Listen to Fado at Mesa de Frades

What is it? Mesa de Frades, the azulejo-lined former chapel of the Quinta da Dona Rosa, a palace built by Dom João V for one of his lovers, is a fado’s house owned by guitarra player Pedro de Castro.

Why go? It has a reputation of being the fadistas’ canteen and you never know who might roll up in the wee hours and do an impromptu performance. The food is Portuguese, prettified – bacalhau com natas with parmesan and the like – but really not up to the quality of the fado.

Don’t miss: Booking is a must for dinner. If you drop in later (and can squeeze in) there’s no minimum spend.

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