Yakuza by Olivier – is this Portugal’s best restaurant?

I had high expectations for Lisbon, but I didn’t think I would find my favourite restaurant! Yakuza by Olivier has exactly that energy. It’s the best restaurant I’ve stepped foot in for the last three years. At least!

The space is dark, sensual, quietly dramatic – low lighting, layered textures, a kind of slow-burning energy that makes everything feel more intimate. It’s seductive, the kind of place that immediately sets the tone for a night that could go anywhere. If someone bought me on a date here, I would melt.

The dishes are served when they are ready, and we started with a Miso Soup – comforting, delicate, exactly what you want but elevated just enough to remind you where you are. Then came the scallop, grilled in its shell with butter soy, tomato and coriander. Soft, rich, almost indulgent, with that perfect balance of sweetness and salt – in all honesty the first dish blew us away and then only got better!

The razor clam nigiri was one of those dishes that not many people likely order, but is an absolute can’t miss! The crunch gives way to something soft and briny, lifted by a sharp, herbaceous edge. It was elegant, but with just enough attitude.

Then the gunkan toro – tuna belly layered with tuna, foie gras and leek. Decadent, yes, but controlled. Nothing felt excessive, just perfectly judged. It’s that signature Yakuza balance: Japanese precision meeting a more indulgent, European sensibility.

And the black cod – silky, caramelised, melting almost instantly. Marinated in sweet miso, it’s the kind of dish that makes you stare at each other with hooded lids. It was better than Nobu too, in case you were wondering.

The cocktail list is just as polished as the food, with a focus on clean, well-balanced Asian flavours and thoughtful combinations. Drinks lean into subtle Japanese influences – citrus, spice and delicate herbal notes – without feeling overcomplicated. Each one is carefully made and easy to drink, designed to sit effortlessly alongside the menu rather than overpower it.

What stays with you, though, is the atmosphere. There’s a beat to the venue. It’s open plan, but dark. Sultry and with personality. Oliver also has a bar on the roof which is an absolute must-visit. Named SEEN, it is to place to see and be seen with sweeping views.

I love it when you leave the restaurant talking about everything you had all the way home. This was one of those, truly memorable. Don’t miss it on your next trip!

Find out more > www.restaurantesolivier.com/yakuza-en/