Way back in 2010, the original Sea Me was pioneering for its approach to serving super-fresh seafood (often raw) in an upscale setting, and even more so for its New York-style seating at the counter, in front of the chefs finishing the dishes. It’s still alive and well, on one of the busiest streets in the Chiado neighborhood of Lisbon, as is a spin-off in the Time Out Market. And in late 2022, Sea Me Next Door, a newer, more casual spot, joined the first two, also on that busy street in Chiado.
Chef Elísio Bernardes is maintaining some of the Sea Me classics, such as the roasted sardine nigiri, prego do lombo (the sort of beef sandwich that’s famously “dessert” at Portuguese seafood halls), and the unforgettable octopus “hot dog.” But because the new restaurant is less formal, with all the seating at the main counter and a handful of high-stooled tables, the rest of his menu skews toward small bites and finger foods.
There are fresh oysters from all the major oyster farming regions in Portugal (depending on the season), fish stew samosa, cod tongues with cilantro hummus—they don’t dumb it down for the tourists—and cuttlefish bollycao.
The drinks, overseen by sommelier Diogo Araújo, lean toward wines that are meant to be paired with different dishes. There’s an emphasis on organic bottles and those from little-known producers. The house cocktail is a pornstar martini (a curious concoction of vanilla vodka, passionfruit liqueur, and lime) that’s accompanied by an oyster from the Ria Formosa in the Algarve.
Everyday from 17:00 to 19:00, there’s a Oyster Happy Hour–€2 each or €20 for a dozen. On Thursdays, a live DJ helps welcome in the weekend.
For more information, visit the Sea Me Group website.
Sea Me Next Door
Rua do Loreto 57
Lisbon
Phone: +351 213 461 564
Hours: Every day – 12:30 to 24:00
