Taberna Os Papagaios

• Arroios (Linha Verde)
• €€
• R. Lucinda Simões 13, 1900-304

One of the challenges of half-arse describing the many places we eat, is trying to say something new about something experienced widely. In this case, we're talking about the good old fashioned Portuguese tascaria. In recent weeks we've found new gems, and we've got the old favourites, but at the end of the day, they're all offering quality seafood and meats served mostly with rice or french fries. Now, we're not too snotty to suggest this is in any way a bad thing. But it is started to stretch the elastic of our word-play and metaphor to snapping point (see).

Needless to say, we don't go around choosing places to eat based on whether or not a handy turn of phrase will come out of the experience. So with the sun now blazing across Lisbon this Spring, we set out for an early evening drink and tucked into Taberna Os Papagaios, just off the Arroios market to sate our hunger.

I can confirm that the octopus rice and the lime prawns delighted with the correct amount of ocean flavour. A generous bowl of french fries accompanied the prawn dish, which was incisively cut with its sharp citrus. All this at more than reasonable prices. But elevating this classic dining experiencing and giving real joy for us - a very age specific thing - was the playlist that accompanied our time at the table. As soon as we sat down it was banger after banger. Taking in Take That, Charles and Eddie, Britney Spears and so many more, it was a real party vibe for 7:30pm in the evening. An atmosphere which undoubtedly lifted the whole experience. We finished the Douro white with ease, taking on a celebratory extra glass each once the bottle was done.

With a sweet traditional Portuguese flan pudding to wrap up, we simply basked in the lazy relaxed Iberian vibes. Clearly what Taberna Os Papagaios offers appeals to other local residents as our fellow diners exhibited the full range of languages you hear across Lisbon on any given day.

And this is what sets Taberna Os Papagaios apart for us. We've not eaten in another tasca that pairs the traditional menu with this type of atmosphere (tascas often being either more or less formal, with infinitely less Britney). This is absolutely in the sweet spot of being a really great meal out without the efforts. They've got a huge menu of Portuguese delights and we'll be back to work our way through more of them.

Drinks: 1 bottle of white wine, 2 glasses of white wine and 2 coffees.

Don’t forget to order: The camarão limao were tangy, fishy delights.