After years working in the tourism industry, I saw places closing down and small family-run restaurants and tascas disappear. When the greedy investors came, they found a city stopped in time – quite affordable compared to other capital cities. Many buildings were bought, renovated and the old tascas aka no-frills restaurants were kicked out from out of the old town due to the increasing rents. Fortunately, some remained untouched – and this one is a find.

I went there with my brother Pedro and the location was familiar. We used to live with our granny at Alvalade neighborhood. This was our playground, and will always be our hood. Once you step inside, you’ll spot a frightening and unfriendly boar head in a wall covered with traditional blue & white tiles – hence the name of the place. This tasca has a good selection of traditional food: liver, fried baby sardines, Portuguese stew or one of my favourite all-time childhood dishes: green pea stew with choriço & poached eggs. It was one of our grandma’s “signature dishes” and since I can’t replicate it at home, here it was served brilliantly – seasoned with piri-piri sauce. The house wine was awesome too! Leave some room for the delicious chocolate mousse – you won’t regret it. This is a special and genuine place with hearty food!

When people asked me for a good, cheap, authentic restaurant… I always tell them to try the suburbs. Now there’s no need to go so far… This is the one you’re looking for.