The croquette shell is golden and crackling. Inside, oxtail has been braised until it shreds and clings to the creamy interior. The kimchi-cabbage mayo adds heat and umami depth. This dish encapsulates Optimista's philosophy—Portuguese technique with Asian flavor. Multiple food blogs call out these croquettes as reason enough to visit.
Tips from diners
Order these first—they arrive hot and crispy, and the kimchi mayo is addictive. Come hungry; you'll want seconds.
These pair beautifully with a cold beer or sake. The spice cuts the richness perfectly.
Reviewers consistently call out the chocolate cake as remarkable. It's decadent without being heavy, balanced with salt, and pairs beautifully with strong coffee or sake.
Tips from diners
Don't skip dessert. The chocolate cake is word-of-mouth famous among Cais do Sodré regulars.
Delicate and refined. The salt cod is cured just long enough to soften but not fully cook. Avocado mousse is smooth and bright. Wonton chips add textural contrast and nod to the Asian fusion theme. This is a dish you won't find elsewhere in Lisbon.
Tips from diners
If you're open to adventurous cuisine, this is the dish that shows Optimista's creativity. Order it alongside the oxtail croquettes.
The skin crackles when you cut into it. Underneath, the meat is tender and rich. The miso glaze adds umami depth and a touch of sweetness. Scallions provide brightness. This is the bridge between Portuguese pork tradition and Japanese technique.
Tips from diners
Rich and satisfying—one order feeds two people as a main. Pair with a light white wine.
The fish changes based on the market. Whatever arrives is grilled simply and finished with yuzu-kosho, a Japanese condiment that brings brightness and controlled spice. Sesame adds nuttiness. This dish respects the fish while elevating it.
Tips from diners
Ask the server what the daily catch is—it changes regularly. If it's a meaty white fish, order this; if it's delicate, consider the tartare.
Optimista is run by three friends—Cláudia, Rita, and Filipe—in a ground-floor space at Galeria Revólver because the owners didn't want to work far from the arts. The restaurant is located in Cais do Sodré, Lisbon's riverfront neighborhood undergoing rapid cultural revival. The menu privileges fresh, seasonal Portuguese products but draws inspiration from places where Portuguese merchants and immigrants built communities—Macau, for instance. The result is Portuguese food with Asian inflections, playful and modern.
Reservations are recommended for dinner (7 PM onwards), especially Thursday-Saturday. Lunch (noon-3 PM) walk-ins are generally accommodated without booking.
The restaurant is inside Galeria Revólver on the ground floor—a contemporary art space. Arrive early to browse the gallery before or after dinner.
Friday and Saturday nights the kitchen runs until midnight. This is the best option for late dinner in Cais do Sodré if you want something more innovative than typical tasca fare.
Page last updated: