'If you are unfamiliar with Portuguese cuisine, a meal at Alfama will do plenty to educate you'
Wine Spectator

Be adventurous.  Portuguese food is not well known in New York, and Alfama sets a high standard.  The owners, and chef Mark Twersky (formerly of Per se), have looked at Portugal’s place in world history, and have brought together elements of classic Portuguese cooking, as well as the best fusions of Portuguese technique and ingredients from places where the Portuguese flag once waved.  Enjoy a traditional puree of codfish with potatoes, or perhaps a tea smoked duck breast with jasmine rice.  Ask for help with the wine list, which is completely Portuguese, and well worth exploring.  Portuguese desserts are another adventure.  Think of how much you loved pudding and custard as a child.  Alfama’s desserts will remind you why.