Lisbon by Night Restaurant

Aside from screwing up my reservation, I’m very happy with the food and service.
Came here pre-​Valentines with my GF. She loves seafood. We had the all you can eat seafood for $ 29.95 which is a great deal considering all the stuff you get. Fish is surprisingly filling. After 1 round of everything I was stuffed. The flavors were excellent. I don’t remember the fish names but I had maybe 3 – 4 kinds of fish, shrimp, and squid. Actually we were stuffed because one of the selection was a WHOLE fish.
This is a good way to do AYCE to maintain quality. They cook it fresh, then bring it to all the tables to ask if customers want.
To top it off, they have live music. They were singing Portuguese songs and even though I didn’t understand, we had a good time.

The night started out well enough. We ordered dinner and it took a bit of time for appetizer to arrive but they were yummy. The main courses were very good and quite authentic. Then the wheels fell off, the service became non existent. The music started but would have been nice to have more Portuguese rather that North American songs. As the night when the service became worse. Ordered the dessert were very disappointing. My daughter ordered a lava cake and the care and chocolate lava cake that was burnt including these sauce it inedible. My espresso was also burnt and un drinkable. Disappointing so much potential and everything that went wrong was totally avoidable

I would give this place negative infinity stars if I could.
We went for WInterlicious and I checked the reviews and thought okay this place sounds pretty good. I made a reservation two weeks in advance and we arrived exactly 3 minutes late. The hostess told us it would be 15 minutes for our table. 30 minutes later, still no table. They gave us a tiny two person table to sit at while waiting and eventually we got tired of waiting and just asked if we could sit there. The hostess made it sound like she was doing us a favour by letting us sit there and didn’t apologize. As I looked around the restaurant and observed her talking to the guests, the more and more I thought she had just given our table to one of her friends. If you’ve read the other reviews, you will know that there is a small stage there. When the live musician started playing, we were so crammed into the corner, he was literally playing into my friend’s ear.
The food was all lukewarm and the quality was similar to cafeteria food. I actually gagged and wanted to throw up when I ate one of the sardines. They served our food like they were rushing us out. Now that I think about it I don’t know why we stayed and didn’t just get up and leave.
When it came to pay our bill, our server didn’t understand that we wanted to split the bill and we had to wait a long time for the hostess who I guess is also the manager to come and just split our bill in three.
All in all a TERRIBLE experience. Will NEVER come back.

Hadn’t been here in 20 years, not much has changed.
Went for a birthday and thankfully Winterlicious was on. For what this restaurant is, their regular prices are steep so I definitely appreciated getting a meal for $ 25.
So the menu is full of options, and they the cocktail menu seems to go on forever. A separate drinks menu is definitely something to consider. Their prices are on the high side. The food though great isn’t the best Portuguese food to be found in Toronto especially that area. My brother’s steak was not cooked to his liking.
As for the service, definitely lacking. Very long wait, even for appetizers. They forgot my husband’s calamari, had to flag someone down. When it did come it wasn’t presented like the calamari other’s ordered. Seemed it was in fact forgotten and they just cooked it up and slapped it on a plate to get it out. My brother ordered jumbo shrimp, never came, the waitress played it off like he never ordered them. She said it would be a while, when they did arrive part way through the entrée he said they were awful. One of my biggest gripes; food not being served to everyone at the same time. It’s awkward eating while your husband is waiting in front of you for 15 minutes until his entrée arrives. The staff seems to be very quick to move you along, seeing hands reach for my plate while I’m still eating! Taking away my sister in law’s wine when a third was remaining, removing another guest’s napkin. Very amateur mistakes. For coffee my sister in law’s espresso was forgotten. Good thing they include their tips because if they didn’t I would just round up my total.
The ambiance; well it’s dark and dated. So dark it’s hard to see if your steak is well cooked. The entertainment; it’s light and dated. One man band on a synthesizer is what you can expect. The playlist includes awkward renditions of Lionel Richie, Enrique Iglesias, Ben E King, Spanish classics and Brazilian pop music. His take on Happy Birthday was also, different.
It was 20 years between visits but I would never have guessed. The ambiance, menu, food and service does command the prices of their dishes.

