O Faia began life as a small bar back in 1947 when founder Lucillia do Carmo together with her son Carlos opened the Casa de Fados in Lisbon's Bairro Alto neighbourhood. One of the city's most respected fado houses, the smart interior exudes a mellow rustic character that is immediately warm and inviting. Chef Carlos Abreu and his team have created an imaginative à la carte menu of traditional Portuguese fare as well as the simplified but equally delicious Menu Bairro Alto. The excellent wine list is representative of some of Portugal's most celebrated wine growing regions. Between courses the lights are dimmed and guests are regaled with the haunting and evocative strains of fado. Among the resident singers are Lenita Gentil and Ricardo Ribeiro, ably accompanied by Fernando Silva on Portuguese guitar and Paulo Ramos, who plays classical guitar.