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Brilhante
Review
About
Features
CUISINES
European, Contemporary, Portuguese
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner
PRICE
$$$$
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Menu
Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?
Reserve a table
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 12:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Monday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM7:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Friday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM7:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Contribute
4.1
58 reviews
Excellent
35
Very good
7
Average
9
Poor
3
Terrible
4
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and noninfringement.
Inês Portugal
Lisbon51 contributions
Feb 2025 • couples
We visited Brilhante on Valentine's Day, and we didn't regret the choice.
The service is extremely friendly and attentive by the whole team, and the surrounding space is very captivating. The kitchen is in the center of the room and does not disturb, instead it connects perfectly with the environment.
To begin with, we ordered the couvert, which is made up of slices of baguette bread and smoked butter, which impressed us quite a bit with its taste. Then came the bull croquettes, whose filling is very good. We were presented with a cross of mustard variety so we could choose one that would accompany the croquet. We left the simplest out, and although we recognize the quality of the mustard we chose, we did not appreciate their tastes, as they are really very strong.
We wanted to get to know the brilliant steak on our first visit, so it was the option of both for main dish. This is a very customizable dish, since there are some extras that can be included, as well as a good selection of accompanyings. In the case of my boyfriend, it was badly passed with starred egg and sprinkled with Parmigian Reggiano cheese and for me average with fries. The point of the meat was perfect and the sauce was very tasty, without a minimum of oily or aqueous, with impeccable texture. My boyfriend really appreciated the splash and the combination made.
For dessert, we shared the Crème Brûlée, and having already tried some that I considered very good, this one was divine. Even if you have not known the other desserts in the letter, I recommend this option.
To accompany all these dishes, a wine would have raised our experience, but we considered the value a bit high. My boyfriend drank gin and I stayed by the water, and the gin was well appreciated.
Before the count, we were left at the table to taste some cookies, one of maracujá and another of chocolate, which were very good. Because it was Valentine's Day, we were given a box of chocolate truffles with vodka, which were amazing. If we had been given an exceptional attention during the whole dinner, this mimic only reinforced our satisfaction with the meal.
Overall, we highly recommend the experience, admitting that the value is high for a wine-free dinner but that the quality, environment and service correspond to the value presented, and we will definitely return for another special occasion.
Automatically translated
Written February 15, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miguel B
South Orange353 contributions
Nov 2024 • solo
The layout of the restaurant immediately informs one this will be fascinating experience. The center of the room is a long, oval bar with the kitchen entirely within it. For those who do not want this closeup view, it is flanked by banquets in steakhouse red. The main attraction is a small filet mignon with a cognac peppercorn sauce that is a secret recipe. It is fine, but a bit short of extraordinary. You can get it topped with a fried egg, but for my money it did not add much to the dish. The oysters are marvelous and served with a nice migonette and an eye dropper to squeeze some whiskey on the oysters. A steak tartare was also great. I loved the place, the servers, but the food didn’t blow me away. Would I go back? Yup. I enjoyed every minute of it. The ambience has a way of making you feel you picked a wonderful place to have a meal.
Written December 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fkomuc
Hannover43 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
After the welcome was a little bumpy - we were already in the restaurant before 7pm and were told that it didn't open until 7pm and the barman wasn't available for a drink - we had a wonderful evening at Brilhante. The menu seems so straightforward, but it turns out to be very special. We enjoyed the smoked butter as part of the couvert, as well as the oysters from the Sado Delta. The steak is very special because the sauce is so special... subtle and slightly sour, but then also creamy and sweet notes - we couldn't identify it. The tariff was also fun. The wines were tasty, but we thought they were overpriced for Portugal and the 0.15l glass. The atmosphere - it got really full very quickly - was just as pleasant as the service from Pedro. There was still a rush at 9.30pm... definitely choose the steak and have fun.
Written April 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MKT Digital
Dear fkomuc,
Thank you for sharing your experience at Brilhante. We sincerely apologize for the initial inconvenience upon your arrival, and we appreciate your understanding.
