Fado, Lisboa, Velho Pateo de Sant'Ana

"Saudade atroz, que o coração magoa, a minha voz entoa, feita canção Lisboa"

Lisbon, land of the discoveries, tradition and fado! Should you visit, don't miss the chance to experience one of the most amazing and typical things that you can find in the city, a lovely evening listening to Fado!

And most of the people would say to you, "go to Bairro Alto, it's the most typical place to hear this music and to feel the mystic of the city". Well i say don't be mistaken by these touristic/commercial places. As i say many times in my posts about trips, go to these sites, observe them and mark them on your check list, but... after that, go find the real and traditional places that bring you a little bit closer to the history and the culture of the country. And that's exactly what this post is about. Go to the heart of fado tradition, away from the crowded places of Bairro Alto, where the restaurants only allow you to stay at the table enough time to eat and pay before they practically throw you away to get the next paying customer. Go to the place where you can spend a lovely romantic evening, and enjoy some of the most beautiful voices of Portuguese fado. Go to the place were you can stay as long as you like with no one bothering you, and be amazed by the true culture of ancient Lisbon. And where can you find a place like this? Well ladies and gents the answer is right on the tittle of the post... Restaurant "O Velho Pateo de Sant'Ana". 

It's located very near the city centre, close to one of the main streets "Avenida da Liberdade". 

It's one of the most beautiful restaurants i've ever had the pleasure of being. And not just because of the decoration, which is in fact lovely, and take you back to the old Lisbon. It's because of everything that makes this house. It's cosy and fancy at the same time, it has the most delicious Portuguese food, it's where you will find staff extremely polite and welcoming, impressive voices singing the Portuguese typical songs, and where you can even receive the visit of the owners at your table. It's a great experience that everyone that visits Lisbon should try. You won't regret it! 

Try the typical dishes, a wonderfull "Bacalhau"(cod fish)  or a delicious Seafood Cataplana, some amazing deserts and a Portuguese wine. Any of them tasted at the sound of fado just becomes fantastic and even more delicious. I've been there several times and i never regret to say it's my favorite restaurant in Lisbon. The staff as well as the owners will definitely make your stay a memorable one. A curious fact is indeed that you can see Mrs. Lina Caeiro (the owner) singing as well and giving her personal touch to your evening. And if you are not convinced by my words, you can always look at the trophy's cabinet of this restaurant as they have been internationally awarded several times due to their quality. In 2002 they've recieved the "World Quality Commitment Award" that distinguished the Restaurant for it's work on total costumer satisfaction. After, in 2004 they receive the "Quality ERA Award" and in 2007 the "Arch of  Europe Award" a Diamond international quality trophy. Spend an evening where the most famous Portuguese figures have already dined, such as Amalia Rodrigues or  Paco Camino.

As you can see it is definitely worth a visit, there you will find the true nature of a fado restaurant, and enjoy a wonderful evening in the company of your friends, family or loved ones. I definitely recommend, specially if you are going on a romantic trip.

I'll leave you with some more pictures hope you'll enjoy them and give a thought of visit the Restaurant "O Velho Pateo de Sant'Ana". And if you do, let me know here how was your experience!
Here is their website where you can discover more and make your reservations with discount!
http://www.velhopateodesantana.com/

Até á próxima e obrigado!