My partner’s birthday today. We decided to give this restaurant a try as recommended by our friends. Food was great. All you can eat fish. Served on veriaty of fresh fish. Server will bring on different kinds of fishes from time to time to choose from. Stuffed before he finished the last round. Also included soup and salad and grilled pineapple… service was great. Live band. Definitely will come back.

The whole fish was amazing, sea bream. The large shrimps were a little over cooked. Otherwise the place is a fine dining environment on the second floor, and there was some live music in the background. Nice place would recommend it.

From all the Portuguese places I’ve been in Toronto! This is the best restaurant I’ve been in. The food is fresh and the cooks know how to cook. Also their is entertainment with the singer with English songs and Portuguese. It’s a must for restaurant lovers. I tried most of the dishes and no complaints. Always fantastic

Went here for my birthday. Used to go here every year as a kid for my Grandmother’s birthday. Raised Portuguese and this place used to be the definitive spot for authentic food. Sigh. Times have changed.
I ordered the Bacalhau casa because I’m told it’s a portion of cod fish, pan fried and topped with tomatoes and onions. Great! In reality, it’s an enormous portion of salted cod which has been deep fried. It’s tough and leathery and far too salty. There’s an art to desalting salted cod fish! I manage to eat a quarter of my meal. There’s so many potatoes and so much fish, I’m tempted to share it with the table across from us considering the waitress is yelling at them because they want to know what kind of fish will be served if they order the ‘all you can eat’.
Dessert was awful. Initially I order the flan. They forgot to make it. So I order the crème caramel with the caveat that if it’s not baked properly, I’m returning it. Our waitress assures us «the crème caramel is very good here». It’s over baked and more like scrambled eggs.
Last time here for sure.

We went there on a recent Sunday night, and I gotta say, this was really pretty mediocre. I got the Fish Rodizio, my husband got the Grouper, and it was like cafeteria quality food. My daughter got the garlic/​parsley/​egg soup, which she described as a cup of olive oil poured on top of some bread and parsley. The décor is kind of old and depressing. I would not go there again

I came here for the first time in June and hadn’t written a review. Both myself and my bf received the AYCE fish, I loved it. I haven’t had some of these things since I went to Portugal, My bf loves seafood and also liked the fish. They brought out everything one at a time, pretty quick. We got to try everything once and then they asked what we would like to get again which was nice. Came with small sides for the two of us, which i liked because I didn’t want to fill up on the sides. CORN BREAD mmmmm love it. I am actually going again this weekend. Can’t wait

Was curious about Portuguese food and decided on this place for summerlicious and read a lot of review before doing so. My sister got the 7oz Portuguese Steak, delicious. I ordered the Shrimp Casserole and loved it.
The reviews were right on the money about the Grouper. The outer layer was burnt and fish slightly overcooked (slightly disappointed since Portuguese food is big on fish).
However, service was good and attentive despite the busy environment.
We were asked if we wanted refills for the bread to which we agreed on. The bread combined with the stacked bottle containing balsamic vinegar and olive oil was one of the many highlights of the the starter to the meal.
The musician played a few classic songs during the meal on his keyboard to which I did not mind. He had a tiny disco light shooting hearts and start patterns into the ceiling which was a bonus. It’s not a bad place to take your significant other on a date, maybe even dance to a few songs, but I wish he played more.
Aside from that, he played the birthday song a few times as there were a few being celebrated. The atmosphere was lively and everyone joined in to sing and clap for the embarrassed birthday man/​woman.
For the price that you pay the amount and quality of food and service cannot be dismissed. If you avoid the Grouper, this place will give you a run for your money.

+.5 for service
Summerlicious 2015 led me to Lisbon by Night Restaurant, as my family wanted to try some Portuguese dining, as we rarely eat authentic Portuguese food outside Macau.
The restaurant is on top of a flight of stairs, so if you can’t walk up stairs… sorry you’re out of luck (I took away a half-​star there). Also, I reserved for a Sunday night at 7:30pm and the place was full house… so if you don’t reserve, chances are you’ll have to wait for a table.
This place is probably one of the few places that offer quite a large range of options for Summerlicious. I ordered the grilled calamari in wine garlic sauce, seafood risotto, and the fresh cream with sweet egg. I found them all to be very good, with my only complaint being that a couple of mussel shells would not open, meaning they were undercooked. However, my dad’s Portuguese steak was overcooked, as he asked for medium rare and received a medium well steak. He also felt that the steak was quite thin, and for a $ 25 set course it could’ve been of a higher quality.
Service was great the whole way, and I found the waitresses overall to be able to keep up with the Summerlicious demand in this restaurant.
Will I return? Perhaps to try other things, but I am open to any better Portuguese restaurants in the GTA.

