Bonjardim image

Bonjardim

Restaurant

Simple decor & roadside seating at a restaurant known for spit-roasted chicken with piri-piri sauce. People often mention chicken, service, good, peri, restaurant, sauce, table, fries, Bonjardim, waiter,


Address

Tv. de Santo Antão 11, 1150-312 Lisboa, Portugal

Website

www.tripadvisor.pt

Contact

+351 21 342 4389

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.00 (3.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 12 to 11 PM
  • Monday: 12 to 11 PM
  • Tuesday: 12 to 11 PM
  • Wednesday: 12 to 11 PM
  • Thursday: 12 to 11 PM
  • Friday: 12 to 11 PM
  • Saturday: 12 to 11 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: chicken (78) service (24) good (22) peri (17) restaurant (16) sauce (12) table (12) fries (11) Bonjardim (10) waiter (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Sparsha M. 4 months ago on Google • 108 reviews
    We came here to try their renowned chicken, and it certainly lived up to its reputation, at least for my partner. Personally, I anticipated a bit more flavor, and it seemed to lack a certain something. For starters, I opted for the chicken soup, but unfortunately, it was overly salty, making it difficult to enjoy beyond a few spoonfuls. It would have been perfect otherwise. The highlight which is their rotisserie chicken, was undeniably succulent and delicious. Its served with a side of fries. However, I did not like their peri peri oil, which would have made the chicken so much more appetizing, since it was lacking the spiciness that I was expecting. On the service front, I must say we had a positive experience. The staff was friendly and prompt, contrary to some reviews I had come across. While it might not have completely aligned with my taste preferences, it's worth a visit for those who appreciate well-cooked, flavorful portuguese chicken.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jaber M. 4 months ago on Google • 679 reviews
    Nestled in a charming alleyway of Lisbon's old town, Bonjardim proudly claims to be the birthplace of the world-renowned Peri Peri chicken. This cozy restaurant, with its inviting indoor and outdoor seating, seamlessly blends the warmth of local hospitality with the vibrant buzz of international travelers. From the moment you step into Bonjardim, you're greeted by the attentive smiles of their friendly staff. Their impeccable English skills and genuine warmth set the tone for an exceptional dining experience. The waiter who assisted me proved to be a culinary guide, offering recommendations that perfectly aligned with my taste buds. As the chilly Lisbon air nipped at my skin, I opted for the chicken broth soup with rice, a comforting starter that soothed my senses. The broth, infused with the essence of slow-cooked chicken, was a symphony of flavors, each note harmonizing perfectly with the fluffy grains of rice. For my main course, I surrendered to the temptation of their iconic Peri Peri chicken, accompanied by a generous portion of Brazilian rice, a delightful blend of rice and chicken livers. The chicken, grilled to a succulent perfection, was a testament to their culinary expertise. The fiery dance of Peri Peri oil, served on the side, allowed me to tailor the heat level to my preference. The oil, with its pleasantly lingering spiciness, added a touch of vibrancy without overwhelming the palate. Bonjardim is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience that encapsulates the essence of Lisbon. From the warm hospitality to the explosion of flavors, each moment spent within its walls is a testament to their passion for food and their commitment to creating unforgettable culinary memories. Without a doubt, Bonjardim will be my go-to destination whenever my travels bring me back to Lisbon.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chad S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great spot for outdoor dinning! We got here a little bit before noon and luckily we did as people started flowing in for lunch. The beer (Super Bock) was ice cold and the cod fresh!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tabassum Khan Z. 1 year ago on Google
    This was the best peri peri chicken I’ve ever had (Nando’s will never be the same again), the restaurant specialises in chicken, chips and a delicious peri peri sauce. The staff are also very nice and accommodating. We visited twice on a weekend trip and will most definitely return in.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Laszlo N. 5 months ago on Google • 523 reviews
    If we want to be very simplistic, this place serves grilled chicken, but the way they prepare it, it is on a whole new level. It tastes so hoog. It literally melts in your mouth. I would highly recommend trying this if you need something nice to eat and if you are in the area. We heard about it and came along just to visit this place but I definitely consider it a well worth trip for this food. Also tried Porto wine here, just to have the whole package, but for that there are other places as well. It was a good experience anyway. Be careful with the spicy sauce on the table. A little is nice, more is very hot. Of course this depends how hot you like it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aaron S. 3 months ago on Google • 163 reviews New
    Had a great lunch here on a Sunday. The place was bustling and the dining room full. Had the chicken soup and roast chicken. Both were fantastic. The roast chicken was crunchy, salty, and spicy. Would definitely go back for more.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Judelives G. 1 month ago on Google • 90 reviews New