It brings us great joy to hear that despite the rocky start, you had a wonderful evening with us. We take pride in offering a menu that may seem straightforward but surprises with its special touches and flavors. Your compliments on the couvert, oysters, and steak are truly appreciated, and we are delighted that you enjoyed them.
We will certainly take note of your feedback regarding the wine selection and pricing.
Your kind words about the atmosphere and the service provided by Pedro will be shared with our team. Thank you for recommending our steak, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another delightful experience.
Best regards.
Written April 8, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
UAEexpat
Dubai24 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
We had a very overpriced and rushed meal here. We had barely sat down before the waiter tried to take an order for food. We managed to order some pre-dinner drinks but then were then hassled to order ASAP. We were then rushed through our meal and kicked off our table after two hours (warning: this is is in the very small print of your reservation).
And the special beef meal they bang on about is nothing more than steak swimming in peppercorn sauce.
We ate at a number of other restaurants this trip. This was the only one we wouldn't go back to.
Written October 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathleen W
2 contributions
Nov 2024 • business
I am incredibly disappointed with the practices of this restaurant. I was in town for Web Summit and booked a reservation here for a seating not more than 30 minutes out from the scheduled time. We all traveled here from out of town so were unsure of how busy restaurants would be. The first of our party showed up at the restaurant about 10 minutes early but our party had increased by 1 person and they were unable to accommodate us at the table. We did not want to sit all 5 of us at the bar. We ended up cancelling the reservation but they still charged me the original deposit saying that I was "No show" even though I canceled the reservation in person. I remember walking in specifically to cancel the reservation and spoke with the hostess. To note, the restaurant was pretty empty when we walked in and I doubt they had a full house with a line of people. We ended up across the street at the Peruvian restaurant. They chose to charge me full $100 euro deposit even though I canceled the reservation b/c they were never going to seat that table anyway on an empty Tuesday night.
Written December 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M C
Lisbon26 contributions
Apr 2024 • friends
The decor is pleasant but very heavy and too classic. It's in line with the concept, but it becomes oppressive (the environment is dark).
The kitchen in the center of the room is an interesting element, but as the space is small we end up with a smell of food on our clothes.
The music is too loud for the type of restaurant - it's difficult to have a conversation.
We liked everything about what we ate, especially the tartare, but the prices are too high for what they offer (an egg €2.5?).
The wine list is absurd - extremely high prices (almost all above €40) for little more than ordinary wines, which in supermarkets have relatively low prices. In a country where we find good wines at very affordable prices, this is not justified.
They have already adhered to the suggested tip, which is another bad habit, and increases the bill to an absurd level.
The staff is friendly and efficient.
For the price we paid (76€/person, without tip) we found much better in Lisbon.
I do not recommend.
Written April 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MKT Digital
Estimada Mafalda C,
Agradecemos sinceramente por compartilhar a sua experiência conosco. Lamentamos profundamente que a sua visita não tenha atingido as suas expectativas.
O seu feedback ajuda-nos a identificar áreas para aprimoramento e garantir que possamos oferecer um serviço de alta qualidade e experiências gastronômicas memoráveis a todos os nossos clientes.
Esperamos ter a oportunidade de recebê-la novamente no futuro e oferecer-lhe uma experiência que corresponda plenamente às suas expectativas.
Com os melhores cumprimentos,
Written April 23, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rafael A
Sao Paulo57 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
The restaurant is very easy access, both for pedestrians and people who come by car.
The decor is well in the style of leather and with wine/brown color. It has a bit of 19th-century Lisbon style, but demonstrates its younger and more modern personality with a kitchen in the middle of its central bar where people can also eat.
It's all very good taste and the food is great, but even being in just two the fixed chairs with table in the center are a little too tight making my wife and I continuously slipped our feet under the table. This is just your only point of attention.
Automatically translated
Written September 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Customer Care
Estimado rafael_cdaantunes,
Muito obrigado por compartilhar a sua opinião conosco! Ficamos extremamente felizes por saber que apreciou a qualidade do nosso restaurante, desde a localização até a decoração.