I had high hopes when I made a Summerlicious reservation over the weekend. I was sold by the friendly lady on the phone who took my reservation and my number.
We were a party of 3; we became a little giddy when the gentleman who greeted us asked us to pick a table in the middle of the restaurant and walked away. When one of us suggested (amongst ourselves, because we were not attended to, and we’re still standing) by the window. A pitchy lady came by quickly and asked us loudly if she could help us.
Anyhow, so we got a table by the window and has a very polite server. Unfortunately politeness does not cut it when you are not all that attentive. We had to wait for her to appear and wave her down to get water on numerous occasions. We also noticed at this restaurant, the servers only refill water for their assigned tables.
The apps were great– we had Caldo Verde, Grilled sardines (just how I remembered them on our trip to Portugal), and Grilled Calamari.
We then had a very homey tasting steak (the gravy– soaked sliced potatoes were also delist!), a lukewarm Grilled Grouper, and also a lukewarm plate of very chewey Pork Aletejana– maybe the kitchen was not able to multi task?
Then came dessert time! We had the crème caramel, and two egg custard tarts (natas). They were okay, ive had better in Montréal, and of course can’t compare to the ones in Belem!
Also, I was the only drinker in the group and asked for a glass of sangria. Our server had no intention to accommodate and said it only comes in half a litre or a full litre.
Definitely won’t visit again.

I went to Lisbon by Night for a friend who is leaving Toronto so we were a big group of people.
We had the all you can eat menu. I am not a big fan of fish and the menu was pretty much all fish which is not ideal for me but I liked it! Everything was very tasty, service was good. Servers would often come with different plate of fish to fill our plate. There was constantly wine on our table. The only thing maybe some water on the table would have been nice so I didn’t have to wait and try to catch a waiter everytime I was thirsty.
There was people playing traditional portugese music at sone point during the night so that was a nice touch.
3 stars because when came the time to pay I wasn’t told the tip was included (contrary to some friends on the other table) on a bill that was expensive for me (hint: all the wine that was split) and I didn’t see the bill to notice it therefore I paid the tip twice on a not so cheap bill… I know I should have thought of it but I didn’t so…

