Santa Apolonia

It is undoubtedly that we are addicted to places where the family atmosphere is the most dominative feature, where we can feel almost like at homes surrounded by our relatives. The name of this place is indebted to mother of the current owner – Bela Paiva. You can see her in the first picture. The spot is open since Bela has reached the age of four. In the very beginning it was just a simple and casual bar. Step by step with help of her loved ones whole activity have changed. The key note of this spot is collective work of entire family. Bela’s daughters – Daniela and Suraya will welcome you with kindness and good-heartedness. Every single decoration item contributes to the atmosphere of this place and makes it more and more snug at the same time. When you enter Tasca Bela, you feel like you enter almost another epoch. Vintage decor, warm lights and various style paintings will introduce you to sentimental mood. The anachronism of this place will run you off your legs. We invite you to try traditional Portuguese food there, which is prepared by Bela’s son two houses further. All of them are cooked according to secret Paiva’s recipes. At first attempt you have to try Polvos and Pataniscas.

Visiting Bela is a great opportunity to listen to Fado music as well. It is from Wednesday till Sunday. You have a chance to hear the real and genuine Fado music played by professional and non-professional musicians. It is really crucial to respect the performance, so… stay in silence and enjoy the moment.

Et parce que nous sommes addicts des lieux où il fait bon vivre, où l’on est reçu comme à la maison, on se devait de s’arrêter chez Tasca Bela.

Tasca Bela doit son nom à la mère des lieux “Bela PAIVA” que vous pouvez voir, ci-dessus sur la première photo et qui avait 4 ans lorsque ses parents ont lancé cette affaire. Des débuts modestes, avec peu de choix de nourriture, mais les choses se sont développées rapidement et naturellement grâce à la participation de toute la famille PAIVA. Daniella et Suraya, les filles de Bela, vous accueilleront avec chaleur dans ce petit bar qui a des airs d’antan. La ribambelle de peintures au mur, la lumière tamisée, le mobilier vintage, participent à nourrir ce sentiment d’anachronisme qui vous habitera une fois dans le bar.

On vous invite à venir déguster leurs tapas portugaises préparées avec soin dans l’appartement familial situé à 2 pas du bar, par le fils ainé. Un délice ! Leurs “pataniscas” et leurs “poulpes”, sont des recettes tenues secrètes dont la famille hérite de génération en génération. Tasca Bela, c’est aussi une belle opportunité de venir écouter du fado authentique, où se mêle amateurs et professionnels, tous les soirs du mercredi au dimanche. Et ici, tradition oblige, on respecte la musique, alors silence quand ça joue !

We interviewed Daniela and Suraya with three questions. We have never expected such a cosy chat.

› 3onthespot: Can you point out the main tribute of Tasca Bela’s success?

› Daniela and Suraya: Well, we don`t have any professional promotion, but at the same time we are the part of local community, which helps us with word-of-mouth-marketing. Here is a lot of local Alfama people, who visit us. They are our friends.

› 3onthespot: The spirit of this place with a few adjectives would be…

› Daniela and Suraya: Family, family and once again family. We make a lot of effort to make our customers feel that they belong to our family. Tasca Bela is an open house, your house.

› 3onthespot: What is the feature that makes you distinctive?

› Daniela and Suraya: We don`t think just about money and running the business. We pay attention to quality and hospitality more than to anything else. That makes the difference.