    This is a really cool restaurant it's located in a corner and actually I like the seating it's small it's actually very quaint and you can just go there if you want to just have a really good meal. A couple of the items that I tried one was the Spitfire chicken and their fries which were delicious especially with their Portuguese hot sauce. Amazingly the chicken is moist it's savory it's you will get full just eating it really because they give you half of a chicken and with the fries. Keep in mind that if they put the bread on your table it is not free there is a charge so make sure that you don't touch it and you let the server know that you're not interested in the bread to be honest you really don't need the bread you really just want to focus on the main meal. As for their cod fish cake I tried it it was okay it wasn't what I had expected to be honest it didn't really have much flavor so that's probably the only negative but otherwise the service the environment was really nice and I honestly felt like it was a good place to go and eat dinner.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandon B. 1 year ago on Google
    The piri piri sauce is the perfect level of heat to add to the well-roasted chicken. The beer was nice and crisp and we even had some live music from musicians walking down the alleyways. Pro tip- if you’re getting two portions of the chicken, you can ask them to roast the chicken I some of the sauce, they just can’t do it for a half.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ana M. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent chicken! We got the food after 10 min of sitting in our table, so super fast! The price is really good also.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 CY K. 9 months ago on Google
    Ordered chicken soup, roasted chicken, fries and beers. I was very impressed by the chicken soup, so flavorful and homey. Roasted chicken is good too. Fries is not bad. The whole meal made me feel warm and satisfied. I wish there is a restaurant like this near where I live so I could go there whenever I feel that I need some comfort.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott T. 5 months ago on Google • 102 reviews
    Highly recommended and a Peri Peri institution. From the moment we sat down to the time we left, we were entertained by the experienced waiter that suggested he was there for 50 years. We didn’t order. He brought food. The chicken was tender and flavourful. The table wine was cheap and delicious. Tip of the day: don’t argue with the servers. Just sit back and enjoy the night.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Cesar D. 4 months ago on Google • 79 reviews
    A Culinary Gem with Regrettable Service Rating: ★★★★☆ I recently had the pleasure of dining at Bonjardim, a restaurant renowned for its exquisite fried chicken. The restaurant's culinary offerings are indeed a delight for the taste buds, and I can't praise the chicken enough. However, the same cannot be said for the service, and that's a real shame. The standout feature of Bonjardim is, without a doubt, its succulent fried chicken. The crispy exterior, perfectly seasoned with a tantalizing blend of spices, encases tender and juicy meat that practically melts in your mouth. The flavors are exquisite, and the chicken alone is worth the visit. But here's the rub – the service at Bonjardim leaves much to be desired. From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I encountered a rather unpleasant encounter with the waiter. When I attempted to place my order for a half-chicken, he almost yelled at me, insisting that this portion was meant for just one person. This rather brash attitude was disconcerting and far from the warm and welcoming atmosphere one expects at such a renowned establishment. The most glaring mishap, however, occurred when the waiter brought our plates to the table. Rather than gently setting them down, he carelessly tossed them onto the table. The clattering plates were an unwelcome and shocking interruption to our otherwise enjoyable meal. This type of service is inexcusable, especially for a restaurant of Bonjardim's reputation. While the exceptional fried chicken may keep locals coming back, the lackluster service, as I experienced it, might deter potential returning customers. For foreign visitors, in particular, the service could be a deciding factor in choosing alternative dining options in the city. Bonjardim should take note that exceptional food alone is not enough to maintain a stellar reputation; exceptional service is equally critical. In conclusion, Bonjardim delivers some of the finest fried chicken you'll ever taste, but the regrettable service we encountered left a sour note in an otherwise delightful dining experience. Hopefully, the restaurant will address these service issues, ensuring that all guests can fully savor the culinary treasures it has to offer.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrea T. 1 year ago on Google
    The food and service are very good. It’s very affordable as well. I had the chicken which was perfectly roasted and the fries were nice as well as the mixed salad which was a perfect side. The piri piri sauce is so good and spicy. Definitely recommend coming here for a lunch or dinner. On some days they only serve chicken with fries and salad but it’s so good that I’d go for that anyways.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Joel D. 1 year ago on Google
    This restaurant, I believe, gets recommended by travel bloggers and vloggers, and for good reason: the Portuguese roasted chicken is really good! And for the price, believe me, this is well worth the money. Though I don't speak Portuguese, we were served in French as we're French speakers, but I also heard others around us being served in English as well. The service is friendly but don't expect rapid service at your beckon call; this place gets busy. We arrived when it opened and the tables started filling up after we had ordered. Most of the tables around us have also ordered the 1/2 chicken with fries. It is the star of the restaurant. We also ordered two beers. Be sure to drizzle some peri peri sauce when you open that chicken.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Prenith T. 1 month ago on Google • 57 reviews New
