Alfama

Alfama

Owner

A warm, hospitable corner of Lisbon in New York City, Alfama is a charming and authentic restaurant serving gourmet Portuguese fare with contemporary touches. Housed in a century-old restored building, the spare, white restaurant is a convivial space where friends gather for delicious, fresh seafood and an array of hearty dishes. The Mariscada Alfama, a stew of fresh lobster, shrimp, squid, clams, mussels, monkfish and potatoes in a tomato wine sauce, is a must!

Alfama's award-winning wine list (Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the past three consecutive years) contains over 100 table wines focusing on the best examples from each of Portugal's wine-producing regions. An extensive selection of Ports, Madeiras and brandies are also available by the glass.

Alfama's prix-fixe lunch and Sunday Brunch are considered by many, some of New York's best-kept secrets.

Kathleen Squires

Citysearch

The Scene
Distinct "azulejos" tiling and ornate Moorish lanterns adorn the blue-and-white restaurant, which is named after a seaside Lisbon neighborhood. The transporting atmosphere offers vacation memories for seasoned travelers, New World variety for locals, and romantic window seats for canoodling couples from near and far.

The Food
The Portuguese knack for exploration couldn't be more apparent on the expansive menu, which moves beyond classics like bacalhau to encompass a world of former colonies along with the motherland. Rounds of tender octopus drizzled with olive oil and cilantro and soft shreds of duck leg, sweetened by a rich port cinnamon reduction, highlight the authentic traditional tastes, while engaging "new wave" preparations range from juicy seared diver scallops with a Goa-inspired curry oil to Mozambique-influenced chicken breast, smothered in a thick, exotic sauce of chili, ginger, lemongrass, garlic and coconut milk. The skillfully chosen Portuguese cheese cart paired with quality port provides the perfect Iberian ending.