Top 4 Places to Eat in Évora

A picturesque alley in Évora, Portugal, featuring classic townhouses and cobblestone streets.
Felicity Nadelson, Pexels

Évora's culinary scene is a vibrant blend of deeply traditional Alentejo flavors and modern gastronomic creativity, catering to visitors with hearty regional dishes and sophisticated dining experiences.

1. Cavalariça Évora

Cuisine: Modern Portuguese with Alentejo influence

Nestled within the stunning courtyard of the Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval, Cavalariça Évora offers a chic dining experience. The menu presents modern Portuguese dishes, often with a creative twist on local Alentejo ingredients. Expect a calm and relaxing atmosphere, ideal for couples or those seeking an elevated culinary evening. Signature dishes include locally sourced lamb empanadas and reinvented pork shoulder.

Price: €€€-€€€€ (approximately €40-80+ per person)

Getting There: Located next to the Roman Temple of Évora, it is easily reachable on foot from the city's main historical areas.

2. Taberna Típica Quarta-Feira

Cuisine: Traditional Alentejo Feast

For a truly authentic and generous Alentejo dining experience, Taberna Típica Quarta-Feira is a must-visit. This family-run tavern operates with a set menu, where a continuous parade of regional specialties and house inventions is served, creating a feeling of being a guest in a local home. Expect hearty portions of slow-cooked meats, traditional migas, and a warm, bustling atmosphere. Reservations are essential due to its popularity.

Price: €€€ (approximately €35-45 per person for the fixed menu)

Getting There: Tucked down a small side street off the main areas, it is within walking distance of the historic center.

3. Tua Madre

Cuisine: Italian and Portuguese fusion with organic focus

Tua Madre provides a relaxed tavern setting with an exciting, ever-changing menu. The chefs blend Italian and Portuguese culinary traditions, focusing on seasonal, organic, and biodynamic ingredients sourced from small local producers in the Alentejo region. It is a great choice for those looking for fresh, innovative flavors and a diverse wine list featuring organic wines.

Price: €€-€€€ (approximately €25-50 per person)

Getting There: Located on a central street, it is easily accessible on foot within the city center.

4. Restaurante O Templo

Cuisine: Authentic Home-style Alentejo

Named after Évora’s famous Roman Temple, O Templo offers a cozy and unpretentious setting for traditional Alentejo cuisine. This family-run restaurant is known for its warm hospitality and delicious, hearty home-style dishes, including petiscos (tapas-like small plates), fish specialties, and classic mains. It provides excellent value and a genuine taste of local cooking.

Price: € (approximately €15-25 per person)

Getting There: Situated near the Roman Temple, it is easily walkable from most central locations in Évora. Note that it is often cash-only, so prepare accordingly.