Aside from the almost familiar enviroment, that captivates you on the spot, the food is superb! If you are travelling to Lisbon, a visit to the "Frade do Mares" restaurant is mandatory.
To the staff I'd say: "Congatulations and keep up the good work!"
Cheers

Been there several times and alwyas the best result, fantastic ambient, nice people serving and the food is the "mus" for all of it. From fish dishes, always fresh, delicate recipies and amazing taste...For meat, also wonderful and a very pleasant wine card. Deserts? the final touch, delightfull and fantastic...I come back evry time i can.

Pedro

While shopping for furniture at Paris Sete in the Santos design district we stopped by chance at a wonderful small restaurant frade dos mares.
The waiter was extremely friendly and helpful in guiding us through the menu suggesting wine pairings for each course and splitting our choices so we each of us could try what the other had chosen.
We had grilled salmon in an orange and chive reduction cooked to perfection paired with a side of local vegetables diced and done as a ratatouilli, we then had the best octopus I have eaten in Portugal, done to mouth watering perfection in olive oil and caramelized garlic- lots of garlic! with tiny roast potatoes, the kind of dish you find on nearly every menu in Portugal but by the chefs magic it was raised to a new high.
Finally we were tempted by a belgian white chocolate and orange mousse to finish
Cost with wine 50 Euros for two
Will certainly be back.

Good food, with a modern twist on traditional flavours (you gotta love their version of "cod with corn bread") and great care with the quality of the ingredients. With good service provided by an excelent staff, good cellar (with new surprises now and then), Frade dos Mares is never pretensious but manages to be unique and has its own carisma. Small and cosy, its simplicity makes it great. And in this case greatness is served with fair prices. Through the years remains my favourite in Lisbon, almost a sort of "ohmygodIlovethisplacepleasedon´tfinditandruinit!". And you can enjoy it either on a date or a diner with friends. Just wish they would go "no smokers"...