About Polémico

Polémico LX, located at Rua do Sol ao Rato 61, is much more than just another restaurant opening in Lisbon — it’s a bold culinary statement. Led by the talented young chef António Xavier, the space reimagines the idea of a contemporary “tasca,” blending Portuguese tradition with international influences and unexpected creativity. The menu evolves with the seasons and brings together flavors and textures in surprising ways: crispy nori tempura paired with beef tartare, comforting oven-baked rice elevated by tender lamb shank, or even playful takes on familiar classics like potato rösti topped with shrimp tartare. Each dish is designed not only to satisfy but also to spark conversation, reflecting the restaurant’s playful, almost provocative identity. The interior design mirrors this personality: intimate, retro, and nostalgic, filled with vintage details like newspaper clippings on the walls, creating a lived-in charm that feels simultaneously homely and cosmopolitan. By night, the atmosphere shifts seamlessly from relaxed dining to vibrant socializing, with the bar becoming a centerpiece — cocktails are treated with the same creativity and attention to detail as the food, while the wine list, with about 40 labels, balances natural, organic, and classic choices. Polémico is not afraid to be different. It’s a place where diners are invited to challenge their palate, embrace the unexpected, and rediscover the joy of gathering around the table. It captures Lisbon’s new gastronomic wave: adventurous, welcoming, and unapologetically full of character.