Lisbon's gastronomic scene has a hidden gem, and it's located in the most unexpected place—inside a swimming pool. André Andrade and Victor Hugo Sintra, with backgrounds in renowned spaces like Taberna do Calhau and Isco, have taken over a cafeteria in a historic building in Benfica. Their mission? To offer anti-gentrification prices without compromising on quality.
The Raio cafeteria is not your average eatery. From the music playlist featuring MGMT, Arctic Monkeys, and The Clash to the homemade granola, everything here is crafted with care. The menu changes daily, offering dishes like moqueca de pescada, gnocchi de batata doce, and arroz de pato at prices that defy Lisbon's rising cost of living. A full meal with soup and a drink? Just €8.90.
The bread is sourced from Massa Mãe, a local artisanal bakery, making their sandwiches—ranging from BLT to pulled pork—a must-try. The duo's commitment to local sourcing is evident, with most ingredients coming from Benfica's market, just a ten-minute walk away.
Their philosophy is simple: good food at fair prices, served in a space that fosters community. "We wanted to bring our restaurant experience to a place that's completely unusual," says Victor. The result? A spot where locals and visitors alike can enjoy quality meals without the pretentiousness.
Open Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings, Raio is a testament to Lisbon's evolving culinary landscape, proving that great food doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag or a fancy address.
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