Start with a hardworking Nepalese, blend in a few years of learning Italian cuisine, then toss in the city of Lisbon and the end result? One incredible success story; Tanka Sapkota and his restaurant Come Prima.
I knew fish was going to be a huge part of the restaurant experience while in Lisbon, so during my research I found several great reviews on a small Italian place, specializing in pizza and fresh pasta. Even though I couldn’t understand the portuguese video clips on his website (www.comeprima.pt) I just knew this guy was so genuine in his voice, mannerisms and smile. A “must” on the restaurant list to break up the fish routine. There’s only one word to describe both experiences (yes, we went twice!) and that is bellissimo!
Let’s start with the restaurant itself. Perched at the top of Rua do Olival (Olive Street), Come Prima is located in the Lapa district of Lisbon.
As you enter the intimate atmosphere created by candles and soft lighting (my favorite!), you’re welcomed by a wood burning stove full of crispy crust pizzas and lots of activity behind the counter. Immediately you feel at home, surrounded by a vibrant group of locals.
Once seated you’re served a portion of bruschetta just to get your taste buds yearning for more. The mozzarella in my caprese salad was melt in your mouth, direct from Italy. The pizzas were excellent as well as their handmade pasta dishes. (Remember, we went twice!) Top it off with dessert, here you will find the best tiramisu ever. I don’t even really care for tiramisu and let me tell you, this was creamy, divine tiramisu. Complimentary lemoncello and grappa sealed the deal.
Saving the best for last…the mastermind behind it all…Tanka Sapkota.
Tanka explained to us that he left Nepal when he was young as he desired to see the world. He went to Germany where a friend was located and worked several years as a dishwasher and learned a bit of German, a bit of Italian and of course Italian cuisine. After four plus years there, he ended up in a kitchen in Portugal and in 1999 he opened his first restaurant. It absolutely floored me when he told us how many years he’d been in business in Lisbon. We all know restaurant is very hard work, yet Tanka’s energy level and passion were never ending, as if that night was opening night and just the beginning of his career. Truly impressive.
The first visit you feel special. But the second visit? Not only are you special, but made to feel as if you’re part of the family as well. As we left we were hugged, kissed and profusely thanked by Tanka and all his staff. An experience that will always be remembered and most definitely one for the memory books.
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