I can't quite remember how I came across the name O Piteu. I think it was from the Conde Nest website of where to eat in Lisbon. Their words of "Portuguese eating house, well off the beaten tourist track. Specialises in roast meats" basically sang out all the words I wanted to hear. More importantly, it is located near the Graca Church and Convent complex way up on a hill, meaning I could visit an attraction I wanted to and eat somewhere on my list. Planning doesn't get more elegant than that.
The church itself is lovely. During the warm October days I was there, the view from the church courtyard resplendent in sunshine and somewhere to sit and have a drink makes it worth the trip. Around the corner and down the road where very few people seem to wander lives the rather plain facade of O Piteu.
There was only a few people inside on this weekday lunch, a French couple and a smattering of Portuguese couples.
As per usual for Portugal, bread (and in this case olives) were provided for the nominal table charge (should you choose to eat them). The bread was fine, the olives selection was great varying from mild to strong.
- Feijao Verde sopa - the house version of green bean soup. A bit creamy and some simple flavours here;
- Carne de Porco a Alentejana - a specialty of the Alentejo region of Portugal serving pork and clams. Clam meat was small, the pork was a little chewy, and overall the flavour was quite salty and strong. Fries (as obvious from the picture) were a little soft also.
Overall the meal was fine without being great. I wouldn't mind coming back here again although probably only if I was in the area (ie. for the church or something else).
Next time I would order either the Churrasco de Carnes a Piteu (roast meats of the house? Sounds promising) or alternatively I've read the fish Dourada is good (although I am often skeptical about places cooking fish).