Carnal – 1 Year, 1 Bib Gourmand

On the 20th of November we celebrated Carnal Gastrobar’s first anniversary. Two days after, it was distinguished by the Michelin Guide has a Bib Gourmand 2023. The recognition of effort, the guarantee of quality for which we fight so hard every day. And the proof that being “libre” makes all the difference!

In these 365 days, we’ve watched our Mexican Gastrobar evolve with security and certainty that the path is also the destination. And because everything in this place is “Libre”, the menu broke the “ties” of the classics, such as Guacamole, Taco Pastor, Carnitas or Flan de Abuela. And became even more contemporary and audacious, adding new dishes and flavors. A prime example?! Maggots and grasshoppers have been introduced in some of the sauces and dishes (Taco Norteño), to defy the most daring.

In these twelve months we have also followed the path of sustainability. In order not to import vegetables that aren’t produced in Portugal, but are part of the Carnal’s and Mexican gastronomy’s identity, such as tomatillo and chillies, we started buying our own seeds and delivered them to Horta da Garça, in Colares, to produce it.

At the bar, where the tequila and mezcal-based cocktails (in addition to mocktails, classics, spirits and beers), João Sancheira and his team continue their gastronomical approach to classic mixology, creating drinks with ingredients such as shitake mushrooms, cacao, habanero, corn, celery bulb and beets, as well as many fruits and herbs.

From the kitchen led by executive chef Luis Ortiz, we have antojitos, quesadillas, tacos but also other traditional and less well known Mexican dishes, all served on hand-painted stoneware with no rules or straight lines, made by a Portuguese and family company, Maria Portugal Terracotta.

The decoration and identity are signed by the artist of this-world-and-other, Carlito Dalceggio. With the curves and counter-curves of the Quetzalcoatl serpent he created throughout the ceiling, we enter Carnal as if we were floating. As if we were entering a parallel dimension.

Here, we are deconstructed. Imperfect. We are free. Alive. Spicy. Salty. But also sweet. Proof of love, sign of confidence, a bet on the future.

Rua da Misericórdia, 78, Lisbon (9Hotel Mercy).
+351 913 463 232 / info@carnal.pt / www.carnal.pt
Everyday, from 6pm to 2am (reservations until 1am)