsing the menu. I knew there was a “Chefs Recommendation to Share” – but, I opted to pick and choose my own acts and, as the suggestion said – have fun.

I ordered a PISCO SOUR (Pisco Puro Quebranta, Lemon and Angustura Bitter) as the courses began.

1st Act: Snacks

GREEN APPLE MARGARITA. This was one of the most inventive courses. The slices of apple were soaked in tequila and spices and tasted exactly like a margarita.

2nd Act: Cones

TUNA TARTARE TEMAKI CONE WITH SPICY SOYA came and was, of course, delicious.

3rd Act: Tostadas

COASTAL PRAWN AND AGUACHILLE TOSTADA

4th Act: Crudos

A glass of Quinta Vale de Fornos’s  “Vale de Fornos Reserva” a syrah from Tejo region of Portugal arrived as I greatly enjoyed the MINI BAR -NEW STYLE SASHIMI.

5th Act: Tempuras

AVOCADO TEMPURA with dehydrated kimchi, coriander sprouts, lime and lemon

6th Act: Small Portions

CHARCOAL GRILLED TUNA BELLY, MISO AND CHIVES with FRIES WITH TRUFFLE AND PARMESAN was the perfect, small bite combo. I was happy I ordered this instead of the hamburger. Which was a basically a small slider.

Dessert

We finished with the CHOCOLATE CONE IN 3 TEXTURES (with fleur de sel and pink peppercorns).

As we left Mini Bar and continued back out to the main corridor, I marveled at actually being in Portugal.

Dinner at Mini Bar by José Avillez was unique, fun and – most importantly – delicious


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Mini Bar by Jose Avillez

R. Nova da Trindade 18
1200-235 Lisboa, Portugal
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