Food from the Alentejo region is some of the best you’ll find in Portugal.  And there’s no better place to indulge in the cuisine than in the beautiful city of Évora.  Here, traditional Alentejano flavors and ingredients are elevated by the expert skills of passionate local chefs.  But don’t take our word for it, visit Évora and try for yourself.

Whether high or low season, these restaurants are always full.  So, reservations are highly recommended.  In no particular order, here is our list of the Best Restaurants in Évora. 

BEST RESTAURANTS IN ÉVORA

Origens

Traditional regional Alentejo cuisine made only from local ingredients explains the “origins”; creative and contemporary cooking draws in the foodies.  Origens is a dream come true for husband and wife team Gonçalo (head chef) and Eugénia (manager) Queiroz. Their passion in paying homage to Alentejo heritage has paid off with Origens now officially recognized by the Michelin Guide.  Step in for a 3- or 5-moment tasting menu, or order a la carte dishes like the popular Portuguese sausage “farinheira” with fried potatoes in a creamy scrambled egg, or the hearty wild boar slowly cooked in red wine with sweet potato croquettes and pomegranate.

Rua de Burgos nº 10  |  +351 964 220 790  |  Origens website

BEST RESTAURANTS IN ÉVORA

O Fialho

Perhaps the oldest (opened in 1945) and most-honored (numerous awards of distinction) restaurant in Évora, O Fialho is a long-time favorite of locals, tourists, and even visiting foreign dignitaries and celebrities.  The ambiance is old world charm with formal crisp white table linen;  service is attentive and professional.  The classic Alentejo fare includes duck liver with raspberry jam, baked cod, black pork medallians, pigeon rice and favorite, partridge à Convento da Cartuxa.  Save room for desserts such as Encharcada de Mourão and Torrão Real de Évora, traditional convent récipes derived from egg and sugar. 

Travessa Mascarenhas 14 | +351 266 703 079 | O Filaho website

BEST RESTAURANTS IN ÉVORA

Taberna Típica Quarta Feira

Perhaps one of the most fun food experiences in all of Évora (and maybe, Portugal). With only 12 tables, no wonder reservations for this tiny, casual restaurant are booked two weeks in advance.  Proprietor, chef and jovial host for your meal is João Dias.  There is no menu.  You get what Chef João is keen on making that day.  Fear not, recipes are based on regional traditions. Ingredients are seasonal and fresh from the area, with some items straying from standard menus.  Chef João likes to surprise, so don’t be shocked if you’re served a beef tongue slider, to go with other dishes like cold melon soup, sheep cheese with pumpkin jam and braised pork cheeks. 

Rua do Inverno, 18  |  +351 266 707 530  |  Quarta-feira Facebook page   | See our story

BEST RESTAURANTS IN ÉVORA

Lombardo

With yet another entrepreneurial couple at the helm, Lombardo is a tiny restaurant with big bold cooking.  Per João and Carolina Lombardo, their project is “a love letter to Alentejo, where Portuguese tradition meets culinary excellence.”  Having worked in the top kitchens in the region, João now oversees a menu of traditional favorites prepared with modern flair.  Some favorite dishes include bittersweet pork ribs with almonds and baked goat cheese with honey and walnuts to start, with codfish, humus, spinach and egg, and pork cheeks with sweet potato puree and mushrooms as mains. 

Largo Severim de Faria  |  +351 964 286 540  |  Lombardo website

BEST RESTAURANTS IN ÉVORA

Cavalariça

Like others on this list, Cavalariça serves high-quality regional Alentejo cuisine; unlike others on this list, Cavalariça goes cutting-edge contemporary with concept, style and taste.  The result is unusual dishes like cured dogfish “punheta,” a fusion of a traditional preparation of Portuguese raw salted cod dish with Alentejo dogfish soup, and a modern take on pigs’ ears, fried with celery, apple and roast garlic mayo.  Located in the courtyard of the Palácio Duques de Cadaval, in the center of the city near the Temple of Diana, the space features boldly painted panels of Ndebele tribal designs. 

Palácio Duques de Cadaval  |  +351 266 248 775   |  Cavalariça website  | See our story

BEST RESTAURANTS IN ÉVORA

Dom Joaquim

Dom Joaquim is so loved and respected for its food and service that locals flock here for date nights and special celebrations.  The kitchen prepares purely Alentejo cuisine, with the highest quality ingredients.  Dishes prepared are the best examples of regional cooking.  Classic interior with stone walls and hanging sculptures enhance the experience.  Even Michelin has taken noticed and recognized the restaurant in its guide of exceptional restaurants.  Standout dishes include:  sopa de cação (Alentejo specialty, dogfish soup), pillows of black pork, roasted lamb, roasted cod and cod açorda (bread stew). 

Rua dos Penedos nº 6  |  +351 266 731 105  |  Dom Joaquim website

BEST RESTAURANTS IN ÉVORA

Restaurante Guião

This small restaurant is the epitome of classic Alentejo cuisine.  Traditional azulejos tiles on the walls embrace the room; wines from the region decorate the niches.  The kitchen serves up quality home-style cooking, like your Portuguese avó used to make.  Imagine octopus Lagareiro style, grilled lamb cutlets, duck pot pie, pork tenderloin with clams, and whitefish with shrimp…all Aletejano style, of course.  An ideal spot for good quality, not expensive, traditional cuisine. 

Rua de República 81. | +351 266 703 071  |  Guião Facebook page

Not Exactly in Évora, But Close…

Not only are the following restaurants superb, but they are only a quick 40-minute drive from Évora.  If you are a foodie, you should consider making the short trip.  You’ll be glad you did.   

BEST RESTAURANTS IN ÉVORA

Howard’s Folly

Howard’s Folly, in Estremoz, is truly a destination dining spot combining cosmopolitan ambiance, with an impressive collection of international art on display, a portfolio of wines produced on site, and a creative menu of contemporary cuisine. At this writing, the menu is broken down into three categories.  Sample plates include:  In the Garden, is ideal for veggie lovers with  shitake mushrooms, gnocchi, truffle oil; The Sea with dishes like, scarlet prawn, curry, soyabean shoots, almond, kefir lime, coconut rice; and, The Land, with hearty temptations such as Jerusalem artichoke, 62º egg, and pork jowl from Dª Otávia. 

Rua General Norton de Matos, Estremoz  |  +351 268 332 151  | Howards Folly website  |  See our story

BEST RESTAURANTS IN ÉVORA

Esporão

Two experiences in one!  Restaurante Esporão is located at the Herdade do Esporão winery near Monsaraz.  Enjoy tasting the beautiful wines of this renowned winery, then have a fabulous dinner at the one Michelin star restaurant.  Chef Carlos Teixeira prepares seasonal and sustainable menus, working closely with local and national producers to source products at the peak of their freshness.  Degustation menus are offered in five or seven moments.  Of course, it would be a shame not to pair the courses with the winery’s fine wines. 

Herdade do Esporão Winery, Reguengos de Monsaraz  |  +351 266 509 280  |  Esporão website

Images are courtesy of the restaurants.