Alma is one of those restaurants in which the fine-dining experience is one of constant pleasure – the combined result of the high level of innovative Portuguese cuisine on offer and the incredible teamwork on display, which is fully focused on the art of quality service.
The decor here is contemporary but with lots of character, enhanced by its setting behind the elegant façade of an 18C building that was once the warehouse for the famous Bertrand bookshop, which opened in 1732 and is recognised as the world’s oldest. Henrique Sá Pessoa’s cuisine, which can be enjoyed on two menus (Alma, inspired by the chef’s signature dishes, and Costa a Costa, a tribute to Portuguese fish and seafood), includes dishes such as scarlet shrimp, pumpkin, harissa and black garlic; Portuguese-style baked mullet with grilled sea lettuce and sour pepper; and lamb, red cabbage “migas” and smoked aubergine. The chef himself is a frequent visitor to the dining room, assisting with service and interacting with guests.