Photography by Erin Little for Remodelista.
Our tip-off for the latest design-forward restaurant in Lisbon came, of all places, from Portland, Maine, photographer Erin Little, who happened into it recently while on holiday in Portugal.
Dear Breakfast—a self-proclaimed “ode to morning foods”—is situated in a former warehouse of “a very old palacio in the center of Lisbon,” French-born owner Julien Garrec says, in an up-and-coming area of Lisbon known as The Triangle.
The interiors are sparse, with striking architectural bones, including cement floors and soaring archways that Aragao and Machado added throughout. The room appears even taller than it is thanks to a cleverly mirrored ceiling (which also gives the impression that the archways are doubled).
A glass case displays the day’s pastries.
Though sparse, the space is sumptuous in its details: blush-colored velvet stools, designed by the architects, and the handmade terrazzo-like concrete floors.
A high/low mix: Tables with Portuguese marble tops are paired with low black stools from Ikea.
The tall archways and long pendant lamps mirror the high-top tables and stools.
The architects designed uniform chairs in shades of pink and deep blue throughout.
Functional decor: wire racks display design magazines.
In another room, a built-in banquette is lined with cushions upholstered in velvet sourced in Portugal.
The vaulted brick ceilings are original to the space, newly “smoothed out” by the architects.
A quiet niche for breakfast, looking out at the Rua das Gaivotas.
Garrec, who recently moved from New York to Lisbon, in the restaurant’s narrow entryway.