Delicia de Arroios

• Arroios (Linha Verde)
• €€
• Rua de Arroios 137, 1150-053

The longer we spend in Portugal, the more we find ourselves being drawn to tascas and cafes that underpin the Portuguese way of life. With their extremely consistent menu choices and sense of familiarity, they make a mockery of the latest fad restaurant which does come and go across Lisbon. Settling into Delicia de Arroios for the first time, we were keen to see why it has taken a year for us to be able to just walk in off the street one day, given it is has always been full whenever we have previously tried.

A small and cosy joint, a casual glance at the menu confirmed that we would be choosing those ever-present tasca staples of polvo and picanha. With the full expectation of what was to come, I was absolutely delighted when the freshly grilled picanha was placed in front of me, with just the right hint of blood oozing from the cow. The Portuguese do tend to serve thin steaks which then are not all that juicy, but this steak absolutely delivered.

Alongside this excellent steak, was the excellently cooked octopus. Also prone to being served the wrong side of tough, this was somehow both delicate and robust of texture. With both dishes subscribing to the standard sides of rice, potato and one vegetable, it was certainly noteworthy that at this tasca, they do deliver to higher standard.

It certainly showed in the price, being maybe €10 or so more than your typical tasca, but that doesn't make it expensive, if you find yourself on Rua De Arroios, you won't regret stopping in for some food.

Don’t forget to order: Picanha at a proper price.