Refeitório Senhor Abel and Heterónimo Bar

Gastronomy, Culture, and History in Perfect Harmony

Refeitório Senhor Abel has proudly occupied the space that, in the past century, served as the canteen for employees of the historic Sociedade Abel Pereira da Fonseca. This project revitalises the memory of the location, respecting its origins while presenting a new concept that blends tradition and modernity.

Refeitório Senhor Abel, conceived by Chef Chakall in collaboration with Sicilian acrobatic pizzaiolo Roberto Mezzapelle, offers artisan pizzas and raw food in a carefully restored setting. Adjacent to it, the Heterónimo Bar complements the experience, physically connected to the restaurant by a hidden door. Together, these two spaces aim to revitalise the area, offering a unique gastronomic and culturally enriching experience.

One of the restaurant’s distinctive features is a symbolic “tree” that grows at the centre of the dining room, imaginatively connecting the space to an integrated library. The transition between reality and fiction is further accentuated by surprising details such as light fixtures that “recite poetry” and the intriguing “hidden door”.

The interior design is a true spectacle. From the outside, the building’s architecture already piques curiosity, but it is inside that the magic unfolds. Every detail has been meticulously designed, from stone walls and layered lighting to vintage-style decorative elements. Highlights include a giant origami structure on the ceiling and a variety of modern, visually appealing features that celebrate the history of the building.

The lighting, expertly crafted by the renowned brand INDELAGUE, is essential in creating different atmospheres and highlighting every design element, enhancing the warm and unique environment of Refeitório Senhor Abel and Heterónimo Bar.

According to Miguel Tojal, the goal is to offer “a complete gastronomic experience, encompassing pizzas, cocktails, music, and, of course, the ambiance”. Chakall adds that the spaces were designed to be “unpretentious, welcoming, and lively”. Heterónimo Bar, a clear homage to Fernando Pessoa, incorporates in its name the initials of his heteronyms Bernardo Soares, Álvaro de Campos, Alberto Caeiro, and Ricardo Reis, reflecting the cultural and intellectual concept behind the project.

Whether for a special dinner or a relaxed moment at the bar, Refeitório Senhor Abel and Heterónimo Bar promise to captivate guests not only with their flavours but also through a sensory experience that celebrates and honours the history of the space.

Project: Refeitório do Senhor Abel

Location: Lisboa, Portugal

Application Areas: Architectural, Restaurants & Bars

Architect: Miguel Tojal

Photos: Indelague Group