Palácio dos Duques de Lafões ou do Grilo image

Palácio dos Duques de Lafões ou do Grilo

Restaurant Bar Art museum

🫤 Tldr: if it wasn’t for the service received, there would be 5 stars here. Long version We arrived at this magical place. It is full of decorations, ambiance and art performance. People yell, dance, and interact with the guests. We were received with a glass of sparkling wine (not on the house we wi... People often mention experience, service, unique, amazing, palace, staff, performances, menu, ambiance, performance,


Address

Calçada do Duque de Lafões 1, 1950-207 Lisboa, Portugal

Website

www.palaciogrilo.com

Contact

+351 910 440 942

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (665 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 11 AM to 1 AM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 1 AM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 1 AM
  • Sunday: 4:30 PM to 1 AM
  • Monday: 11 AM to 12 AM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 12 AM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 12 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: experience (25) service (13) unique (12) amazing (10) palace (10) staff (10) performances (10) menu (9) ambiance (8) performance (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 2/5 Rony 10 months ago on Google
    Tldr: if it wasn’t for the service received, there would be 5 stars here. Long version We arrived at this magical place. It is full of decorations, ambiance and art performance. People yell, dance, and interact with the guests. We were received with a glass of sparkling wine (not on the house we will know later). The menu is not large. Good amount of food and At some point our waiter disappeared. We kept eating and we asked if we could have the dessert menu. They said the kitchen was already closed. (WHAT? nobody told us). We then passed on dessert and asked for the check. Which includes an extra significant % of money as tip. Tip is not a thing in Portugal and this charge was hidden as an extra item. This level of service is not something you experience from a place like this.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julia W. 5 months ago on Google • 334 reviews
    This is a beautiful gem in the city. It’s an old, eclectic mansion converted into a restaurant. Food was delicious and amazing. The vibes were incredible. We loved our waiter!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Joana S. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful palace, the ambiance is decadent but chic and with taste. Surroundings are beautiful and the staff is very nice. An interesting spot for dinner or a drink in the afternoon.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 André N. 1 year ago on Google
    There's no other place like this in Lisbon. Very unique, very special. Wow. What a beautiful venue. Such an incredible experience. A place for the entire family! From kids to my elderly parents, we all had a great time. Great concept, delicious food, unbelieble space.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rowena R. 9 months ago on Google • 215 reviews
    If you want a wonderful unique experience this is the place!! Me and friends absolutely loved it. We loved the fact that it is being slowly and artistically restored and still has the unspoiled rawness of the old grandeur in slight disrepair. Anyone with imagination and insight can enjoy what is being offered in this quirky place. THANK YOU for bringing this place back to life and not being like everywhere else. We will be coming back for sure. Also the food, service and entertainment was fantastic.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Akin U. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely wonderful palazzo and unique and experience. A great place to go in Lisbon. The atmosphere and visual show were absolutely amazing and they gave us a unique night. Just for such a nice place the food is very poor and the service very slow. I hope they take a step for the better in this regard. Then I am sure they will be the best in Lisbon.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Francisco M. 9 months ago on Google
    We were looking forward to eat here, only to arrive and be told that they are no longer serving proper lunch, but only a few appetizers. Apparently something recent. Not really acceptable, especially when you came all the way just for this (the place, while very charming, is quite far from the city center or anything else for that matter) after having booked a table for lunch on their own website, and this isn’t mentioned anywhere (quite the opposite i.e. you have a link to the lunch and diner menu). Only positive point: the staff that informed us that they were no longer serving lunch was as polite and professional as she was kind. Well done, especially considering that at 13:00, after coming to this part of town for lunch and after walking 15m on the sun, this wasn’t the news we wanted to hear.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Elizabeth H. 1 year ago on Google
    Went there 3 nights ago, the space and concept were quite interesting (2 star for that) but the service was hands down the worst I’ve had. First, they gave us the wrong table (we were a group of 11 people). Second, our server, Brazilian girl, was inexperienced and extremely rude…at some point, we asked to be served more wine…she said “excuse me!” (Like I was bothering her) Then picked up the bucket off the floor and smacked it in the middle of the table and said “here!” And walked away. Food, I had the fish of the day, the vegetables were raw, half my carrot flew away (when trying to cut it). This place gets two stars because of the innovative concept ,atmosphere and performers, if it wasn’t for that it wouldn’t get any stars at all. It was definitely an experience I’ll try to forget, never going back!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Mundo V. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was really good and reasonably priced. We we lucky that the Brazilian petite lady in our area was very attentive, approachable and helpful to our order during the night so we did not experience what other previous customers did. The place has a unique concept including the performance. Definitely an off area and not super easy to find. Enter that gate where you see the name of the place and walk through despite the feeling of ‘are you sure it’s here?’ But that’s part of the fun in this place- something you won’t expect from a traditional restaurant. It’s funny because all guests tend to walk around and explore the place as opposed to the normal practice of just sitting down. It’s also a pet-friendly place! The dog enjoyed plenty of spaces to roam around. Still a big portion of the land undeveloped. Has greater potential soon! I didn’t give 5 stars because the music did not match the ambiance and environment of the place. It is disappointing that they did not put careful attention to this. As it got late in the evening the music became faster. A better sound system can also be used instead of the big speaker in one area. Second time visit - the male staff immediately said we can not be in the area with high ceilings. We were an early bird so the entire place was just filled 3/10. Same during our first visit that we were early (for a purpose!) but the staff asked us where do we want to sit and was accommodating. Then later on we saw the hostess asking other arriving guests where they prefer to sit. We tried to ask again the male staff and he insisted it is not possible. We wonder what kind of service is this??? The food is ok 3/5. Nothing spectacular but you will not be disappointed. The beef bourguignon was very tender and has a flavor. I would like to add that the salad was quite bland. Music was good this time although switches from classic to modern. No consistency to project the ambiance that this place has to offer
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Aaron W. 1 year ago on Google
    A great experience with the Palace setting and simple but very tasty menu. The quirky show that takes a place around the tables during dinner certainly kept us entertained and enjoying the evening. Only let down was that the service was at times too attentive and then at others slow and a little confused. We will go back
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paula M. 5 months ago on Google • 95 reviews
    The food is absolutly amazing. You can chose anything in the menu, that you'll be absolutly delited. The staff is nice and dedicated to make your experience memorable. The atmosphere is astonishing. The old walls of the palace contrast with fine arts pieces. Lighting is very well planned to make your experience absolutly overwhelming. Walk along every room to check each uniqueness.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joanna H. 7 months ago on Google • 131 reviews
    We loved our dinner at the palace. The food was so good! The waitersare really nice and helpful. I loved the performances too. I think the design and decor is made so you don’t want to leave :) We had a table in the corner and it was so nice and cosy that we dreaded leaving. Highly recommend it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Hadrien G. 5 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    Very disappointing experience. Best thing was the building, which is outstanding. We were three and came for dinner. The disappointmentS started with the lighting. We could barely see anything in there, due to the lack of lamps. Then, our table was way too small for three (our knees were constantly bumping into each other) and the chairs were uncomfortable. The music and ambient noises were also so high we could not hear each other at the table. There was an artistic performance, for which you pay 5€ each. It is even written on the menu. But it was just wrong. Artists tearing clothes apart, then crawling on the floor and blowing on the pieces of clothes... Then, the artists moved to another room, put on head lamps in stroboscopic mode (nice touch in a dim room) and started shouting like birds. I did not understand any of it. But the biggest disappointment was really the food, despite the fact that it was well presented. I took the italian meatballs and they were very dry. Even hard. The potato mash was bland and cold. The duck confit also arrived cold. And the cheesecake was not much of a cheesecake in my opinion. Maybe it was intended to be a deconstructed version, with the biscuit on one side and the cheese on another, but it did not work in my opinion. The staff was ok, not super friendly but nice. We came for the birthday of a family member and left this place utterly disappointed. For sure, we will not be back and will not recommend it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ricardo M. 9 months ago on Google
    We didn't try the restaurant. Just went in to check the palace out of curiosity, as we had heard it was open to the public. Kinda disappointing. Seems like they had ambitious plans for the space but no money to execute them. The building itself is in dire need of maintenance, showing signs of significant deterioration. While they may be trying to market this as a deliberate artistic choice, I personally don't believe it works, especially when considering the contrasting image they portray on their website.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Digital S. 4 months ago on Google • 39 reviews
    Palácio do Grilo is a special place with a long history. It used to be the house of a fancy person, the Marquis of Grilo. During our visit, we first enjoy the playlist which was a carefully curated selection that reflected a blend of classical and contemporary tunes, contributing to the overall sensory experience. The thoughtful arrangement of songs added a creative touch, enhancing the ambiance (also available on Spotify).Especially if you come during the sunset time, with all shadows, beautiful light - this experience will be extremely pleasant. Notably, Julien Labrousse's (the owner) involvement in crafting the furniture showcases a hands-on approach to design and aesthetics. The pieces are not just functional; they tell a story of personalized dedication, adding a unique and authentic character to the restaurant's interior. The artistic presentations were diverse, ranging from soulful live music to enthralling dance routines. These performances not only complement the historical ambiance but also contribute to an immersive and engaging dining experience. The choice of acts reflects a commitment to providing guests with more than just a meal; it's an opportunity to enjoy a cultural spectacle. The fusion of history, live performances, and personalized craftsmanship creates an ambiance that sets Palácio do Grilo apart.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Khrystyna L. 8 months ago on Google • 29 reviews
    Probably one of the most special dinners I’ve ever had. Celebrated my birthday in the palace and it over exceeded my expectations. The performance was amazing, felt like we were dining in a club in Berlin. I wish I took better pictures of food lol. It was truly delicious. Menu is brief, but it has vegetarian and pescatarian options. A good selection of wines, we ordered a bottle of Portuguese orange wine. Great service and friendly staff.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan B. 3 months ago on Google • 85 reviews New
    A unique experience to be sure! Food was great (not quite fine dining but very balanced and reasonably priced) and of course the ambiance and performances are what brings you there

