One of the most famous chefs in Portugal, Olivier da Costa makes an important link to the history of the country’s restaurant industry, as he revolutionized haute cuisine with his brands, trends and futuristic concepts and gained great popularity and love among visitors.
Being not only an extremely cheerful, kind and generous person, but a chef with over 25 years of experience, Olivier da Costa has a multinational portfolio of 25 restaurants in seven countries. And each client, whatever space by Olivier he enters, will be guaranteed with a unique experience, high service, the best impressions and generous hospitality, which could be also highlighted by friendly greetings and special treats from Olivier himself (it’s not a secret he’s making daily tours around his restaurants to check the service and ensure every guest is happy).
We had an opportunity to visit four of Oliver’s projects in Lisbon and can honestly admit that each of them is unique in its own way and makes a very special impression, that even choosing your favorite one is a bit of challenge.
SEEN
One of the brand’s finest restaurants, SEEN at the Tivoli Avenida da Liberdade Hotel, with breathtaking views of the Lisbon hills, was created by Olivier Group exclusively for the Minor Hotels brand, with a luxurious, high-quality and versatile hotel concept in mind.
Both brands complement each other perfectly and expand their world-class status with ambitious projects.
SEEN restaurants can be found in 6 countries and all of them are located in class A locations with stunning views, real hot spots that match the cosmopolitan cities in which they are located. The name SEEN was also meant for a concept of the restaurant — the place “to see and be seen”.
You can feel the party vibe from the very entrance — music playing loud, people crowded around the bar to enjoy their aperitif drinks before dinner, the dim lighting and every table slightly “hidden” in the greens to give everyone some privacy from other guests. And still — it’s the place to come after great food and not feel guilty about it.
The menu of the SEEN restaurant in Lisbon is inspired by Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine and offers a wide variety of dishes, not only from its own menu, but special hits from other Olivier Group restaurants — like SEEN Egg, SEEN Taco, Lobster Spaghettini, Laminated Wagyu, a selection of Sushi and Sashimi. You should definitely try the famous “Black Cod”, which is available in all the brand’s restaurants.
And not to leave without trying Jumbo Scarlet Prawn with Beurre Blanc perfectly paired with “Rico” Rice with Dates, Green Beans, Asparagus and Almonds.
As for alcoholic accompaniment, in addition to the rich wine list, it is worth pampering yourself with cocktails that will certainly appeal not only to lovers of the art of mixology.
Address: Hotel Tivoli Avenida da Liberdade
Avenida da Liberdade, 185, 9º piso
1260-050 Lisbon, Portugal
Instagram: @seenlisboa
KOB
KOB is more than a restaurant, it is an experience that takes customers to the rich and delicious world of meat.
“Knowledge Of Beef” are the words that define the acronym of one of Olivier’s most special concepts, which opened in Lisbon in 2014.
This meat cult managed to distinguish itself in a restaurant that excels in elegance and modernism an intimate environment with touches of copper, brown-toned sofas, blended with petroleum blue walls. This is where the true experience begins.
Here you will taste the best meat from Spain, Japan, Australia, Ireland, Argentina, and, of course, Portugal, enriching this concept conceived by Chef Olivier.
To whet your appetite, delight
yourself with KOB Croquette, Spicy Portuguese Chorizo, Bolota Smoked Ham, or Beef Carpaccio (also available in Seafood version as Octopus Carpaccio, which is also a very nice one to try).
But the main journey begins with the main course, where you truly enter the world of meat: Sirloin, K.O.B Steak, and Tenderloin Steak from Portugal; the Simental Entrecôte from Spain; the Black Angus Sirloin from Ireland; the New York Black Angus Steak from the USA; the Ribeye from Argentina; and the Wagyu from Australia and indeed — Wagyu A5 grade from Japan.
And another special moment at KOB is the Quim do Talho service, when the butcher makes exclusive cuts of meat for the client, accompanying this action with a story about the meat and its unique properties.
Wine list contains a great selection of wines from Portugal and other world famous wine regions, so as said: fine meat should be followed by a fine wine.
Address: Rua do Salitre, nº 169
1250-199 Lisbon, Portugal
Instagram: @k.o.b_byolivier
YAKUZA
YAKUZA is where the East meets the West and the Japanese classics meet Chef Oliviers’ creativity and boldness.
With 5 locations and a plan to expand the brand — Yakuza is one of the most famous and praised brands of the whole Olivier Group.
This contemporary sushi experience praises and values the classic and traditional sushi and Japanese techniques and is fairly considered one of the best sushi restaurants in Lisbon. It’s also a favorite place for celebrities and famous people from Portugal and around the world to enjoy an exquisite night out.
Here, in a stylish and luxurious environment, you will enjoy the most exquisite and unique dishes that you will not find anywhere else.
The menu has more than 80 dishes and dozens of different sushi rolls with luxury ingredients like Italian truffle, gold leaf, king crab, caviar, and the best fish and seafood from the Portuguese shore and the Azores, and Spanish Balfegó tuna.
YAKUZA also offers a classic Japanese grill
experience, the Robatayaki, where traditional dishes are prepared with a Mediterranean twist.
A team of highly qualified bartenders will prepare both classic cocktails and their own signature ones for any dish.
Sake fans will delight themselves with their favorite drink from an extensive premium list.
Dessert selection will definitely satisfy any sweet tooth for 100%.
Address: R. Júlio César Machado 7
Hotel Avani 1250-135 Lisbon, Portugal
Instagram: @yakuza_byolivier
XXL
With the most authentic and familiar menu of the whole Olivier Group, XXL in Lisbon is a mirror of the affective memories of chef Olivier da Costa, worked with elegance and simplicity, to elevate and complete its diverse portfolio.
XXL was once a hot spot for high society, politicians, artists, writers, called just XL.
For a remarkable span of 27 years, this iconic establishment graced the vicinity of the Portuguese Parliament, becoming synonymous with culinary excellence.
Its legacy took an exciting turn when Olivier acquired the venue. The restaurant underwent a transformative evolution, reborn as XXL — a testament to both preservation and progress.
Extremely cozy and warm, it’s a favorite place for family lunches in a big companies, specially when it comes to Saturdays or Sundays where everyone’s main attraction is traditional Portuguese Stew or Brazilian Stew.
To keep its legacy, Oliver left classics on the menu — the Shrimp À Guilho, The Egg with Truffled-Mashed Potatoes, Tartare Steak or Entrecôte.
Other delicious inventions that already have become Chef Oliviers’ classics — Lobster Steak and the Monkfish Picanha, perfect in a pair with Rich Rice.
The wine selection is significant here — over 600 items from Portugal and all over the world, from good classics to exclusive vintages.
And you should definitely try some of the most tempting desserts — the Soufflé dulce de leche and Golden Slice.
Address: Calçada da Estrela 57
Lisbon, Portugal
Instagram: @xxl_byolivier
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
