Churrasqueira Martins is a neighbourhood gem. Relaxed and informal with an outstanding menu of over 60 Portuguese classic dishes and extensive wine list including their own brand of house red and white wine, Martins sensational cuisine is only surpassed by their warm, friendly and attentive staff. Owned and operated by Carlos and Samantha Martins since 1992, Martins is famous for its fabulous fish which they import twice a week from Portugal, and makes quite possibly the best whole grilled fish and seafood in the city. Cooked to perfection and flavoured with love, the Grilled Octopus is exceptional.
Arriving for lunch on a warm Autumn afternoon, we enjoyed Requeijão de Seia, a loose, ricotta-like cheese from Portugal, as well as a heaping bowl of spiced olives, which were brought to the table as we sat down to whet our appetites. As we perused Martins outstanding menu of classic Portuguese dishes, we ordered a bottle of their house white wine to enjoy with lunch, and decided on an selection of appetizers to start, including our favourite Grilled Squid topped with a parsley infused olive oil broth, and Chouriço à Bombeiro, a grilled smokey Portuguese sausage that arrives on a small clay cooking vessel called an Assador de Barro, which quickly cooks the sausage by aguardente fueled flames below, and gives the chouriço its iconic blackened crispy texture. Martins entrées are equally delicious, such as their Grilled Whole Sea Bream served with broccoli, carrots, broccolini and arugula, Grilled Bacalhau à Lagareiro and famous Slow-Roasted Charcoal Barbecued Half Chicken served with chili-laced Piri-Piri sauce. Not to be missed are Martin's Pastéis de Nata, Portugal's famous custard tarts which are served hot from the oven, as they are freshly baked per order. Open seven days a week, there is absolutely no place outside of Lisbon to find better grilled fish and seafood than Churrasqueira Martins. We have become so addicted that, with our greatest restraint, we limit ourselves to just one visit per month.
Warm and welcoming, Martins puts a smile on our face as soon as we walk into the restaurant
Martins leather bound menu features sensational fish, seafood and classic Portuguese dishes
A mound of spiced olives
Requeijão de Seia, a loose, ricotta-like Portuguese cheese
A basket of assorted fresh Portuguese breads
Our sensational server with a bottle of Martins house white wine
With a light straw colour, Martins house white is smooth and delicious
Lula Grelhada - Grilled Squid topped with parsley infused olive oil
Chouriço à Bombeiro - Grilled Smoked Portuguese Sausage is served flaming in Aguardente
Once the flames subside, the sausage is sliced into bite size pieces and served to the table
Sliced into bite size pieces, the flame-grilled chouriço has a delicious blackened crispy texture
Dorada Grelhada - Grilled Whole Sea Bream served with broccoli, carrots, broccolini and arugula
Slow-Roasted Charcoal-BBQ Half Chicken served with chili-laced Piri-Piri sauce,
and mound of french fries
Bacalhau à Lagareiro - Grilled Salted Cod served with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables
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