Mini Bar is part of the ever expanding restaurant empire of Portugal’s star Chef José Avillez. Other eateries that bear his signature are the 2-starred Michelin restaurant Belcanto and the more laid back Cantina do Avillez.

The restaurant is located in Chiado, inside the São Luiz Theatre. The theatre theme is brought to life inside the restaurant by its lightning and intimate setting. 

Mini Bar is a great place to have a dinner with friends in the weekend. It is lively and very vibrant and creates the perfect setting for a great night out.

The dinner experience is also intimate and a “theatrical experience”. The main attraction is the tasting menu which is served in 6 “acts”. Some dishes are Avillez vintage (such as the spherified olives) and come from some of his other restaurants. The menu changes regularly or at least parts of it, so you always have an excuse to come back. For € 39 this menu is an absolute bargain. A great way to sample Portugal’s hottest chef in a fabulous setting for a ridiculous price.

(Note: “ridiculous” compared to what you would pay in other European capitals for having a 6 course menu de degustation by a double Michelin starred chef.)

So please follow my advice and please have something from the Mini Bar.