The history of Adega Machado is deeply intertwined with the very history of Fado in Bairro Alto, the bohemian and traditional heart of Lisbon. Founded in 1937, during a period of cultural and social effervescence in the Portuguese capital, Adega Machado quickly established itself as a privileged meeting point for fadistas (Fado singers), musicians, poets, and lovers of popular culture.

Its genesis arose in a context where Fado was increasingly gaining recognition as a genuine artistic expression of the Portuguese soul. The taverns and “adegas” (wine cellars/houses) of Bairro Alto were the natural stages where this melancholic and passionate melody echoed, and Adega Machado knew from the outset how to capture this essence.

Over the decades, Adega Machado has witnessed and played a leading role in crucial moments in the evolution of Fado. Its walls hold the voices of countless renowned artists and emerging talents who found a space there to express their art. Legendary names of Fado are likely to have graced its stage, contributing to its mythical aura and its reputation as one of the temples of the national song.

More than just a place to listen to Fado, Adega Machado has always been a space for conviviality and sharing. The long Lisbon nights were filled with lingering dinners, lively conversations, and, of course, the visceral emotion of Fado serenading those present. The welcoming and familiar atmosphere became one of its distinctive trademarks, attracting not only locals but also visitors seeking an authentic experience of Portuguese culture.

The strategic location in Bairro Alto, with its narrow streets and vibrant atmosphere, has always contributed to the charm of Adega Machado. Its doorways, often open to the street, invited passersby to peek in and feel the magic that lived within.

Despite maintaining its deep roots in tradition, Adega Machado has adapted to the times. In June 2012, under the aegis of the Fado & Food Group, the space underwent a significant reinvention. The architectural project sought to harmonize the memory of the place with a more contemporary visual language, transforming it into a space that celebrates its history while opening itself to new experiences.

This renovation kept the soul of Adega Machado intact, preserving the welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere that has always characterized it, but adding new features such as the wine cellar and the Sala da Fadistagem (Fado Performance Room), allowing for different ways of enjoying the space and Fado. The creation of events like “Fado Inside the Box,” “Find Taste,” and “Desgarrada Vínica” demonstrates a desire to innovate and attract a diverse audience.

Today, Adega Machado continues to be a beacon of Fado culture in Lisbon. It keeps the tradition of authentic Fado alive, providing memorable nights where the emotion of the songs blends with Portuguese gastronomy and the excellence of Portuguese wines. Its rich history and its constant ability to renew itself ensure that Adega Machado will remain, for many more decades, a landmark for those seeking the true essence of Fado and the Lisbon soul.

Adega Machado is not just a restaurant with Fado; it is a living testament to the history of Lisbon and the timeless passion for Fado, a place where the secrets of the Portuguese soul continue to be sung night after night.