SEM Restaurant

If we could rate this place higher than a 5, i would give it a 10. One of the best meals we have ever eaten in our entire life. We stumbled upon this place on our last night in Lisbon and it made for an amazing last night experience. We did not have a reservation but the staff was extremely accommodating and got us a table in the entry area by the window after about a 30 minute wait. The food was truly outstanding. They were extremely accommodating for my gluten free preference. I will dream of this meal.

For our honeymoon, we wanted a special dining experience without the formality of a Michelin-star restaurant. Our choice, SEM Restaurant, recommended by the Michelin Guide, didn't disappoint. The food was outstanding, with each dish exploring different flavours and incorporating local elements. The wine pairing was unique and equally excellent, particularly the sparkling orange wine, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The ambience was pleasant, enhanced by our window seat view of the famous No. 28 tram zooming by in the evening. However, the rest of the view included some rundown buildings and a construction site, which was less appealing but added a "hidden street" vibe. The main downside was the cramped seating. The tables were too close together, causing the waiting staff to frequently bump into tables and knock cutlery off tables due to the lack of space. Despite this, the atmosphere was nice and not overly busy. The service was outstanding, matching that of a Michelin-star restaurant but with a casual, quirky touch that made us feel welcome and allowed us to relax and enjoy our evening with some light-hearted jokes. One of our guests is gluten-free, and their adaptations were well received. Although some elements were not directly compared to the regular dishes, a slightly larger portion size for the alternative would have been appreciated. Overall, SEM is a hidden gem tucked away on one of the old streets. It showcases what a Michelin-recommended restaurant can achieve without being too pretentious or overly pricey. The local influences and casual, street-vibe setting gave the whole experience a touch of expert rusticness. We would definitely recommend it.