Madrigal

The day before, we had clearly indulged a bit too much in Portugal. Bacalhau, black pork, frango assado… generous, rich dishes, and after a while, almost too much. So that noon, no hesitation: we wanted something light, simple, almost restorative.

No long searches. Just a tip picked up in a souvenir shop: go eat in a street behind the market. We head there a bit randomly… and stumble upon Madrigal.

First detail that catches the eye: all the tables are reserved. Well, almost. There’s one left.

We look at each other, and it’s immediate: if there are so many reservations, something must be happening here. We settle in.

At first, we doubt a little. Then people arrive, the tables fill up one by one. It wasn’t a setup: the restaurant is really busy.

And above all, it attracts everyone. Young people, older folks, very different profiles. A lively place, without labels, almost obvious in its mix. The kind of place that pleases without trying to please.

A hybrid menu, between Italy and Portugal

The menu oscillates between two worlds: risottos, pizzas, osso-buco… but also Portuguese classics like polvo or bifes. A somewhat surprising mix, but it fits quite well with this varied clientele.

That day, however, we don’t let ourselves be tempted. We stick to our initial idea: eat light.

Two salads, two approaches

• Xavier chooses a cod salad with chickpeas, bell peppers, and green salad. It’s generous, well-constructed, even if the cod is a bit understated. But the whole is coherent, perfect for the day.
• Caroline goes for a salmon salad, very fresh, very colorful, with tomatoes, toasted bread, red cabbage, olives… a plate that makes you want to dig in as soon as it arrives. Small downside: the expected mozzarella isn’t really there.

In both cases, the feeling is immediate: it feels good. It’s fresh, balanced, exactly what we needed after the excesses of the day before.

But in taste, something is missing. A bit of seasoning, a bit of depth. The result remains quite neutral, almost too mild.

And that’s where the contrast is created. Because around us, the dishes keep coming… and they all look incredibly appetizing. So much so that we wonder if we simply made the wrong choice.

Our plates were enticing. But in the mouth, they remain a bit behind.

A good moment, in the right context

The service follows a very Portuguese rhythm: relaxed, without pressure. Time stretches a bit, but never bothers.

In the end, Madrigal remains a good experience. Not a culinary revelation, but a lively, sincere place where you eat well — even if it’s not memorable.

31€ for two salads and two sparkling waters: a consistent price, in line with the rest.

Exactly what we needed at that moment… but not necessarily what we will remember the most.