Casa do Bacalhau
Casa do Bacalhau is one of the go-to restaurants in Lisbon for lovers of the “faithful friend”. Located in the stables of the former 18th-century Palace of the Duke of Lafões, on Rua do Grilo, with the Beato and Marvila neighborhoods adjacent, this restaurant combines historic charm with traditional Portuguese food, with cod as the star of its menu.
With an elegant and welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant offers an authentic gastronomic experience, where you can taste cod prepared in more than 30 different ways. The menu reveals a commitment to classics, such as Codfish “à Brás”, Codfish “à Zé do Pipo” and Roasted Cod with Baked Potatoes, as well as more sophisticated creations, such as Cod with King Crab or Cod with Smoked Ham in Chickpea Puree.
Despite being a cod restaurant, Casa do Bacalhau also offers meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan dishes, ensuring a surprisingly pleasant experience for all tastes.
The wine list, with over 100 references, is carefully selected to harmonize with traditional Portuguese flavors, and typical desserts, such as “Farófias” with Milk Cream and Rich Caramelised Cream complete the entire gastronomic experience.
With attentive service and an atmosphere that combines tradition and refinement, Casa do Bacalhau is a must-see for anyone looking to savor one of the icons of Portuguese cuisine in one of Lisbon’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan neighborhoods.
Chef João Bandeira
In the old stables of the Palace of the Duke of Lafões, Casa do Bacalhau serves Portuguese food and, as the name suggests, cod is king.
The History of Cod
The history of cod is ancient, with records dating back to the 9th century, when the Vikings were already processing it, drying it for preservation. In the 10th century, the Basques began to commercialize it in a similar way to today, adding the salting process.
The great revolution occurred in the 15th century, when Portugal adopted cod as an essential food, due to its long shelf life without the need for refrigeration. In the 16th century, disputes between Portugal, France and England over control of fishing gave rise to the so-called “Cod War”, leading to regulatory treaties.
In the 19th century, French chef Auguste Escoffier recognized the role of the Portuguese in spreading this fish into the diet. Since the Great Navigations, cod has become a tradition rooted in Portuguese cuisine. Today, Portugal is the world’s largest consumer of cod, affectionately nicknamed “faithful friend”, a symbol of national cuisine.