Family-friendly dining in Lan Kwai Fong? Sounds like a spoof to us! But mamas with a craving for authentic southern European food that won’t break the bank will be pleasantly surprised by this gem of a restaurant, perched on the 8th floor of the Lan Kwai Fong Tower.
We arrived with the whole family in tow one Saturday and were immediately impressed with the bright, airy décor, stained-glass panels and beautiful blue-and-white Mediterranean tiles, all lending an air of the Algarve to the interior. We were there to check out the great value weekend brunch, which offers either three or four courses, with a free-flow Vinho Verde, Sangria or sparkling wine option… the perfect relaxed Saturday afternoon!
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The traditional Portuguese sausage flambé was a theatrical and tasty start to the meal, silencing my fellow diners (aged from two to sixty-two!) with its scrummy, slightly spicy flavour.
Next up came a selection of salads; all of which were enough to whet the appetite without being too heavy, with the tuna and black-eyed bean salad being a real standout. Alongside these came some traditional fried codfish cakes that were surprisingly light and crunchy, and a plate of “pica pau”, or beef cubes in piri-piri sauce, that were devoured in seconds.
Onto the mains, and the traditional roast suckling pig was perfect – crispy skin, tender meat and melt-in-the-mouth delicious. The pork loin with clams was an interesting and original combination that resulted in a very clean plate.
The desserts did not disappoint, and for a real cocoa hit, head straight for the chocolate mousse, which is as rich and dark as a mousse can get. Yum!
The service was attentive without being overbearing, and kids are clearly welcome, as opposed to simply tolerated – indicative of the authentic southern European style of dining that had us all happily lingering over our meals.
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The only slightly flat note was the piri-piri chicken main, which could have been a little spicier to our taste, but was still tender and well cooked.
Stroller access
Yes, simply take the lift up to the 8th floor of the Lan Kwai Fong Tower. There’s also plenty of space to stow!
High chairs
There are toddler-friendly booster seats, but no highchairs.
Kids’ menu
Yes, and what an excellent one it is! Extra marks are awarded for a good selection of authentic food that will appeal to junior palates at a reasonable price ($110 per child under 11 years). The scrambled egg with ham and Portuguese sausage starter is something that the adults around the table agreed they would happily have ordered, and the toasted chicken main was fresh, healthy and nicely presented. The vanilla ice cream dessert came with a much-appreciated serving of fresh fruit and went down very well!
Price range
Three courses $180, four courses $250, kids brunch $110. Add on $100 more for free-flow Vinho Verde, Sangria or sparkling wine.
Opening hours
Weekdays, 12pm-3pm and 6.30pm-12am; Weekends, 11.30am-3pm and 6.30pm-12am.
Casa Lisboa Portuguese Restaurant & Bar 8/F, Lan Kwai Fong Tower, 55 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong, 2905 1168