Page 110 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 LISBON EDITION

Restaurant Pinoquio

It’s an old travel dining rule, but true. If there’s gawk at the tempting dishes being served.
a line outside a restaurant, it’s a good bet that it’s Don’t let the brusk vest-clad waiters fool you.
going to please. We passed Pinóquio, a well- Once you’re seated, these pros are quick with a
known established seafood eatery, several times smile, eager to make you happy and helpful when
where sizeable crowds waited for tables on the wading through the extensive menu. We think
large patio. Ron is line averse, but overcame his Pinóquio offers some of the best seafood and
impatience gene, and joined the queue. It was to- rice dishes in Lisbon. We started with fresh
tally worth it. While we waited, we watched old steamed clams - sweet, buttery and delicious.
school waiters, mostly middle-aged males, racing The other standout was the amazing seafood
around with plates and platters for seated locals rice served in a large pot. The seafood pasta pot
and visitors. The restaurant is large inside and was equally delicious. Come hungry—the por-
out, and the line move quickly. Once at our table, tions are large. The house white wine was excel-
it was fun to watch the energetic dining scene and lent, especially considering it cost less than $20

110 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023