New Year 2020

69 Magnificent Mediterranean Cuisine Nestled in the heart of Lisbon lies one of the city’s most outstanding gastronomic experiences. There, discerning guests and food lovers from all walks of life will find Restaurante Consensual, where every dish is cooked with love, soul, and passion beyond compare. As part of LUXlife’s Highlights, we showcase the stunning selection of splendid food and drink on offer, courtesy of Chef Paula Araújo. Tucked beneath an ocean of Mediterranean orange roof tiles lies a haven of heart-warming and hand-crafted food. An explosion of flavour expertly paired with only the most sumptuous and refreshing of wines awaits those keen enough to venture deep into the Bairro Alto region of Lisbon. One of the area’s best kept secrets, Restaurante Consensual is the perfect place for those in search of a mouth-watering meal that will satisfy the senses and tantalise the taste buds. Behind closed doors where entry requires a bell to be rung, Restaurante Consensual is a veritable cornucopia of delicious Mediterranean cuisine that is unlike anything else the city of Lisbon offers. Upon entry, the warm and earthy tones present an atmosphere with essences of refined class and ineffable romanticism. Beautiful artwork adorns the walls, alongside a collection of wine bottles to make even the most seasoned oenophile salivate. It is a place that guests can embrace whole-heartedly, and part with such sweet sorrow after hours of laughter and food of the finest quality. Reservations are required to eat at Restaurante Consensual, but once in and seated, that is far from the guests mind. Each guest that enjoys the food on offer from Chef Paula Araújo is unique, and the staff team take great pride in their ability to offer a personalised and attentive level of service to create a truly authentic and memorable experience. Empathising with guests and ensuring that they have everything they could possibly need is one thing, but doing it all without being intrusive or overbearing is what sets this staff team at the highest possible level. One of the most distinct offerings about this exquisite hideaway is in fact, the food. Rather than offer a traditional a la carte menu, Chef Paula Araújo has carefully crafted an eight-course tasting menu that is fantastically unique. Drawing on traditional Mediterranean flavours and bold new partnerships, the menu offers a little something for everyone. It begins with a trilogy of savoury and sweet snacks, including an aubergine and red pepper pizza with mascarpone. From there, guests are whisked away to the ocean with a perfect union of octopus, mayo capers, and a sweet potato chip. What follows is a menu full of love and passion that Chef Paula Araújo has clearly poured her heart and soul into, ensuring each mouthful brings a new wave of flavour and spine-tingling goodness. Duck magret, smoked endive, cod tartar, cocktails and chocolate cake pave the road along the journey to gastronomic heaven and come the end, guests can reflect on eight outstanding dishes, each as memorable as the last. Not mentioning the drinks on offer would be a sin, as the selection of wines range from full-bodied and flavourful, to delicate, full of subtle hints. Staff are expertly trained to pair the perfect wine with each course, and the selections are made with clinical precision. Chef Paula Araújo has clearly taken as much time ensuring the drinks are as flawless as each element within the exceptional meals themselves. 2019 has been a year of unprecedented success for Chef Paula Araújo and her team, having previously secured the award for Best Contemporary Fusion Restaurant – Lisbon, courtesy of LUXlife. However, Restaurante Consensual was also the recipient of the Best Fine Dining in Portugal award courtesy of the World Luxury Restaurant Awards. The secret ingredient for Chef Paula Araújo continues to be the love, heart, passion, and soul she pours into every single tasty morsel on each plate. Whether it is the first dish of the night, or the last, nothing stops this humble, yet meticulous chef from giving absolutely everything in pursuit of culinary excellence, which is exactly what has been achieved at Restaurante Consensual. Contact: Paula Araújo Website: www.consensualba.com Oct19341