Lisbon: Dinner with Rising Stars of Fado at Canto do Poeta

Lisbon: Dinner with Rising Stars of Fado at Canto do Poeta

In Lisbon, Canto do Poeta offers a 3-hour evening of live fado performances featuring emerging talents of Portugal’s iconic music style. For $65 per person, guests enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner, complemented by select wines and a cozy, authentic setting in the historic Alfama neighborhood. This tour is perfect for those seeking a genuine, cultural experience away from tourist crowds, with a focus on up-and-coming fado artists playing with Portuguese guitar and Fado viola.

The venue’s intimate atmosphere and careful curation create a memorable night. While the experience includes dinner and live performances with a full menu and wine tastings, drinks like spirits and cocktails are not included. The flexible cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance. This tour appeals most to visitors eager to explore local music and cuisine in a small, authentic venue that emphasizes quality and tradition.

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Key Points

• Authentic Lisbon fado experience with performances by rising stars of the genre
• Includes a traditional Portuguese dinner with wine tastings and a curated musical show
• Located in the historic Alfama neighborhood, in a cozy, genuine venue
• Duration of 3 hours with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours before
• Price of $65 per person, offering good value for an intimate cultural evening

Authentic Fado Performances by Emerging Talents in Lisbon

Canto do Poeta is renowned for showcasing over a dozen fado singers and eight talented musicians who perform on alternate nights. These live shows honor both established names and new-generation artists, providing a diverse and lively program. The performances are carefully curated to highlight the emotional depth of fado, accompanied by Portuguese guitar and Fado viola, ensuring an authentic auditory experience.

The venue’s natural acoustics and intimate setting make each performance feel personal and engaging. Visitors can expect to hear a variety of styles and musical expressions, giving a genuine taste of Lisbon’s fado tradition. The curation guarantees a rich, emotional journey that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned fans of Portuguese music.

The Historic Alfama Venue in Lisbon

Canto do Poeta is situated in Lisbon’s Estrela neighborhood, known for its authentic atmosphere and bohemian charm. The venue itself is a typical Alfama house, which makes guests feel like they are visiting a local’s home. The interior is cozy, with warm lighting and traditional decor, creating an intimate environment perfect for listening to live fado.

The location is easily accessible from central Lisbon, and the venue is praised for being easy to find and well-integrated into the neighborhood. This historic setting enhances the overall experience, allowing visitors to connect with Lisbon’s cultural roots while enjoying music and cuisine in a genuine, local atmosphere.

The Curated Dinner Menu and Wine Tastings

The full menu includes traditional Portuguese dishes, starting with a couvert, starters, main course, and dessert. Each dish is prepared with top-quality ingredients, making the meal a highlight of the evening. An authentic experience is further enhanced by a wine tasting, beginning with a welcome Moscatel, followed by Vinho Verde during the starters, and concluding with a Reserva Port wine to finish the meal.

Guests appreciate the variety and presentation of the food, noting that the dishes are well-executed and flavorful. The wine pairings complement the meal nicely, adding a relaxing, celebratory feel to the night. The dinner is designed to be more than just a meal — it’s part of the cultural journey that makes this experience special and memorable.

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The Experience of Live Fado in a Small, Personal Setting

The venue’s small size—with only around 14 guests at some events—creates an intimate environment where music and conversation blend effortlessly. Several reviews highlight that this personalized setting makes the performance more engaging and emotionally impactful. The small crowd enables guests to closely connect with the artists and feel part of a genuine musical moment.

The performances are diverse and captivating, with a female vocalist offering beautiful singing, accompanied by Portuguese and classical guitars. After a brief break, a male vocalist continues the tradition with equally impressive renditions. The personalized atmosphere and professional musicianship make this an outstanding way to experience Lisbon’s fado.

Flexibility and Practical Details of the Tour

This 3-hour experience allows for flexible starting times—check availability to choose what suits your schedule. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making this a low-risk option if plans change. The tour includes the performance and dinner, but spirits and cocktails are not included, so guests may wish to bring additional drinks if desired.

The venue’s location from the metro makes it easy to access from other parts of Lisbon. The price of $65 offers good value, considering the quality of the music, food, and setting. While the venue is cosy and authentic, it might be less suitable for those seeking a large concert experience or more formal dining.

The Value of a Night with Emerging Fado Talent

This tour offers a unique chance to see up-and-coming fado artists in a carefully curated setting. The combination of live music, authentic food, and wine makes for a well-rounded cultural evening. Reviews consistently praise the high quality of performances and delicious food, making it clear that this experience delivers excellent value.

While the experience focuses on the new generation of fadistas, established artists sometimes also perform, ensuring a balanced showcase. The small venue and personalized service make it feel like a private concert, ideal for those looking for a genuine, immersive fado night in Lisbon.

The Experience for Celebrations and Special Occasions

Many reviews mention celebrating birthdays or special events at Canto do Poeta. The venue’s intimate setting and friendly staff help create a festive yet relaxed atmosphere. The staff are praised for their attentiveness and first-class treatment, making guests feel welcomed and cared for.

The musicians and service team go out of their way to enhance celebrations, singing “Happy Birthday” in Portuguese or providing extra attentive service. This venue is particularly well-suited for small groups or romantic evenings that seek a personal touch combined with authentic Lisbon culture.

Accessibility and Location Tips for Visitors

Located in Lisbon’s Estrela neighborhood, Canto do Poeta is easy to reach from the metro, making it convenient for most visitors. The venue’s cozy size is highlighted as a plus for creating an intimate experience but may be less accessible for guests with mobility issues due to its traditional house setting.

Guests should arrive a bit early to secure the best seats and enjoy the full experience. The venue’s ambiance and location help transport visitors into Lisbon’s historic heart, making the overall experience one that connects music, food, and neighborhood charm.

Final Thoughts on Lisbon’s Fado Dinner Experience

Canto do Poeta offers a delightful evening for those interested in Lisbon’s musical heritage and Portuguese gastronomy. The curated performances by rising fado stars combined with authentic food and wine create a balanced, culturally rich experience. The price point of $65 is reasonable for an intimate, high-quality night of entertainment and dining.

The small venue and warm atmosphere make this a great choice for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a night of genuine Lisbon tradition. While the experience is not suited for those seeking a large concert or a formal meal, it excels in delivering authenticity and personal touch. Expect memorable performances, delicious food, and an overall warm ambiance that captures the spirit of Lisbon’s fado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the dinner included in the price?
Yes, the full Portuguese menu is included, featuring appetizers, a main dish, dessert, and coffee.

Are drinks included in the experience?
No, spirits and cocktails are not included, but guests enjoy a selection of wines and a wine tasting during the meal.

Can I cancel this experience?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Where is Canto do Poeta located?
It is situated in the Estrela neighborhood of Lisbon, within a typical Alfama house.

How long is the performance?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including dinner and live music.

Is this experience suitable for celebrations?
Absolutely, reviews mention birthday celebrations and small groups enjoying the personalized atmosphere.

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