Agradecemos também por destacar a excelência da nossa comida, um elemento ao qual dedicamos grande cuidado. Quanto ao ponto mencionado sobre o espaço das poltronas, lamentamos o inconveniente e faremos possíveis ajustes para garantir ainda mais conforto aos nossos clientes.
Esperamos poder recebê-los novamente em breve!
Com os melhores cumprimentos,
Written September 3, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adventure61435380159
1 contribution
May 2024 • family
Excellent food even for a fine dining standard, however the service was rather unpleasant and make the whole experience uncomfortable for me and my family, one of the waitress was being rude after we requested for some water rather than the alcohol/wine they offered as me and my families can’t handle the alcohol too well. After we requested for some water you can clearly tell the waitress expression and attitude
change and start being less friendly. Further more, when the waitress was changing the plate and cutlery she just holding the cutlery mid air silently, expecting us to help her without even asking us for help. All these terrible service had left a sour taste in our mouths. Overall the food was great but poor service has make this a bad experience.
Written May 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Celso Teixeira
Dear Adventure61435380159,
We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to provide us with your feedback regarding your recent dining experience at our restaurant. We are pleased to hear that you found our food excellent, even by fine dining standards. However, we are deeply concerned to learn that the service you received did not meet your expectations and made your experience uncomfortable.
Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we will be addressing these issues with our team immediately to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. Our goal is to provide every guest with an exceptional dining experience, and we clearly fell short in this instance.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention. We hope you will give us another opportunity to serve you and your family in the future, so we can provide the high-quality service that should always accompany our cuisine.
Best Regards,
Written May 15, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Musicology80
12 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
Was welcomed very warmly when we just walked in and asked for a table.
The restaurant and decor was beautiful, and very cool having main kitchen in the middle, watching a very well oiled machine.
The service from our server was excellent, the manager also made a point of making sure everything was good and delivered our food too.
Salmon starter was beautiful.
Steak, perfect.
Desert, wonderful.
Good wine and excellent cocktail maker behind the bar.
Best meal we had in Lisbon without doubt.
Would visit again and highly recommend.
Written October 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MKT Digital
Dear Ben H, we really appreciate your visit and your feedback. We are very grateful for your appreciation of our restaurant and our gastronomic proposal. We work to provide everyone who visits us with a complete and attractive gastronomic experience, so it is very gratifying to see this dedication recognized. We hope that you will visit us again for an equal or more satisfying experience. Best regards,
Written October 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luis
5 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
We were served at 22h . We sat at the table and restaurante was prob at 80% capacity. We were offered champagne for appetizer but then we had to call for the menu as nothing was happening . Strange for this level of restaurant. For starters we had ovo brilhante and salmon gravlax. Egg (14Eur) was okish but salmon (12eur) was really nothing special . The marinade was not fully done (?) . Then we had steaks (rare) with foie gras and while my wife’s seemed ok mine was kind of boiled making it hard and chewy . Sad for such premium cut. Of course sides are charged separately . Didn’t finish the sides tartifflete and the spinach were meew! Wines are priced at 3-5x from supermarket prices which is nonsense.
All in all a disappointing experience for 200 EUR for 2 . Oh ! And they charge tips on the bills automatically . Tourist trap/ instagram place / whatever it is there are better places in town
Written January 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MKT Digital
Dear lsampaio75,
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We sincerely apologize for the disappointing experience you had at our restaurant. Your comments are important to us, as they allow us to address areas that may need improvement.
We regret to hear that the service did not meet your expectations, especially considering the delay in receiving the menu. Your feedback regarding the starters and the quality of the steaks is taken seriously, and we assure you that we will review these aspects with our culinary team to ensure a higher standard in the future.
We appreciate your comments on the pricing, and we understand the importance of offering value for money. Your concerns regarding the automatic tip charge will also be addressed internally, as we strive to provide transparent and fair billing practices.
We genuinely regret that we did not meet your expectations during your visit. Please know that your feedback is valuable to us, and we will use it to make necessary improvements. We hope that you decide to give us another chance in the future, we would be grateful for the opportunity to provide you with a more positive experience.