Came here for a friend’s birthday luncheon on Saturday and we were the only diners for the afternoon which makes me wonder what was wrong with this restaurant.
With a name like Lisbon by Night, perhaps it’s more of an evening place since they offer entertainment and has a small dancefloor.
Good thing about having the place to ourselves, it felt like a private dining event and we had the full attention of the server who was the only staff out front, other than the 4 ladies working in the kitchen and perhaps someone who may have been the manager.
The server was very friendly and pleasant which was definitely good since we were celebrating a special occasion and didn’t want it marred by bad service. For someone working the dining room on his own, he managed quite well and always had a smile on his face.
We came specifically for the fish rodizio, but the good thing about this restaurant, they didn’t require everyone at the table to order the all-​you-​can-​eat fish rodizio since two friends weren’t too hungry or liked fish so they ordered off the menu.
The menu had a vast selection of food with reasonable prices and the fish rodizio was only $ 24.95 which was a great price since most of the fish dishes range between $ 20-​$ 30.
Selection of wine was decent with various prices, but we opted for the sangria which was quite delicious, not the best as the menu suggested, but pretty good for $ 25 per litre.
Bread served was warm and fresh, but we were careful not to fill ourselves up with too much because we all know that one can go overboard with bread. The friends who ordered off the menu were pleased with their meals and portions were a good size. I had a sample of the tomato salad which was fresh and lightly drizzled with vinaigrette and topped with sprouts.
The other 4 friends and myself patiently awaited the fish rodizio to start. We were served a fish soup to begin which was quite tasty and had chunks of white fish in it, but I cannot tell what kind of fish and forgot to ask the server. The sides served (potatoes, rice and beans, and tomato/​cucumber salad) were tasty and flavourful. Then slowly the fish rodizio started to arrive which was good timing as it came out one dish at a time: seabass, kingfish, monkfish, salmon, calamari, shrimps. I wonder if there were more options in the evening.
After the first round, the server asked if we wanted any extra fish, which some of us ordered more. I found the second round was more tasty than the first. My favourite was the seabass and the salmon because it was seasoned well and fish was flaky.
Some of the fish during the first round was a little bland tasting and a bit overcooked, but with lemon and the sides it was edible. Although, I didn’t finish all of it like my friends did. The calamari was bland and didn’t taste fresh, it wasn’t quite the rubbery taste, but it didn’t sit well in my mouth and after a few pieces I just gave up. My friends didn’t have any issues with it, perhaps it’s just me being particular, but I love calamari and knew it tasted off or could it be it was from frozen.
The shrimps definitely made up for the lack of flavour of the calamari as the shrimps were seasoned well and cooked in sauce which enhanced the flavour. Plus it was deveined making it an enjoyable experience and not having to see the black remnants of the shrimp in tact was a pretty sight.
Dessert was the grilled pineapple and cinnamon which was served with a knife and fork directly displayed perpendicular on the plate which was quite unusual, but made for a different serving experience. Pineapple smelled like apple pie and it was absolutely delicious. Only one person in our group ordered coffee and it smelled fresh and aromatic, plus served with a small piece of chocolate. My friend said it was excellente just like what was displayed inside the cup.
Since it was a friend’s birthday, I had brought a cake which the server had refrigerated when I arrived. Since I forgot to bring candles, the server said that he can take care of it. He brought out the cake when we were ready and even had happy birthday music playing when he came out with the lit cake. Our friend was definitely surprised and pleased, plus everyone was happy. What a good celebration with friends and we had exceptional service.
Overall, Lisbon by Night was an enjoyable dining experience and I would definitely return to try the regular menu and perhaps a dinner fish rodizio so I can experience the live music and see if there are more fish selection. For $ 24.95, the fish rodizio was good value and the quality of the fish wasn’t too bad. Must try again.

Excellent service, food and atmosphere. Table ordered steak, chicken, veal, salmon and Cornish hen. Everything cooked to perfection and plated beautifully!

Excellent Food
Excellent Service
Great looking medium to large size restaurant
They start you off with a large basket of breads served with olive oil and butter.
The all you can eat seafood is extremely filling with a variety of good quality fish, and they just keep coming to you with more every few minutes (you have to ask the waiter to either slow down or stop brining out the food at some point)
Service by the entire staff is top notch.
Live music was not too loud when I was there, perfect for having a conversation with music playing in the background.
(Only complaint I have is that the coffee cup had lipstick on it). I’d definitely go back there!
I was there on a not so busy Friday night (long weekend), however the place gets full and requires reservation on weekends.

Just had their lunch winterlicious menu, the location and atmosphere is not too bad.
food is is a bit over burn which i can accept that for the price.
BUT THEY CHARGE $ 2 FOR A SLICE OF LEMON WITH HOT WATER FOR EACH OF US!!!
*I asked them nicely to fix the bill and they insist to charge me by saying it’s a lemon water. should just order a juice or sth instead…
Never want to go back again.

I came here for Summerlicious on the weekend. It wasn’t packed since it was early.
Food: I ordered the Beet Salad, Grilled Calamari and the Passionfruit Flan. This was a great meal for lunch. The Calamari was perfectly grilled. I’m Chinese and I didn’t know Portuguese Cuisine used ‘guy-​lan’ as a garnish. The beet salad is just like any other beet salad. Surprisingly, the flan was my favourite! Great passionfruit flavour, goes down smooth in your mouth.

The waiter I had was terrible. I just wanted a grilled salmon, grilled shrimp, or even roasted chicken dinner. He said «its not on the menu» and refused to ask the kitchen to make it.
Prices are quite high for the regular entrees.

Ce restaurant portugais n’a peut-​être pas changé de décor depuis les années soixante-​dix, le menu est classique mais le service est excellent et les plats aussi. Les fruits de mer sont particulièrement bien préparés.