Raffi’s Bagels

• Saldanha (Linha Amarela/Vermelha) or Arroios (Linha Verde)
• €
• R. Pascoal de Melo 140A, 1000-232

One of your authors has a particularly long-standing love affair with the humble bagel. It starts with Beigel Bake on London's famous Brick Lane - a national treasure best known for its 24/7 service and salt beef offering. But in one of our households growing up, Beigel Bake was more synonymous with its chopped herring filling. You don't have to believe me, but it is the superior option. We would get them on Christmas Eve morning.

But that's enough misty-eyed nostalgia for one blog. And of course, American readers are welcome to point out that NYC is king of the bagel - I have plenty of bagel love to go around. But sadly for me, bagels are not particularly prevalent in Lisbon. After all, the Portuguese already have all manner of delicious breads to choose from. Which did mean I was... hesitant about Raffis Bagels. It is very close to where we live - but what if it didn't meet my expectations?

But then two things happened. Firstly, we dipped our toes in the local bagel water with Do Beco's sesame bagels - and they were so delicious that we've bought them twice more since. (And if you haven't checked out Do Beco yet, they've just opened a new branch in Santos - check out our review and go go go).

Secondly, we read up on Raffis and discovered that the founders were also big lovers of bagels who couldn't find anywhere making them in Lisbon - so they went through their Viennese family recipes to create the perfect New York bagel! It was time to pay Raffis a visit.

The first surprise was that the Raffis in Estefânia (the original branch is in Campo de Ourique) has a delightful little garden! How foolish we've been not making use of this in the summer months! We settled in and ordered two speciality bagels: the Brooklyn (€8.90) and the Little Italy (€8.70). Both come with a choice of coleslaw, sweet potato chips, soup, or a mixed salad. With winter approaching, we both opted for the soup, which was a lovely classic vegetable soup served with bagel croutons. Sat in the peaceful garden with warm soup in our bellies, we were off to a lovely start.

Then the main events arrived and they were packed to bursting point with all manner of deliciousness. The Little Italy was fresh and delicious with it's pesto, cheeses and gorgeous tang of sundried tomatoes. The Brooklyn with its salt beef, pickles and mustard decadence balanced by the presence of plenty of fresh rocket. And the bagels? Raffis' New York style bagels are definitely the real deal. I'll be back very soon to try The Chelsea with smoked salmon.

Drinks: A water, an orange juice and a coffee.

Don’t forget to order: It's a close tie but probably The Brooklyn (€8.90) for the full NYC-in-LX experience.