Terminal 4450, opened in the back half of 2015, is housed beside the Rio Leça, and through floor to ceiling windows you will see many boats float by, outbound for the wider ocean. As a restaurant professional, I say with confidence my home city of Chicago would take to this winning concept (you had us at “steak”….) Sharing portions of familiar sounding dishes (charcuterie, surf and turf) enhanced with Portuguese ingredients and insider knowledge, paired with well balanced cocktails, made for an amazing dinner.
Service was warmly attentive to every detail, the gentleman taking care of us gamely putting up with my lame jokes (I would say lame American jokes but here I must accept the blame, not my country) and imparting genuine recommendations. I was impressed by the questions he asked to ascertain my dining companion’s palette for drink, and she ended up loving their dry take on sangria. For an appetizer, she and I shared little sandwiches of roast beef with caramelized onion, truffle mayo and arugula… these flavors together made for satisfying bites. Our shared entree of steak and prawns was so well cooked and paired so beautifully with the jus-based sauce, it was one of the best dishes I’ve had in the past year. Our server generously brought us delicious delicately fried polenta on the house.
When I visit a new city (or an old city, as it’s mostly old cities in Europe) the first thing on my mind is restaurant food. I love to explore a place by dining out on different levels: street food, fast casual, full service, fine dining. There are always many classic restaurants that one must-try: newly opened restaurants are more a roll of the dice. My friend’s recommendation for Terminal 4450 however turned out to be a surprise delight, a culinary high of my first visit to her city. Steakhouse and cocktail bar meets water views and modern design… big thank you to the chefs and service staff who are already making magic happen!