  • 5/5 Wim T. 10 months ago on Google
    Unique dining experience in Lisbon! A wonderful place with creative interior and acting in between tables. Great quality of drinks and food accompanied by friendly service! The fee for the welcoming glass of sparkling wine and the acting is mentioned on the menu and you can chose your own table! It’s kind of an adventure to find the place, but makes it possible to explore the place, which is defiantly worth it. Great ambience with matching music and creative interior. The acting is present, but not disturbing and they interacted spontaneously with kids that where playing around in a super friendly and cute way. Definitely recommend this play for a 360 degree dinner experience!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laura E. 1 year ago on Google
    Such an amazing experience full of fun. Food is great. The vibe is unique. The place is full of history. Artist are residents and manage service and performances so don't except a 4 stars service and just enjoy this amazing concept 👏
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Donna M. 1 year ago on Google
    A truly unique and fun experience that includes interactive improv acting while dining. Held in an ancient mansion that has been eclectically decorated with thought provoking and amusing art, the venue is as noteworthy as the delicious meal and the unusual and delightful improv performances by the imaginative and highly talented cast. There's a surprise around every corner. Treat yourself and enjoy this immersive and delightfully surreal experience!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Francesco 1 year ago on Google
    10? 15? bottles of wine later (i can't remember 😂), I will say we had a very memorable experience. I usually post a lot of food pictures but I didn't even get around to taking them, you'll be busy eating, drinking and filming all the acts. Staff is very friendly and accomodating. The live performances of the resident actors and artists are fantastically bizarre! Portions are small for my kind of stomach, but that just means you get to try more of their delicious food - we pretty much tried the whole menu, and I highly recommend the meats. Wander and get lost in their many rooms and take a bottle of wine with you.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ho M. 5 months ago on Google • 55 reviews
    This is for me a hidden gem. A restaurant in an old palace. The setting is amazing, the life performance is an interesting addition to the evening that was completely unexpected. Good food quality and the staff were really friendly and engaging. This is a must visit if you get the chance.

  • 4/5 Patricia M. 4 months ago on Google • 26 reviews
    The food was excellent! I only gave 3 stars for the service only because our server could have done better. She was not attentive enough. We had to wait long for our water, she did not give us our boxed left overs. (I guess that was our fault as well as we forgot) but…. I had to be reminded that it was the Palace of Dreams when it came to the performance. The centuries old palace is amazing. Very well kept and beautiful. It’s hard to believe that it has withstood all that time.

  • 4/5 Stella W. 1 month ago on Google • 18 reviews New
    Beautiful setting but no performances and very small portions You really do feel like royalty eating here, the palace is beautiful both inside and out. Even walking through is an experience. Other positives: the staff are very friendly and attentive, and the food was delicious...however... The portions are far too small for what you pay, sadly I went away hungry. I paid €17 for two pieces of cauliflower which just isn't enough. I was thoroughly disappointed in the lack of performances too. I was there for 2 hours and saw nothing apart from the actors setting up a scene. Definitely come later to avoid disappointment... Also, wrap up warm because it is FREEZING!

  • 2/5 frade T. 1 month ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    This place offers a unique experience, perfect for impressing someone or enjoying an extraordinary night out. I was fortunate to have a very attentive and professional waitress during my recent visit. However, despite having dined here 3 or 4 times, the consistent disappointment lies in the food quality. With 15 years of experience in hospitality, it's evident that the restaurant lacks a skilled chef with fundamental knowledge and expertise. On this occasion, all three dishes of "plumas de porco preto" (pork) were served raw, which was unacceptable. Even more concerning was the chef's explanation that this was intentional, HACCP formation needed. This experience leaves much to be desired, especially considering the otherwise attentive service.

  • 5/5 Alexandria P. 1 year ago on Google
    WOW! What an experience! We met the head chef Nick who is an incredible human being. He told us about the history of the palace (amazing!) and the inspiration behind the design, art and menu. The food was amazing. The decor is totally unique and stunning. The show and performers are brilliant! What a night!

  • 5/5 Ksusha G. 5 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Place is really atmosphere, it is literally a palace, coming there you feel like a part of the Victorian era. food and drinks on par. but more interesting is the performance. in the 3.5 hours that we were there, we saw 3 performances, as I understand it, each performance is unique. the ones we got to see were visually interesting and something I wasn't ready for. I wholeheartedly recommend this establishment!


Call +351 910 440 942 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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