Classic Miami Portuguese Spot Old Lisbon Expands to Aventura

Old Lisbon first opened its doors in 1991 when founder Carlos Silva arrived in Miami from his native Portugal. After decades of work and two successful locations, his son Carlos Silva Jr. is carrying on the iconic restaurant's legacy by taking over the newest Aventura location.

“We’ve been honored to serve the South Florida community for over three decades,” says Carlos Silva. “With my son, Carlos Jr., taking on the Aventura location, it’s a proud moment to see this legacy grow into a true family business, ensuring the future of Old Lisbon remains rooted in tradition but flourishes with new ideas.”

Its Aventura location will portray its characteristic Portuguese fine dining that Miami already knows and loves.

The core menu includes dishes such as bolinhos de bacalhau (codfish croquettes with black-eyed peas), the chouriço assado (flaming Portuguese sausage), and the polvo grelhado ou frito (grilled or lightly fried octopus seared in garlic and olive oil). Seafood lovers can opt for the camarão ao alho ou com molho picante (grilled shrimp with garlic or homemade spicy sauce) and amêijoas à bulhão pato (clams in a white wine and lime consommé).
From Monday through Friday, guests can also enjoy a special lunch menu featuring classics like salad Portuguesa com Aaum (tuna salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and boiled eggs) and bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (shredded codfish with onions, boiled eggs, and potatoes). During happy hour, bites include codfish croquettes and Portuguese sausage paired with house wine and sangria specials. The restaurant also has an extensive collection of Portuguese wines, the largest in Florida, stored in a floor-to-ceiling wine cellar

Ending a meal with Portuguese desserts is a must when dining at Old Lisbon, and options include the pasteis de nata (custard tarts with cinnamon) and the delicia de Fátima (a custard-based dessert with cream and Maria cookies). The restaurant also boasts an extensive selection of Portuguese wines in its wine cellar.

Ricardo Azevedo designed the new location with elegance and timeless Portuguese aesthetics in mind. The interior features hand-painted columns, a six-seat marble-topped bar, and a dining room for 64 guests inside and 28 outside. The décor includes custom-made plateware, Portuguese chairs, and hand-painted mosaics, all imported from Portugal.

The highlight of the decor is a 120-year-old olive tree, “Oliveira,” in the center of the restaurant. This tree symbolizes the longevity and tradition that Old Lisbon represents. From the menu to the decoration, Old Lisbon showcases the continuation of a family legacy.

Old Lisbon Aventura is open for dine-in, delivery, and pick-up.

Old Lisbon Aventura. 2960 NE 199th St., Aventura; 305-974-5142; oldlisbonrestaurants.com. Open Monday through Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.