Ânfora | Wallpaper*

Inside look of the Ânfora restaurant. Rows of tables covered with white linen surrounded by beige chairs. White walls and lowered exposed brick ceilings.

(Image credit: TBC)

In a city that is as enthusiastic about cuisine as Lisbon is, the arrival of a new restaurant will always generate a buzz.

Set in Palácio do Governador - a swish hotel in Belém on the fringe of Lisbon’s city centre - Ânfora stands out for its elegant dining room designed by Nini Andrade Silva.

Vaulted ceilings - from the original 18th century building, which was the former home of the governor of the Tower of Belém - and soft considered lighting creates a cosy atmosphere that is freshened up by bold blue hues and a contemporary motif inspired by the traditional painted Portuguese tiles - or azulejos - that can be found on oversized cushions, wall hangings and crockery.

In the kitchen, chef André Lança Cordeiro - fresh from his post at Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland - has conceived a modern menu that highlights the flavours of Portugal, using fresh, seasonal ingredients. This translates into perfectly executed sole stuffed with spinach and mushrooms, or ribbons of squid served as carbonara with a deliciously soft slow-cooked egg yolk.

Of course, the best thing about dining in a hotel restaurant, is - after a sleepy postprandial cocktail - the idea of meandering upstairs to one of the property’s 60 guest rooms.

Inside look of the &Acirc;nfora restaurant. White walls and deep blue walls, with lowered exposed brick ceilings. Smaller tables against the back wall, covered in white linen and deep blue velvet chairs.

Inside look of the &Acirc;nfora restaurant. White walls and deep blue walls, with lowered exposed brick ceilings. Smaller tables against the wall, to the left and right, covered in white linen and deep blue velvet, and beige chairs.

Inside look of the &Acirc;nfora restaurant. White and deep blue walls, with lowered exposed brick ceilings. Smaller tables against the wall, to the left and right, covered in white linen and deep blue velvet, and beige chairs.

Inside look of the &Acirc;nfora restaurant. White and deep blue walls, with ornamental painting in the same color scheme. The tables are covered with white linen, and the sitting area is in deep blue velvet.

ADDRESS

Rua Bartolomeu Dias 117

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Lauren Ho is the Travel Director of Wallpaper*, roaming the globe, writing extensively about luxury travel, architecture and design for both the magazine and the website. Lauren serves as the European Academy Chair for the World's 50 Best Hotels.