The Concept

Mesa de Frades

Much more than a restaurant, this is an iconic stop on the “Fado route”. In this former chapel full of 18th-century tiles, renowned Fado singers, as well as singers from the new generation of fadistas perform every night. Enjoy an informal atmosphere and a dinner menu full of tasty traditional Portuguese dishes.

Espaço

Uma capela única

Being one of the most well-kept treasures in the heart of Alfama, this former chapel of the D. Rosa Palace is beautifully decorated with 18th-century tile panels that bear the Royal Coat of Arms and were painted by King Joseph’s official artist. The story goes that King Joseph had this chapel rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake for secretly meeting his Spanish mistress, D. Rosa. Nowadays, the seductive and romantic atmosphere becomes more notable through Fado. Prova o brazão Real no seu interior. Hoje, há lugar para este ambiente sedutor e romântico que ganha maior expressão através do Fado.

The Place

A unique chapel

Being one of the most well-kept treasures in the heart of Alfama, this former chapel of the D. Rosa Palace is beautifully decorated with 18th-century tile panels that bear the Royal Coat of Arms and were painted by King Joseph’s official artist. The story goes that King Joseph had this chapel rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake for secretly meeting his Spanish mistress, D. Rosa. Nowadays, the seductive and romantic atmosphere becomes more notable through Fado.

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1775

The palace is destroyed by the earthquake of 1 November 1775.

18th century

King Joseph of Portugal orders the D. Rosa Palace to be rebuilt and offers the tile panels with the Royal Coat of Arms, painted by his official artist.

19th century

The Chapel is desacralised in the 19th century and converted into a charcoal works. In the late 19th century, it is transformed into a small tavern where famous Fado nights take place, remaining so until 1994. (Article of Diário de Lisboa newspaper dated 1923)

1934 to 1994

It was granted a license to sell wine and its derivatives, served in bottles and by the glass, becoming a tavern with amateur Fado nights until the mid-eighties.

1994 to 2005

It operates as a restaurant under the name Mesa de Frades, with occasional Fado evenings.

2005

The musician Pedro de Castro renovates the place, turning it into a restaurant and Fado house.

2017

After undergoing renovation works, Mesa de Frades reopens with a 24-hour Fado marathon.

Starters

Bread
Seasoned butter
Tuna pâté
‘Peixinhos da horta’
Olives with tibornada
Goat cheese puff pastry with honey and Olive crush
‘Conde da Guarda’ codfish
Portuguese vegetable pastry

(vegetarian)

choose one

Main course

Meat

- Sirloin steak with portuguese sauce or three pepper sauce accompanied with french fries and fried quail egg

- Black pork plumes with Asparagus migas and Tomato migas

Fish

- Mesa de Frades Codfish (grain puree, sweaty spinach, flaked cod, corn and almond bread, baked in the oven)

- Fresh Fish fillet with rosemary and lime accompanied with vegetables

Vegan

Vegetables 'à Brás'

Vegetarian

Mushroom and Cheese 'Carolino' (optional)

choose one

Dessert

‘Encharcada’ from Santa Clara’s Convent
Chocolate mousse with macaroon topping

(sugar free, suitable for diabetics)

Sintra Queijada Tart
Seasonal fruit

Drinks

Wines
Beer
Water
Soft drinks
Coffe
Price per person

65€

The Artists

Rão Ryao

Monday

João Braga

monday

Beatriz Felício

Tuesday

Rodrigo Rebelo de Andrade

Wednesday

Tânia Oleiro

Thursday

Teresinha Landeiro

Friday

Ana Sofia Varela

Saturday

Pedro de Castro

Portuguese Guitar

Jaime Santos

Fado guitar

André Ramos

Fado guitar

Carlos Manuel Proença

Fado guitar

Pedro Pinhal

Fado guitar

Francisco Gaspar

BASS GUITAR

Evenings at Mesa de Frades

Magnificent experience with impeccable service and excellent food (Portuguese cuisine at its best). Very cosy and pleasant environment. Excellent location!

- Ivo J. -

I am still delighted with the place, as well as its surroundings. Definitely an experience I’d like to repeat!

- Inês H -

Very cosy place, intimate atmosphere and top-quality Fado! Very good service, very nice and helpful waiter. I recommend it!

- Elena E. –

Wonderful environment. Excellent artists performing Fado. Good and creative food. Friendly atmosphere. Attentive and personalised service.

- Ivo J. -