Fifty Seconds
Lisbon, Portugal
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
If you’ve never eaten lunch or dinner 120m above ground, you might want to enjoy the experience in this unique dining space in the famous Vasco da Gama tower that dominates Lisbon’s skyline, with its impressive views of the city, the Tagus, and even the magical Troia peninsula (access is via a panoramic lift that takes exactly 50 seconds to reach the top, hence the name of the restaurant). At the helm is Rui Silvestre, a chef with an extensive career working in renowned restaurants and famous for being the youngest chef in Portugal to hold a coveted Michelin star. His cooking is showcased on a single menu entitled “Fauna and Flora” (10, 12 or 14 courses) that is full of surprises thanks to its incomparable flavours and use of local ingredients, as well as spices and citrus notes that result in superb combinations. A good example is his Smoked Eel dish, featuring a delicate dash of massala, subtle shavings of beetroot, and a refreshing touch of lemon.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Perched 120 meters above ground in the Vasco da Gama Tower: Fifty Seconds offers a unique dining experience high above Lisbon, with panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River visible through its glass walls, making the location itself a distinctive feature of the restaurant.
14-course tasting menu blending Portuguese and international flavors: The menu, crafted by Chef Rui Silvestre, is a sophisticated fusion of local, seasonal ingredients with global influences, featuring dishes like smoked eel with massala and beetroot, and Balfego tuna with Oscietra caviar and wasabi, designed to be an "explosion of aromas and flavours".
A sensory journey that combines haute cuisine with innovative culinary techniques: The restaurant emphasizes not just food but a full sensory experience, where each dish is presented as an edible work of art, complemented by masterful wine pairings from boutique producers, and a minimalist, elegant setting that highlights both the cuisine and the spectacular views.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Fifty Seconds in Lisbon are:
Oscietra caviar: Used to elevate dishes such as the Balfegó tuna with a touch of wasabi, adding luxury and refinement to the seafood-focused menu.
Balfegó tuna: A premium tuna variety featured prominently, showcasing the restaurant's emphasis on high-quality seafood.
Sea urchin: Highlighted in a delicate dish with onion essence, representing the restaurant's skill in balancing subtle and profound flavors.
Turbot: Served with fennel, Asian citrus spices, and turmeric, this ingredient reflects the fusion of Portuguese and international flavors in the tasting menu.
Beetroot: Used creatively alongside smoked eel and masala, beetroot contributes to the restaurant’s innovative approach to combining land and sea ingredients.
These ingredients are significant as they embody the restaurant's philosophy of combining premium local seafood with global spices and flavors, creating a sophisticated and sensory-rich dining experience under Chef Rui Silvestre's direction.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menus
- Discovery Menu: 7 courses, €180
- Experience Menu: 9 courses, €220
- Taste of the World Menu: 12 courses, €280
Signature Dishes
- Blue Lobster: €95
- Oysters with Yuzu and Miso: €25
In The Media
Fifty Seconds Martin Berasategui-Lisbon-Restaurant-50BestDiscovery
Perched 120m above ground level in Lisbon's landmark, 145m-tall Vasco de Gama tower, 10-table Fifty Seconds is a beacon of haute gastronomy.
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