Parreirinha de Alfama

Running for over 50 years, this is one of Lisbon's oldest fado houses. A firm favourite with locals, many of whom have grown up with the redoubtable Argentina Santos, the fadista who owns and runs the restaurant and who often takes to the floor to sing, Parreirinha de Alfama also attracts its fair share of tourists. The venue is cosy and intimate and the atmosphere very authentic. The rustic interior design has changed little over the years, and the beautiful azulejos (tiles) decorating the walls still gleam brightly. Besides Argentina, resident singers include Lina Maria Alves, Tina Santos and Luis Tomar who regale customers between hearty servings of traditional Portuguese fare. Incidentally, Argentina also cooks and a speciality of the house is arroz de tamboril (monkfish rice).