It can be tricky to get a table at Maria Catita, a plain, but popular Lisbon restaurant serving decent local cuisine. The atmosphere is buzzy and the service is cheerful, but slow, even by Lisbon's standards. Still, the food is generally worth waiting for. The shellfish stew (two portions for 46 euros), served in a copper pot, is brimming with expertly-cooked fresh seafood, while the steak and chips (16.5 euros) is generous for the price. But the fried cod loin, fried potatoes, onion and peppers (16.90 euros) isn't quite as exciting. If you are patient, Maria Catita makes for a fine meal out. 8/10
