Fifty Seconds

If you’ve never eaten lunch or dinner 120m above ground, you might want to enjoy the experience in this unique dining space in the famous Vasco da Gama tower that dominates Lisbon’s skyline, with its impressive views of the city, the Tagus, and even the magical Troia peninsula (access is via a panoramic lift that takes exactly 50 seconds to reach the top, hence the name of the restaurant). At the helm is Rui Silvestre, a chef with an extensive career working in renowned restaurants and famous for being the youngest chef in Portugal to hold a coveted Michelin star. His cooking is showcased on a single menu entitled “Fauna and Flora” (10, 12 or 14 courses) that is full of surprises thanks to its incomparable flavours and use of local ingredients, as well as spices and citrus notes that result in superb combinations. A good example is his octopus dish, featuring a delicate dash of massala, subtle shavings of beetroot, and a refreshing touch of lemon.