Best regards,
Written January 22, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
@poveiro1981
Povoa de Varzim39 contributions
Oct 2023 • friends
The name of the space says it all, Brilliant!!! Everything an excellent restaurant needs, Brilhante has it. Incredible space, excellent food and 10-star staff. I will come back whenever I visit Lisbon, without a doubt one of the best options in the city. A special mention to Chef João, who was very friendly and rarely seen in this type of restaurant, super professional and fun at the same time. If you like watching the hustle and bustle of a kitchen, stay at the counter. Congratulations to all the staff for the excellent work done, this is what Portuguese restaurants need.
Written October 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MKT Digital
Estimado Poveiro1981, agradecemos imenso a sua visita e o seu feedback. Ficamos muito gratos com a sua apreciação do nosso restaurante,serviço e da nossa proposta gastronómica. Trabalhamos para proporcionar a todos os que nos visitam uma experiência gastronómica completa e aliciante, pelo que é muito gratificante ver reconhecida esta dedicação. Esperamos que nos visite novamente para uma experiência igual ou mais satisfatória, com os melhores cumprimentos,
Written October 31, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DCN
Rio de Janeiro976 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
Nice atmosphere, well located (very close to Mercado da Ribeira), correct service and reasonably priced dishes. I followed the restaurant's instructions and ordered the house's famous meat dish, which has a secret sauce. Just reasonable.
Written March 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MKT Digital
Estimado danielc180290,
Obrigado por compartilhar a sua experiência conosco. Lamentamos que sua visita ao nosso restaurante não tenha atendido totalmente às suas expectativas.
É gratificante saber que apreciou o ambiente e achou o serviço satisfatório. No entanto, ficamos desapontados ao saber que nossos pratos, especialmente o famoso prato de carne com molho secreto, não foram totalmente do seu agrado.
Os seus comentários são importantes para nós e serão compartilhados com nossa equipa de cozinha para avaliação e possíveis melhorias. Esperamos ter a oportunidade de recebê-lo novamente no futuro para uma experiência gastronômica mais satisfatória.
Agradecemos a sua visita e por fornecer o seu feedback.
Com os melhores cumprimentos,
Written March 18, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lacba
Lisbon178 contributions
Dec 2022 • couples
The quality of the food was excellent. All dishes served were very well presented and tasted wonderfully.
The wine options were also very good.
Service was very attentive and friendly.
To be repeated. Highly recommended.
Congratulations to the Chef and Staff.
Written January 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Customer Care
Dear lacba, we really appreciate your visit and your feedback. We are very grateful for your appreciation of our restaurant and our gastronomic proposal. We work to provide everyone who visits us with a complete and attractive gastronomic experience, so it is very gratifying to see this dedication recognized. We hope that you will visit us again for an equal or more satisfying experience. Best regards,
Written January 26, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nigel B
Cannes10 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
This was our second visit to Brilhante within a week during our holiday.
Brilhante is by far our favourite restaurant in Lisbon. With such a cosy atmosphere, fabulous service and delicious food and wine! We were mesmerised watching the team of chefs prepare the food. The organisation is like an army!
Congratulations to all the team….we can’t wait to come back!!
Written October 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martina g
9 contributions
Sep 2024 • couples
We went to the restaurant for dinner. Already at the Reservation we found on the other side a friendly and kind person. The restaurant is beautiful, with an open central kitchen and you can dine at the counter or at the tables. The service was excellent and the staff prepared and kind. The exquisite dishes! Recommendation tartare and duck. Also interesting is the wine list. Absolutely recommended for a romantic evening we had a great time!
Automatically translated
Written September 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Customer Care
Dear martinagW3400UK
Thank you so much for your kind words and for choosing our restaurant for your dinner! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed not only the ambiance and open kitchen but also our service and delicious dishes. The tartare and duck are indeed two of our favorites, and we’re delighted you loved them!
It’s wonderful to know that our wine list added to your experience, and we appreciate your recommendation for a romantic evening. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable evening soon!
Best regards,
Brilhante
Written September 12, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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