Must-see restaurants in The Alentejo

  • Taberna Típica Quarta Feira

    Évora

    Don’t bother asking for the menu since there’s just one option on offer at this jovial eatery tucked away in the Moorish quarter. Luckily it’s a stunner:…

  • Terra Utópica

    Mértola

    The most atmospheric place for a meal in the old town, Terra Utópica has two small antique-filled dining rooms (one with a roaring fire on cold nights)…

  • Cavalariça Comporta

    The Alentejo

    Seasonally inspired Cavalariça, in the heart of Comporta village, wins hearts for bucking tradition in favour of creating a modern, foodie-focused dining…

  • Tasca do Celso

    Vila Nova De Milfontes

    The choice. Locals and travellers from far and wide rave about the excellent cuisine produced in the kitchen of this charming, ‘upmarket rustic’ blue-and…

  • A Portuguesa

    Vila Nova De Milfontes

    This sunny, handsomely designed cafe is a showcase for high-quality Portuguese produce. You can stop in for light meals (creative salads, sandwiches,…

  • 18 e Piques

    Vila Nova De Milfontes

    Everyone's favourite lunch spot, 18 e Piques whips up delicious toasted sandwiches on fabulous freshly baked bread – combos range from goat's cheese,…

  • Sabores de Monsaraz

    Monsaraz

    Perched high above the plains, with views reaching as far as Spain, this stone-built tavern is a rustic, wonderfully family-friendly spot. Good honest…

  • Botequim da Mouraria

    Évora

    Poke around the old Moorish quarter to find some of Évora’s finest food and wine – gastronomes believe this is Évora’s culinary shrine. Owner Domingos…

  • Salsa Verde

    Évora

    Vegetarians (and Portuguese livestock) will be thankful for this veggie-popping paradise. Pedro, the owner, gives a wonderful twist to traditional…

  • O Gaspacho

    Monsaraz

    A small, cheerfully decorated cafe where you can try owner Gabriel's excellent signature gazpacho. It goes well with the creative small plates on hand,…

  • Café-Restaurante Alentejo

    Mértola

    This attractive place in Moreanes, 10km from Mértola on the way to São Domingos, is almost a museum thanks to its antique exhibits (including the local…

  • Momentos

    Évora

    Jorge, the affable proprietor of Momentos, takes great pride in the bounty of the Alentejo, which he showcases each night on his changing blackboard menus…

  • Bistro Barão

    Évora

    This tiny family-run restaurant serves exquisitely prepared Portuguese dishes using high-quality products. Start with sauté shrimp with garlic or stuffed…

  • Tasca do Xico

    The Alentejo

    Much loved by locals, Tasca do Xico serves some of the best seafood in town. Go early (or reserve ahead) to score one of the tables in back overlooking…

  • Luar de Janeiro

    Évora

    We’ll be upfront: you don’t come here for the atmosphere (no soft lighting, no music). You do come here for attentive service and dishes made with the…

  • Padaria de Dona Ercília

    Vila Nova De Milfontes

    Bread lovers and those who appreciate traditional culinary practices shouldn’t miss this simple padaria (bakery) in the tiny village of Venda Fria, 4.5km…

  • Dom Joaquim

    Évora

    Housed in a renovated building with stone walls and modern artwork, this restaurant offers fine dining in a smart, contemporary setting. Chef Dom Joaquim…

  • Ritual

    Vila Nova De Milfontes

    With its tall ceilings and colonial-like ambience, Ritual is one of the most atmospheric settings for a meal in town. The eclectic tapas menu features…

  • Sal

    The Alentejo

    Often touted as one of Portugal's top seaside restaurants, upscale Sal indeed sits on privileged Praia do Pegô real estate with an outstanding direct line…

  • Mercearia Gomes

    The Alentejo

    The old fashioned saloon-style doors at this village grocer leads one to believe this is little more than a pit stop for locals needing to flesh out their…

  • Chão das Covas

    Évora

    Tucked away on a small plaza beside the aqueduct, this friendly, boxcar-sized eatery serves up tasty home-cooked Alentejan classics that change by day, as…

  • Vinarium Wine & Tapas

    Évora

    In a thoughtfully designed space across from the municipal market, Vinarium is a must for wine lovers. Here you can sample fine quaffs from the Alentejo,…

  • 1/4 Para as Nove

    Évora

    It will forever be ‘a quarter to nine’ at this jovial eatery (the owner bought the timepiece secondhand – it never worked). Broken appliances aside, the…

  • Vinho e Noz

    Évora

    This unpretentious place is run by a delightful family and offers professional service, a large wine list and good-quality cuisine. It’s been going for…

  • Comporta Café

    The Alentejo

    Trendy Comporta Café sits right on the main beach and is an idyllic little spot for everything from cocktails to an elevated beach lunch. Kitchen…

  • Tamuje

    Mértola

    This welcoming two-room restaurant serves up excellent traditional plates, all made with care. Grilled pork ribs, fried squid with garlic, fava beans with…

  • Adega do Alentejano

    Évora

    Red-and-white checked tablecloths, rustic decor and a garrulous host named Carlos set the stage for a fun, casual night of Alentejo fare that won't break…

  • Restaurant Dona Bia

    The Alentejo

    In tiny Torre, 3.5km south of Comporta village, this regional favourite will surprise you with everything from its shabby-chic decor and charming…

  • Fábrica dos Pasteis

    Évora

    Take a stroll along the narrowest lane in town to find this gem of a bakery, which fires up the best pastéis de nata (custard tarts) for miles around, as…

  • Pastelaria Conventual Pão de Rala

    Évora

    The azulejo-covered walls (complete with a bakery scene) and low-playing fado create a fine setting for nibbling on heavenly pastries and convent cakes,…

  • Restaurante O Fialho

    Évora

    An icon of Évora’s culinary scene, O Fialho has been wowing diners since 1945 – as evidenced by the photos of visiting dignitaries lining the walls. Amid…

  • Taverna Os Templarios

    Monsaraz

    Step back in time with this Knights Templar–themed eatery, complete with iron chandeliers, wall-mounted weapons and banners strung from the rafters. The…

  • Piparoza

    Évora

    Along the pedestrian lane of restaurant-lined Alcarcova de Baixo, the cavernous Piparoza is a standout for its huge menu and lively ambience. Open from…

  • Café Alentejo

    Évora

    Housed in a 16th-century building, Café Alentejo is full of arches and smart decor (with beautiful floors). You’ll find classic Alentejan cooking with…

  • Casa Amarela

    Mértola

    This place makes a great spot for inventive Portuguese fare. Outdoor tables on the veranda have magnificent views of Mértola – all of it, since Casa…

  • Porto das Barcas

    Vila Nova De Milfontes

    With a wonderful outlook over the water and cliffs, this is a great place to kick back for a seafood lunch. Its light and airy ambience in a dreamy…

  • Sem Fim

    Monsaraz

    In Telheiro this former olive-oil factory has been transformed into an atmospheric eating and drinking space. The changing menu features a small selection…

  • Restaurante A Fateixa

    Vila Nova De Milfontes

    A Fateixa delivers good grills and seafood dishes – try the tamboril (monkfish) rice for two – and it has breezy outdoor tables. It’s excellent value…

  • Mabi

    Vila Nova De Milfontes

    Famed for its ice cream, Mabi is one of the icons of town, and it serves up creamy rich decadence to an often packed house. This buzzing bakery and…

  • Cervejaria Marquês

    The Alentejo

    Porto Côvo’s favourite dining spot is set on the town’s main square, with inviting outdoor tables, a smart tiled interior and scrumptious plates of…