By the end of 2022, oyster bars had become popular in Lisbon. But three years ago, when the five bartender-founders of Imprensa had the idea to open a “Brooklyn-style” oyster bar, the concept was all but unheard-of.
They stuck with it—the original signature cocktails and cool vibe probably didn’t hurt—and now that oysters have caught on in the capital, Imprensa still remains one of the best places to eat them. And it’s become so popular that it was able to second location in 2022
The original is low-lit and really does bring to mind a cool Brooklyn bar, and has some fun with its address on Rua da Imprensa Nacional (“national press” in Portuguese) in Principe Real with wordsy touches like an Olivetti typewriter where guests can leave messages.
They visit their partners in nearby Setübal several times a week to make sure their oysters are always fresh, and they open them at the bar, right in front of the customers, in between pouring glasses of natural wine and mixing highballs. For guests who want something more substantial (or less raw) than oysters, there are plates like burrata with tomatoes, brioche sandwiches, and prosciutto on toast.
The new location carries on the theme, with six new signature cocktails named after typographic fonts. The Gill Sans, for example, combines tequila, Laphroaig, passion fruit, vanilla, lime, and sugar. Also of note is the Bloody Maria, a variation on the American brunch classic, made here with tequila and mezcal, with an oyster as the garnish.
For more information, visit the Imprensa Instagram page.
Imprensa in Príncipe Real
Rua da Imprensa Nacional 46
Lisbon
Daily – 18:00 to 2:00
Imprensa in the Baixa
Rua de São Nicolau 24
Lisbon
Tuesday to Saturday – 16:00 to 24:00
