This new restaurant in Alfragide is pet-friendly and has a menu guided by the seasons
There's a new address to discover on the outskirts of Lisbon, and this time, you don't need to leave the dog at home. OA Terra Cota has just opened in Alfragide with over 200 seats, a terrace, cocktails, and a contemporary cuisine that promises to change throughout the year, depending on what each season brings to the table. The space is pet-friendly and also has on-site parking.
The restaurant opened next door to the Moxy Alfragide Lisboa hotel and is run by chef Nuno Bandeira de Lima, with the support of chef Miguel Rocha Vieira. The inspiration comes from the farm-to-table concept, with ingredients and seasonality at the heart of the menu. The idea, however, is not to follow a rigid formula: the dishes are adapted throughout the year, according to the products available at each time of year.
The first menu already gives some clues about what can be found. To start, there's marinated Azores lily with green tomato escabeche (€12) and veal roast beef with tuna mayonnaise, Lisbon lemon and samphire (€12). Vegetables don't just appear as a side dish: roasted new carrots arrive at the table with sheep's milk ricotta and warm spices (€13), and there's also grilled Savoy cabbage, celery "with salt" and eggplant with fermented pepper paste and Algarve almonds.
From the sea comes, for example, poached hake with fish stew broth, bell pepper and coriander (€13), as well as sea bass steamed with seaweed and grilled tuna. Those who prefer meat can find free-range chicken stewed with barley, spices, olives and lemon (€13), lamb chops and Mertolenga veal.
There's beetroot with coffee for dessert.
The seasonal logic extends to the end of the meal. The Terra Cotta Tart (€6) changes according to the season, while one of the most unexpected combinations combines beetroot in syrup, coffee and raspberry (€5). There is also chocolate mousse with fleur de sel and olive oil, roasted Muscatel grapes and free-range egg flan.
"For drinks, there are signature cocktails with and without alcohol, Portuguese wines, natural juices, smoothies, kombucha, organic teas, and coffee shop options."
The grounded concept was also carried over into the decor. Warm tones, textures, and materials inspired by clay help create the atmosphere of the space, which is divided between an indoor living room, a bar, and an outdoor patio with a terrace.
It is precisely in this dimension that A Terra Cota aims to operate, whether for lunch or dinner or for larger groups. It has over 200 seats, hosts events upon request, and for those who can't do without four-legged company when eating out, pets are welcome.
The restaurant is open every day from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM.