Deli restaurant review - Lisbon, Portugal

The Lisbon architecture studio, DC.AD, have transformed a 1960s pile in the city’s old Principe Real neighbourhood into a light-filled, pastel-hued café and deli.

Dark, but high-ceilinged, rooms that once sold needle work rugs from Arraiolos have been gutted and reconfigured for a decidedly playful Millennial mood of a white metal screen, polished cement floor, see-through shelving, low tripod wooden stools, and a leather-padded bench that runs down the length of the room.

Already, Deli is drawing an appreciative neighbourhood crowd that has found itself completely enamoured by its health-conscious menu of house baked goodies like the pastel de nata, fresh fruit, and takeaways. Especially popular are the roasted vegetable cous-cous, and baked cheese with coriander olive oil, though we’re particularly fond of the gluten-free tapioca crepes. These are cooked to order and filled with sweet dulce de leche, chocolate crumble, and roasted peanuts.