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

Discovering Lisbon’s Fado Night: A Dinner with Rising Stars at Canto do Poeta

If you’re looking to spice up your Lisbon visit with a night of soulful music and hearty Portuguese food, the Dinner with Rising Stars of Fado at Canto do Poeta offers a compelling option. Without claiming to have attended myself, I’ve gathered insights from travelers who’ve enjoyed this experience, and it sounds like a night that’s both authentic and memorable.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines live performances by talented, emerging fadistas with a delicious, traditional Portuguese meal—all in a venue that feels genuine, away from overly touristy spots. Plus, the inclusion of a wine tasting elevates the entire experience, letting you savor local flavors alongside the music.

A possible consideration? The tour runs for about three hours, which is plenty of time to enjoy the show and meal, but it might feel a little long if you’re not into music or dining at a relaxed pace. Still, if you’re eager to dive into Lisbon’s fado scene in a setting that feels intimate and authentic, this tour is a solid pick.

This experience is particularly well-suited for those who want more than just sightseeing—people who love music, enjoy local cuisine, and appreciate a genuine cultural vibe. It’s also perfect if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a night that feels truly Lisbonian.

Key Points

• Authentic Venue: Dine in a classic Alfama neighborhood house with natural acoustics and cozy ambiance.
• High-Quality Performances: Enjoy live fado by both established and emerging talents—each night offers something unique.
• Gourmet Portuguese Food: Savor a full menu including traditional dishes, with high-quality ingredients and attentive service.
• Wine Tasting Included: Experience Portuguese wines with a welcome Moscatel, Vinho Verde during starters, and Reserva Port to finish.
• Personalized Atmosphere: The intimate setting creates a personal experience that stands apart from larger commercial shows.
• Value for Money: At $65 per person, the combination of dinner, live music, and wine offers good value, especially given the reviews praising the food and performances.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Setting the Scene: The Venue in Alfama

Canto do Poeta is located in Lisbon’s historic Estrela neighborhood, a part of the city known for its authentic charm. The venue itself exudes a warm, welcoming vibe that immediately sets the tone for an evening steeped in local culture. It’s a small, cozy space—many reviews highlight the intimacy of the setting, which makes the performances feel personal rather than staged for travelers.

Many visitors appreciate that it’s far from the tourist-heavy circuits, giving a genuine experience of fado that locals might enjoy. The venue’s natural acoustics help to amplify the singers’ voices, creating an emotional atmosphere where every note feels heartfelt. One traveler even mentioned that the venue’s setting contributed to a “small, intimate” feeling that made the music even more impactful.

The Fado Performances: Rising Stars and Old Hands

Each night at Canto do Poeta features performances by over a dozen fado singers, alongside a talented group of musicians. The performances are a blend of new-generation fadistas and seasoned artists, providing a variety of interpretations.

What makes this special is the focus on emerging talents—these are singers who are on the rise, bringing fresh takes to traditional fado. The reviews consistently mention that the performances are “fantastic,” “outstanding,” and “memorizable.” Many reviewers appreciated the diversity—some nights feature a female vocalist singing beautifully, others showcase a male singer delivering powerful renditions.

The performances are accompanied by Portuguese guitar and Fado viola, creating that unmistakable sound. The natural acoustics of the venue amplify the emotion behind the singing, making each note resonate deeply. As one reviewer noted, “the singing and guitar playing was even better than expected.”

The Food: A Taste of Portugal

The dinner menu is designed to be traditional and hearty, with a full course that includes starter, main, dessert, and coffee. The ingredients are top quality, and the presentation is generally well-reviewed. Travelers loved the variety—many noted that the food was “varied and well presented.”

Included in the experience is a full Portuguese menu with customary couvert, starters, main course, and dessert. The mention of authentic dishes makes it clear that this isn’t just a performance—it’s a genuine taste of Lisbon’s culinary traditions.

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Wine Tasting: A Perfect Complement

To enhance your evening, you’re invited to enjoy a sequence of Portuguese wines. You’ll start with a welcome Moscatel, then move on to Vinho Verde during the starters, and finish with a glass of Reserva Port wine. Guests often praise the wine selection, considering it a highlight alongside the music and food.

The wine pairing is a thoughtful touch—getting to sip these regional wines while listening to live fado creates a layered sensory experience. One reviewer commented, “The wine was excellent, and it added to the overall enjoyment of the night.”

The Practical Details

The tour lasts approximately three hours, which includes the performance, dinner, and wine tasting. It’s priced at $65 per person, which many reviews consider excellent value given the quality of the food, the intimacy of the venue, and the caliber of performers.

The experience is available with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it flexible for travelers who might have changing plans. The tour is conducted in English, making it accessible for international visitors.

What Travelers Say

The reviews paint a consistent picture: most guests rate it 5 out of 5, praising the knowledgeable performers, stunning vocals, and delicious food. Many mention that it’s a perfect way to experience Lisbon’s music scene authentically.

One said, “The small venue made the event feel personalized and unique,” while another noted, “The food, music, and wine were all top-notch.” Several reviewers also mention that staff members like Bruno and João went above and beyond to make their night special, and that the overall atmosphere fosters a sense of genuine culture.

Downsides and Considerations

A few reviews suggest that elderly guests might find the seating area could benefit from cushions, and since the experience is quite relaxed and lengthy, those with limited patience or short attention spans might want to plan accordingly.

It’s also worth noting that spirits and cocktails are not included, and drinks beyond the wines served during the tasting are not part of the package. If you love a cocktail or a more extensive bar selection, you might want to plan for that separately.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate authentic cultural experiences—those interested in music, wine, and traditional Portuguese cuisine. It’s a good pick for romantic evenings, small groups, or those celebrating special occasions.

It’s especially suited for anyone who prefers intimate settings over large, commercial performances. Since the venue is in a historic neighborhood, it’s also perfect for those wanting to soak in Lisbon’s local flavor while enjoying a memorable night out.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an evening that combines authentic fado music, quality food, and regional wines in a cozy, genuine setting, this experience at Canto do Poeta ticks many boxes. The performances by rising stars offer a fresh perspective on a cherished tradition, and the venue’s intimacy makes it a truly personal, heartfelt encounter with Lisbon’s soul.

For a reasonable price, you get a full evening of culture, cuisine, and connection—one that you’ll likely remember long after you leave Lisbon. Whether you’re celebrating a special night or simply want to enjoy the city’s musical heartbeat, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of what makes Lisbon special.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people who don’t speak Portuguese?
Yes, the performances are generally accessible with the tour conducted in English, and the music communicates emotion beyond language.

How long does the experience last?
The entire evening lasts about three hours, covering dinner, wine tasting, and the live fado show.

What is included in the price?
You get the live fado performance, a full traditional dinner, and a sequence of Portuguese wines starting with Moscatel, then Vinho Verde, and concluding with Reserva Port.

Are drinks other than wine available?
Spirits and cocktails are not included. Additional drinks beyond those served during the tasting are not part of the package.

Is this experience good for celebrating special occasions?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention celebrating birthdays or special moments, and staff often make those moments memorable.

Is the venue accessible for people with mobility issues?
The information provided doesn’t specify accessibility features. It’s best to contact the provider directly if this is a concern.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to plan with peace of mind.

Would I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended to secure your spot, especially during busy seasons.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While not specifically targeted at children, the calm and cultural nature of the event makes it suitable for older children and teens interested in music and Portugal’s culture.

If you’re seeking a genuine slice of Lisbon’s musical soul in a warm, inviting setting, this dinner with rising fado stars could be just the thing to make your trip truly special.

You can check availability for your dates here: