Nata Lisboa – the taste of Portugal in the middle of Berlin

Maybe some of you know by now I’m absolutely in love with Portugal. The sunny coast kissed by the ocean, the historical and fascinating Oporto and, last but not least, Lisbon, with its cosmopolitan and bohemian vibe, all this make Portugal a place like no other for me.

From north to south, Portugal is a country that can capture all of your senses: breathtaking views, laid back atmosphere, still a lot of not-so-touristy beaches, amazing sunsets and… delicious food.

Portuguese cuisine has nothing fancy or ultra sophisticated. There are many simple and healthy dishes, similar with the Mediterranean gastronomy, and also with influences from the Portugal’s former colonial possessions. Sea food, salted cod fish (bacalhau) – it is said there are more than 365 different dishes with cod fish, one for each day of the year, spices (cinnamon, piri piri, saffron, garlic, vanilla), and yes, the rich and smooth custard tarts, Pasteis de Nata.

All this I’ve been craving for such a long time and every time I got the chance, I searched for a place where I could taste again bits of my beloved Portuguese cuisine. And now, being in Berlin, the city that never stops to deliver new places to discover and fall in love with, finding a spot like this was quite easy.

Nata Lisboa is a nice and cozy Portuguese cafe/restaurant located on the West side of Berlin; it’s a franchise, part of an international chain of restaurants spread all around the globe – but what you can eat there has nothing to do with what you would expect from a chain restaurant. It’s like when you walk aimlessly around the streets of the city and suddenly you bump into one of those small and cozy restaurants, where you would have such a lovely experience that you’ll want to recommend to your friends too.

For a consistent brunch, Nata Lisboa is the place. We had an Iberic Plate for one person, but it was more than enough for 2 people, empadas with code fish, mushrooms, cheese and spinach and, in the end, the famous Pasteis de Nata, the traditional Portuguese custard tart. The food was very fresh and delicious (also the bread, with tasty olive oil on top) and the Pasteis almost the same to those I ate in Lisbon, at Pasteis de Belem. Soft and sweet, with luscious filling, sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar, those tarts are truly an experience for all your senses.

They also have a wide range of soups and salads (unfortunately, the day I was there I couldn’t find the Cod fish Salad / Bacalhau Salad) and, for dessert, not just Pasteis, but also many typical Portuguese sweets. And on a hot summer day, you can cool off on the terrace with a lemonade, a mandarin syrup or an ice coffee.

The staff is very friendly and they gave you good recommendations regarding the menu, which is, for me, a plus. Also a big thumbs up for the interior design of the place.

With that said, go there if you are looking for an authentic and beautiful eating experience. And yes, especially if you miss Portugal, like I do!

Nata Lisboa

Pariser Straße, 24
10707 Berlin | Germany
Tel. +49 30 35516514
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm  | Sunday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm