The cool Lisbon night breeze gently brushed against my cheeks, still warm from the day’s excitement.
The Opening Night of Web Summit (read the full recap here) had just concluded. As I was swept along by the tide of tens of thousands of attendees pouring out of the MEO Arena, I found myself facing a pressing issue amidst the pleasant fatigue.
I was starving.
After hours of intense pitches, dazzling lights, and relentless networking, my brain was buzzing, but my body was craving sustenance. However, the Oriente Station area surrounding the MEO Arena was flooded with tech enthusiasts in the same predicament. Every restaurant had a dauntingly long queue.
“At this rate, I’ll be a dinner refugee,” I thought.
Escaping the chaos, I headed towards the quieter residential side of the Parque das Nações district, where my hotel was located. It was here that I stumbled upon an unexpected culinary oasis perfect for anyone looking for restaurants near MEO Arena Web Summit.
A Serendipitous Encounter
My hotel didn’t have a restaurant, and I lacked the energy to fight the crowds at the Vasco da Gama shopping mall food court. I needed a place to sit, relax, and eat a proper meal.
My initial target was “Páteo Restaurante,” located just steps from my hotel. Being in Portugal, I wanted to start with local cuisine. However, upon arrival, I was greeted by a lively atmosphere and a staff member who apologized with a beaming smile, “Private event tonight! Sorry! Come back tomorrow, we’ll have space!”
Encouraged by their warmth, I mentally booked them for tomorrow night and turned my attention back to the dark street.
Then I remembered a sign I had passed earlier. Thai food. “Eat Thai.”
The illuminated facade was elegant, featuring a chic dark blue sign against a beige wall. It stood out with a calm dignity, distinct from the flashy tourist traps often found in the area. You might wonder, “Thai food in Portugal?” But when you’re exhausted, the spicy kick and aromatic herbs of Asian cuisine can be the ultimate comfort food.
Seeing empty tables through the window, I trusted my intuition and opened the door.
A Hidden Gem for Web Summit Attendees
Inside, the restaurant was more vibrant than it appeared from the outside. There was a mix of Web Summit attendees with their badges and local families enjoying a night out. The waiters were young and moved with efficiency, creating an atmosphere that felt both like a warm family business and a professional establishment.
I was seated immediately and, without hesitation, ordered a beer to quench my thirst.
A bottle of Singha, Thailand’s iconic lager, arrived nestled in a branded black koozie. This small touch of hospitality, placed on the marble table, momentarily transported me from Lisbon to a humid Southeast Asian evening.
The crisp bitterness of the lager washed down my throat. It was exactly what I needed.
Navigating the Menu
Feeling revived, I opened the menu. It was filled with photos, making it incredibly easy to navigate—a welcoming feature for international visitors.
The “Rice & Noodles” section listed classics like Khao Pad (Fried Rice), Pad See Ew, and of course, Pad Thai. Prices ranged from €12 to €18, which is reasonable given Lisbon’s rising costs and the prime location.
Flipping the page, I found an array of grill specials and noodle soups. The “Suea Rong Hai” (Thai Style Grilled Beef) looked like the perfect beer companion, and the Tom Yum Noodle soup seemed tempting for a detox.
The curry selection was also comprehensive, featuring Green, Red, Yellow, and Massaman curries. Under normal circumstances, I would have dived into a Green Curry. However, mindful of my stomach after a long day of travel and conferencing, I decided to opt for something gentler.
Tonight was a Pad Thai night. The thought of that sweet and sour tamarind sauce was enough to stimulate my appetite.
The Feast: Authentic Pad Thai in Lisbon
As I sipped my second Singha, the Pad Thai arrived.
One look, and I knew: this was going to be good.
Served on a chic dark plate, the presentation was refined, far removed from messy street food style. The noodles glistened, the bean sprouts looked crisp, and the aroma was intoxicating. Notably, the dish came with crushed peanuts, chili flakes, and a fresh lime wedge on the side—allowing for the customizable seasoning that defines authentic Thai dining.
I squeezed the lime, mixed in the peanuts and chili, and took a bite. Delicious.
The rice noodles had the perfect chewy texture, coating a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes. Finding such authentic Thai food in Lisbon was a delightful surprise. It reminded me of “Old Thailand” in Ichigaya, Tokyo (read review here), a personal favorite for genuine Thai flavors.
While people say “you can’t go wrong with Thai food,” we’ve all had disappointing, overly sweet, or soggy versions. Eat Thai, however, is definitely a winner. The beer flowed freely as I enjoyed every bite.
A Sweet Surprise: Coconut Ice Cream
Satisfied but not wanting the experience to end, I decided to order dessert. The Mango Sticky Rice looked tempting, but I wanted something lighter to cleanse my palate.
I chose the Coconut Ice Cream. When it arrived, I couldn’t help but smile.
It was generous! A large scoop of ice cream sat in a glass bowl, showered with an abundance of coconut flakes, all presented on a stylish slate plate.
The flavor was rich and creamy, yet the aftertaste was surprisingly refreshing. The crunchy texture of the flakes added a wonderful contrast. It was the perfect conclusion to a spicy meal. Despite my fullness, it vanished in seconds.
Verdict: A Smart Choice for Dinner Near Web Summit
The staff kindly offered another beer, but I was stuffed. I paid the bill and stepped back out into the cool night.
During Web Summit, restaurants near the MEO Arena and Oriente Station are battlegrounds. However, a short walk towards the residential area of Parque das Nações reveals calm gems like this.
Why I Recommend Eat Thai:
-
- Authentic Taste: No compromising for tourists; genuine spices and flavors.
-
- Relaxed Atmosphere: A peaceful escape from the conference crowds.
-
- Solo-Friendly: The staff are welcoming, making it comfortable for solo diners.
-
- Clear Menu: Photos and clear pricing make ordering stress-free.
If you are looking for dinner near Lisbon Web Summit and want to avoid the queues or take a break from Portuguese cuisine, “Eat Thai” is a brilliant strategy. It saved my evening, and knowing it’s there gives me peace of mind for the rest of the conference week.
Shop Information
Eat Thai – Parque das Nações
Address: Alameda dos Oceanos 85, 1990-212 Lisboa, Portugal
Web: eatthai.pt
