Café de São Bento: Lisbon’s Clubbiest Steakhouse
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Dining at the original Café de São Bento is a unique experience. The clubby yet quirky steak restaurant, conveniently located near the Assembleia da República, is one of the best steakhouses in Lisbon.
Unless you know the address for the original Café de São Bento, it’s easy to walk past the classic restaurant that’s practically across the street from the Assembleia da República, Portugal’s Parliament.
Those who enter the intimate restaurant discover a space decorated with wood-trimmed walls, plaid banquettes, red carpet and brass fixtures that resemble a hoity-toity private club open since 1924. More about the restaurant’s real age later…
If you’re looking for a typical Lisbon restaurant featuring an outdoor terrace with a beautiful view, the original Café de São Bento isn’t that restaurant. It’s special in other ways. The clubby Lisbon steakhouse, filled with good food and excellent old-school service, provides a quirky window into Portuguese culture.
Food at Café de São Bento
Steak is the main event at Café de São Bento. Upon request, the juicy bife is topped with a bright orange fried egg called ovo a cavalo. The steak is also smothered with a generous amount of signature tan cream sauce that’s reminiscent of au poivre without the poivre.
Rumor has it that Café de São Bento’s creamy sauce derives its tan complexion from the addition of a small amount of coffee. The sauce serves as an excellent dipping medium for the large bowl of crispy fries that accompany the melt-in-your-mouth steak.
We get that not everybody loves to eat steak smothered in sauce. If you fit into this category, you may want to order Café de São Bento’s prego, a sandwich with a tender, thick slice of medium-rare cooked beef inside two slices of toasted bread. However, be awarie that the classic Lisbon sandwich is only available during lunch.
The relatively affordable menu has options for vegetarians as well as pleasant surprises for both wine drinkers and dessert eaters. We’re particularly partial to the restaurant’s tarte Tatin, which is served with ice cream.
Fun Fact About Café de São Bento
The most interesting feature of Café de São Bento? Its age.
Though the restaurant appears to be 100 years old, it actually opened in 1982. Interestingly, it’s not the only Lisbon restaurant that serves Portuguese steak in this type of space. Yes, there are copycat steakhouses, like Café do Paço, in Lisbon, but none quite live up to the original.
The original Café de São Bento is located at Rua de São Bento 212, 1200-821 Lisboa, Portugal. The restaurant has additional locations at Lisbon’s Time Out Market and in Baixa.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
Making an online reservation is the easiest option and can be done via the restaurant’s website.
Café de São Bento’s signature steaks currently range from €27 to €35 depending on cut and size. Starters range from €12.50 to €18, while desserts cost €8 to €12. As always, prices are subject to change.
No. Tipping is optional in Portugal.
Café de São Bento doesn’t have a dress code. We recommend smart but comfortable attire.
Café de São Bento is a 10-minute walk (down a steep hill) from the Rato metro station. Other options include walking, buses (including buses that leave from the Rato metro station if you don’t feel like traversing the hill), taxis and car services.
🇵🇹 Lisbon Travel Checklist
Check out our guide to eating in Portugal as well as our picks for the best Portuguese foods and the best Portuguese desserts before your trip.
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