Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is home to a captivating cultural tradition known as Fado. Visitors can enjoy this soulful art form during a Fado Night at Mesa de Frades, a beautifully renovated 18th-century chapel. Guests will experience live performances by talented fadistas, accompanied by the melancholic sounds of the Portuguese guitar, while savoring a traditional Portuguese dinner. This enchanting evening promises to transport attendees on a journey through Portugal’s rich musical heritage.

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Key Points

Experience an authentic Fado night at the historic Mesa de Frades venue, featuring live Fado performances and a traditional Portuguese dinner.
Explore the venue’s rich history, from its origins as a chapel to its transformation into a Fado house in the 19th century.
Enjoy the soulful sounds of Fado, performed by top and new-generation fadistas, accompanied by the melancholic Portuguese guitar.
Indulge in a menu of high-quality, authentic Portuguese cuisine, including classic dishes and the iconic Pastel de Nata dessert.
Enjoy the combination of Fado music and traditional Portuguese cuisine for a truly enriching cultural experience in Lisbon.

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Overview of the Fado Night Experience

The Fado Night experience takes visitors to Mesa de Frades, an iconic venue on the "Fado route" in Lisbon.

The Fado Night experience takes visitors to Mesa de Frades, an iconic venue on the "Fado route" in Lisbon.

Priced from $71.15 per person, the 2.5-hour event includes a live Fado performance and a traditional Portuguese dinner.

Availability is limited, so guests should check for starting times and book in advance.

With a history dating back to the 18th century, the former chapel setting provides a romantic and intimate ambiance for experiencing the soulful music.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before, allowing for flexibility in planning.

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Historical Significance of the Venue

Once the Fado Night experience is underway, guests will be captivated by the historical significance of the venue, Mesa de Frades.

Originally a chapel, it was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and later rebuilt by King Joseph in the 18th century. The building then served as a charcoal works and tavern before being transformed into a restaurant featuring Fado in 1994.

In 2005, renowned musician Pedro de Castro renovated the space, restoring it to its former glory as a Fado house.

Today, the venue’s 18th-century tiles and Royal Coat of Arms provide a fitting backdrop for the soulful Fado performances.

The Transformative Journey of Mesa De Frades

Though once a humble chapel, Mesa de Frades has endured a remarkable transformation over the centuries.

Devastated by the 1755 earthquake, the building was later rebuilt by King Joseph and served as a charcoal works and tavern.

In the 19th century, it became a hub for Fado performances, a tradition it has proudly carried on to this day.

Under the stewardship of musician Pedro de Castro, the venue underwent a renovation in 2005, emerging as a premier Fado house.

Today, Mesa de Frades stands as a bastion of Portugal’s cherished musical heritage, captivating visitors with its soulful performances and historic allure.

Immersive Fado Performances

What captivates visitors at Mesa de Frades is the immersive Fado performances that transport them to the heart of Portuguese musical tradition.

Top and new-generation fadistas enthrall the audience with their soulful vocals, accompanied by the melancholic sounds of the Portuguese guitar.

The intimate setting enhances the emotional connection, allowing guests to fully enjoy the evocative melodies and lyrics.

Fado, the quintessential Portuguese folk music, is brought to life through the skilled artistry of the performers, creating a truly authentic and unforgettable experience for all who witness it.

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Exploring the Traditional Portuguese Cuisine

Alongside the captivating Fado performances, the traditional Portuguese cuisine at Mesa de Frades delights guests with its focus on high-quality ingredients and authentic flavors. The menu features a selection of classic Portuguese dishes, each meticulously prepared to showcase the rich culinary heritage of the country.

| Dish | Description |

| — | — |

| Bacalhau à Brás | Shredded salted cod, sautéed with onions, eggs, and crispy potatoes |

| Cozido à Portuguesa | A hearty stew of various meats, sausages, and vegetables |

| Pastel de Nata | The iconic Portuguese custard tart, with a flaky crust and creamy filling |

| Vinho Verde | A refreshing light white wine from the Minho region |

The combination of soulful Fado and delectable Portuguese cuisine creates an immersive cultural experience for diners at Mesa de Frades.

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Capturing the Romantic Atmosphere

As guests step into the intimate confines of Mesa de Frades, they’re immediately enveloped in a palpable sense of romance and tradition.

The 18th-century tiles and royal coat of arms adorn the former chapel, now transformed into a cozy Fado house. Soft lighting, wooden furnishings, and close-knit seating create a convivial atmosphere, heightened by the soulful melodies of live Fado performances.

The music weaves a tapestry of emotion, drawing guests into the cultural heritage of Portugal. This historic venue, with its rich past and immersive experience, offers a truly authentic Fado night, evoking the essence of Lisbon’s enduring musical tradition.

Highlights From Guest Reviews

According to the reviews, guests have praised several standout aspects of the Fado night experience at Mesa de Frades.

The venue’s romantic and intimate atmosphere has been highlighted, with one reviewer recommending sitting near the door for an immersive experience.

Guests have also enjoyed the authentic Fado performances by top and new-generation fadistas, as well as the traditional Portuguese dishes made with top-quality ingredients.

The experience has been lauded for its value for money, with the food, music, and service receiving high marks from satisfied attendees.

Romantic and intimate atmosphere
Authentic Fado performances
Traditional Portuguese cuisine

Essential Details and Logistics

To partake in the Fado night experience at Mesa de Frades, guests can expect a 2.5-hour event with a live Fado performance and a traditional Portuguese dinner.

The experience is priced from $71.15 per person and features top and new-generation fadistas showcasing the soulful Fado music.

Due to the venue’s popularity, availability is limited, so early booking is recommended. Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The historic venue, a former chapel, offers a romantic and intimate atmosphere enhanced by the Fado music, though it isn’t suitable for guests with mobility impairments.

The Sum Up

The Fado Night at Mesa de Frades in Lisbon offers an unforgettable experience, blending the captivating sounds of Fado with the rich history and culture of the city. Set in a beautifully renovated 18th-century chapel, this immersive event promises an intimate and authentic taste of Portuguese tradition, complete with a delectable dinner and the soulful performances of talented fadistas.