    No reservartion needed. We went around 5:30pm and got a seat outside. Food was very very tasty, just as we expected. Peri peri chicken is a must try. Soft from inside and the skin tasted yum. Fries were also good. We also tried the rice with cod fish cakes. It was as yum as the peri peri chicken. Lastly also tried the creamy spinach, thats also recommended. Lastly the bread which they give when we arrive(its not free) was also very tasty. Overall a very good experince and staff was also friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Erik M. 1 month ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    This is where you go for Peri-Peri chicken when in Lisboa. It is to die for. Do not worry if you don’t like heat. The Peri-Peri is added from a bottle on the table. The chicken itself is not hot. One big minus. The staff, although good, ends the dinner by asking you for a tip. It felt very intrusive, awkward and non-service minded. He did not get at tip. If he wouldn’t have asked he would.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Anna M. 5 months ago on Google
    Overrated /Average place-typical for tourists in the city centre After so much marketing for this place…. We were disappointed. This famous chicken is very crispy on the outside, with no condiments, no nothing on it. Plain Oven Chicken- it should be named. Desert? A slice of pineapple with a shot of Port turned over. Honestly? The salad was tasteless, with a bit of dressing on top but no flavours whatsoever. Service was rushed, they offered bread but then charged you for it. Nothing special with this place, average food- average service- Do not recommend it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Navroze B. 5 months ago on Google
    Of all the places I dined in Lisboa and the other parts of the world, this is the dining house that gets my life award. The chicken peri peri is mouth watering, well cooked with their secret sauce. The service is top-notch, and you are treated like royalty.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kalliana K. 8 months ago on Google
    Yummy chicken, service was prompt and meal came out quickly. We opted to sit outside but probably would have liked to sit upstairs as it was hot out that day. The chilli oil on the table packed a punch! Nice to find a place that serves chicken close to the township
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melisa �. 4 months ago on Google
    I had half a chicken, fries and salad. They were all very good. The salad came with a dressing that contained too much vinegar. If you don't like it, better to mention when you order. It is worth the value . I got there around 19:30 so I wasn't waiting for a table but around 20:15 there was a long line outside
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Sandy T. 1 year ago on Google
    Their famous roast chicken lived up to its reputation. However, it’s a 3 star rating due to service. We were seated immediately since we beat the dinner rush. However, two tables sat after us and our order was taken last. The waiter originally started taking our order and stopped mid way to go to the kitchen and serve another table their food. We asked for 2 appetizers and got 3 instead. Despite clarifying multiple times we only wanted 2. Our spaghetti (which was average tasting) was served for 2 when we’re a party of 3. The gesture was nice however we ended up serving ourselves from two separate bowls vs the one serving dish. It took very long for our bill to come, which was incorrect and needed to be adjusted. Overall, despite the chicken being delicious, the service was not great making the experience average, at best.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kimiya J. 2 years ago on Google
    Oh the lord, really amazing chicken, smooth like butter with a perfect crust and a tight balance in flavors. Even the salad was nice & fresh next to a hearty perfect chicken. It may not have a perfect ambiance. But you notice people are here to enjoying the same speciality of the chicken. And the lack of b busy & bustly street next to the restaurant makes it even more easier to enjoy the food. You can find enough life around the corner when you're done. Ask the right waiter about the food proces and they will give an enthusiastic story about where the chicken is from, how you should prepare chicken and the recipe!!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julia C. 1 year ago on Google
    Fabulous spit roasted chicken! We waited about 15 minutes in line to get a table and it was worth it. The service was very good and food came fast after we ordered. We arrived at peak lunch rush so the place was full. Very full! The chicken IS delicious and a nice change from all the fabulous seafood and Portuguese foods. Ours paired well with a dry white wine, and one of our party had a draft beer. (Sorry, I forgot to take a pic of the chicken before I dove in! 😬)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 What’s up for D. 4 months ago on Google • 158 reviews
    Bonjardim is not a restaurant it is an institution…. by the by this place is where the famous peri peri chicken was born. The restaurant is located in old town Lisbon, with its cobbled stone streets and old buildings, this place has a good vide to it. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, we came unannounced but were seated shortly. No points for guessing we did order the peri peri and the cod fritters, I honestly liked the cod better than the chicken. It is a good experience to have, definitely not disappointing. The service staff is very very sweet though, such warmth and friendliness, you can’t get that anywhere besides Lisbon.

