Food: This cute little restro-bar specializes in pesticos – the Portuguese version of Spanish tapas. The small plates served here include unpasteurised sheep milk cheese, an assortment of cured meats, bacalhau salad, pig’s ear salad, deep fried treats such string bean tempura (tempura is a dish that actually originated in Portugal, not Japan), and veal croquettes. They also have a good selection of wines and cocktails. The items on the menu are smallish, and many have citrusy or vinegary undertones, so this is a great place to stop by if you’re peckish, but not ravenous, and what something light and appetising.

Must try: Their gazpacho with peppers and onion, and their octopus salad with onion, peppers, coriander and vinegar was so delicious, I had to return and order them again. Their very tangy slow cooked rabbit, onion and parsley stew was also scrumptious.

Service: The young, and hip staff speak good English, and always always smiley. I liked that they remembered me when I returned the second time.

Ambience: Small and cosy, the space has a casual bohemian vibe with a large mural of Maria Severa Onofriana – the Portuguese fado singer who is considered to be the founder of fado music – on the wall, and a cork board where you can draw your own version of her. Tucked away off a little side street near Castelo Sao Jorge, this place was much more chilled out, and peaceful than the other cafes on the main streets, and in the middle of the piazzas. If you get a corner table, you can relax quite comfortably with a book, or scroll through your photos on your phone for an hour or more as you sip and nibble.

Average price per person: €14 for three small dishes and a non-alcoholic beverage.

Address: Petisqueira Conqvistador. Travessa de São Bartolomeu 4, Lisbon, Portugal. Tel: (351) 218-810-319.