The Mediterranean Insider

Évora, Portugal

Évora’s 5 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)

The Mediterranean • Eat & drink • Évora’s 5 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)

The guide to Évora’s top restaurants

Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city, offers a culinary landscape as rich and varied as its history. These establishments blend traditional Alentejo flavours with modern culinary artistry, offering dishes deeply rooted in local traditions yet elevated by contemporary techniques. From interiors adorned with hand-painted details to atmospheric courtyards, these dining spots offer a complete sensory experience. Expect to savour a range of dishes, from local lamb empanadas to creatively reinvented pork shoulder, each telling the story of the Alentejo region with every bite.

Cavalariça Évora

Cavalariça Évora, nestled in the historic Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval, provides a unique dining ambience right in the city’s heart. The restaurant’s interior, crafted by Jacques Grange, comes alive to us through vivid hand-painted ceilings in bold geometric patterns and vibrant mosaics. The bar area bursts with a lively turquoise, adding to the dynamic atmosphere. Outside, the Andalusian-style courtyard designed by Louis Benech enhances the setting with lush greenery and Moorish elements. Leading the kitchen, sous-chef Catalina Viveros offers distinctive dishes such as empanadas filled with local lamb and green seaweed chimichurri, alongside a creatively reinvented pork shoulder with turnips and fermented pepper juice.

Cavalariça Évora
Palácio dos Duques de Cadaval
Évora
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Cavalariça Évora

Dom Joaquim

What might come across as quite an old-fashioned spot that has seen better days at first glance, Dom Joaquim in Évora reveals itself as a refined dining destination. Located near the historic Porta de Serpa Pinto, the restaurant is helmed by Chef Joaquim Almeida, who expertly fuses traditional Alentejo cuisine with innovative culinary techniques. The interior blends classic elements like bare stone walls with contemporary art, creating a unique atmosphere. Signature dishes include crispy prawns and succulent black pork, each prepared with a modern twist that pays homage to the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Dom Joaquim
R. dos Penedos 6
Évora
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Dom Joaquim

Origens

Fresh and simple dishes that pack a flavour punch define the dining experience at Origens in Évora. This restaurant prides itself on bringing local Alentejo products to the table, crafted into both time-honoured and innovative recipes in a modern bistro ambience. The focus on sustainability is evident in every dish, which features ingredients sourced from the surrounding regions, ensuring freshness and quality. The interior merges rustic charm with contemporary flair, providing a relaxed yet stylish setting for guests. The menu, rich with regional nuances, invites diners to explore a tapestry of tastes through dishes designed to reflect the essence of the Alentejo region.

Origens
R. de Burgos 10
Évora
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Origens

Lombardo

Young, ambitious couple João and Carolina Lombardo are at the helm of Lombardo in Évora, transforming their passion for Mediterranean, European, and Portuguese cuisines into a vibrant culinary experience. Positioned at Largo de Severim de Faria, Lombardo is distinguished by its eclectic menu that includes highlights such as tomato soup, tuna carpaccio, and pork cheek. The restaurant’s design synthesises classic and modern influences, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements the innovative dishes served.

Lombardo
Largo de Severim de Faria 1
Évora
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Lombardo

Do Largo

Évora’s cool cats hang out at the light and airy Do Largo, where Mediterranean and Portuguese dishes meet in a celebration of gluten-free cuisine. Located at Largo d’Alvaro Velho, this café is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and a selection of creatively crafted dishes. Highlights from the menu include the pulled pork sandwich and the seared tuna steak sandwich, both lauded for their freshness and high-quality ingredients. With a casual yet contemporary decor, Do Largo serves as a trendy spot for locals and tourists alike, seeking a healthy and delightful dining experience.