  • 5/5 Jim F. 1 month ago on Google • 46 reviews New
    I was real curious about the actual chicken quality here beyond the sauce since it's a mixed bag when you see piri piri chicken in the States or UK but I'll confirm it's really outrageously good here. The sauce isn't the star, the beautifully cooked chicken is. If/when I go back I'd skip anything else and get more chicken as the rest was just solid. On the service note I had to give only **. We made only one request: for the chicken and shrimp to come out at the same time because the shrimp wasn't an app but my wife's main and they didn't get that right at all. Then the waiter actually asked for a tip at the end, despite this mistake. The only waiter that asked for a tip in a full week in Portugal was the only one that made a mistake. Not a great combo. Oh, I didnt take a pic but the salad / dressing is low-key great too. Simple but wonderful. Shrimp better elsewhere.

  • 5/5 Rachelle A. 1 month ago on Google • 19 reviews New
    The service was very friendly. I was a solo diner and they got me a good seat and treated me well. I had the 1/2 chicken with salad and rice - huge portions and couldn’t believe how quick the food came out. Really tasty food. Left very full and satisfied. Sat outside - only annoying thing was two men came, at the different times, trying to sell me sunglasses. But aside that, great experience. I would both recommend and come back. I found it quite difficult finding chicken and this definitely hit the spot. Price included 1/2 chicken, 2x sides, wine and a dessert (last meal in Portugal - didn’t eat for the next 12 hours was so full!!).

  • 3/5 Ellen T. 5 months ago on Google
    The food was okay- nothing spectacular. We had the chicken which was cooked well, but over-salted. The creamed spinach was good, but the portion size was huge. It's best to share and not order as a side for one person. It was the service that surprised me. After 17 days in Portugal, eating out every day, we had never had anyone demand a tip. The waiter actually demanded a tip and the service was not that great. He literally slammed a little cup on the table to put a tip in when we did not include it on the credit card. Would not choose to eat at this restaurant again.

  • 5/5 Corey Y. 5 months ago on Google • 12 reviews
    Super savory rotisserie chicken! The preparation is simple but the way it’s cooked is delicious! There’s a nice hot sauce of garlic and chiles on the tables that you can add to spice things up. Friendly waiters and super quick service at very reasonable prices.

  • 4/5 Vito E. 1 year ago on Google
    Mixed feelings... Quality is good, but not sure if it's worth the price, considering rotisserie chicken is everywhere in the city and not as pricey. The chicken (almost €12 for a whole small bird) is very succulent and well cooked to be fair, and the fries (€3.60) are nothing special, good though quite expensive (small portion and let's face it, they're frozen/packaged). But what's a chicken without the fries?

  • 5/5 Olivia D. 1 year ago on Google
    Delicious roasted chicken with all the sides! I was recommended this place by a friend and I’m so glad I went. I wanted an authentic Piri Piri chicken meal and I got it. 20€ for one person seemed more than reasonable to me (drink, chicken, salad, fries, rice). I will recommend this restaurant to others when they visit Lisbon!

  • 5/5 Helen S. 1 year ago on Google
    Chicken piri-piri an absolute winner with prices hard to beat. We ordered half a charred chicken each with this delicious piri sauce and we just had to order more. Fries and salad were fresh, and waiter attentive. Amazing buzz in the kitchen and bar area while we were eating, fun to watch. Pity we only discovered this on our last night.


Call +351 21 342 4389 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Late-night food
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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