Montemor-o-Novo travel guide for food lovers
We have said it before and we will say it again: Alentejo is an unmissable part of Portugal, even more so for food lovers, as here you’ll find one of Portugal’s most acclaimed regional cuisines. Tucked away in the vast expanses of Alentejo, just an hour from Lisbon, Montemor-o-Novo is a hidden gem begging to be discovered. Far from just a stopover, this town is an incredible destination for travelers who wish to dive into a deeply authentic culinary and cultural experience.
Featured photo by Visão
Photo by Centro Nacional de Cultura
An ideal day trip from Lisbon, Montemor-o-Novo can be easily reached by car via the A2 motorway, or by the more scenic bus route from Lisbon’s Sete Rios station using the bus company Rede Expressos, on a trip which lasts approximately 1h and 15 minutes.
Photo by Expedia
As you reach the town, you’ll come across the crown jewel of Montemor-o-Novo, its castle. Perched majestically atop the town, this fortress has origins as a Moorish stronghold, later transformed during the age of Portuguese exploration and reconquests. Walking through the ancient gates, you’re greeted by the imposing Porta da Vila, flanked by the Manueline emblem of the Casa da Guarda. The climb to the Torre de Relógio offers panoramic views over the town and beyond, where the ruins of the Paço dos Alcaides hint at the grandeur of the past.
Photo by Associação Cultural – O Espaço do Tempo
But the castle is just the beginning. Descend into the town, where the streets are lined with architectural marvels from the Renaissance era. The Convento da Saudação, with its remarkable Joanino-style cloisters and frescoes, and the nearby churches of São João Batista and Santiago, showcase exquisite Baroque altars and Manueline doorways that speak to the town’s rich religious heritage.
Photo by DiscoverPortugal2day
Montemor-o-Novo’s charm extends to its tranquil public gardens and the vibrant market square, where the Chafariz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição fountain, dating back to 1646, offers a glimpse into the communal life of yesteryears. The town’s historical narrative continues at the Museu de Arqueologia, housed in the old Convento de São Domingos, where the layers of Montemor’s past are meticulously preserved.
Transitioning from history to gastronomy, our main focus here, Montemor-o-Novo is a haven for food lovers. The local cuisine is a reflection of the Alentejo’s agricultural roots, emphasizing hearty, flavorsome dishes that make use of the region’s rich produce. Here, traditional cooking techniques meet the bounty of the land, from the acclaimed Iberian black pork (porco preto) and lamb (borrego) stews to the diverse array of herbs that season the iconic dishes like savory bread pudding with wild asparagus (migas de espargos) and dogfish shark soup (sopa de cação), amongst many others.
Photo by oDigital
As we will discover below, local vineyards contribute to the culinary experience, offering high quality Alentejano wines that perfectly complement the regional dishes.
Visit Montemor-o-Novo and immerse yourself on a journey through the flavors that define Alentejo’s culinary landscape.
Recommended Portuguese restaurants in Montemor-o-Novo
Pátio dos Petiscos
Pátio dos Petiscos is the brainchild of Francisco Malhão. Here, traditional Portuguese petiscos are reimagined with boldness and flair. The menu at Pátio dos Petiscos offers a creative twist on classics, such as green asparagus peixinhos da horta, a crispy, vibrant alternative to the traditional green bean version of tempura. The eryngii mushrooms grilled with a sprinkle of cilantro and the innovative puff pastry filled with tomato and a perfectly poached egg demonstrate the kitchen’s creativity and attention to textural contrasts, which are designed to enhance the wine experience. For heartier fare, the traditional sopa de cação is served alongside modern dishes like seared tuna adorned with quinoa and a balsamic reduction. Dessert is a celebration of local recipes, with house-made sericaia and a lemon meringue pie that rounds off the meal on a high note.
📍Rua Curvo Semedo 39, 7050-165 Montemor-o-Novo
Photo by Pátio dos Petiscos on TripAdvisor
Poda
Housed in a beautifully renovated agricultural warehouse with lots of rustic charm, Poda has been contributing a lot towards breathing new life into Alentejo cuisine. In fact, we have previously highlighted the work of chef João Narigueta in our article about Portuguese chefs worth the journey from Lisbon. At Poda, João Narigueta joined forces with long-time friend Miguel Dominguinhos, to create a space where traditional dishes are reinvented, highlighting standout offerings such as savory bread pudding with salted cod (migas gatas com bacalhau), which combine simplicity with surprising flavors, and enxovalhada, a sponge cake filled with nuts and honey. Poda’s approach is based on seasonality and the use of local produce, fostering close partnerships with local farmers who tailor their crops for the restaurant. The gastronomic experience is enhanced by a carefully curated wine list, predominantly featuring local producers, chosen to perfectly complement the meals. The decor, with wooden touches and rustic elements, along with vines hanging from the ceiling, evokes the essence of the Alentejo, providing a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to linger around the table in no rush.
📍Rua Sacadura Cabral 25, 7050-304 Montemor-o-Novo
Photo by The Fork
Café Restaurante São Cristóvão
At Café Restaurante São Cristóvão, just outside Montemor-o-Novo, you’ll find a small but inviting dining room that very well represents the warmth of local hospitality, represented by the husband-and-wife team of Maria José Banha and António Henrique. Here, the menu showcases traditional Alentejan dishes, specifically focusing on long time-honored recipes. The kitchen excels in dishes like rabbit cooked in a traditional style (coelho à São Cristóvão), savory bread pudding with ribs (migas com entrecosto), and the rich, flavorful dogfish soup (sopa de cação), all prepared with a commitment to authenticity and local ingredients. Dishes such as the summer version of cozido Alentejano, a type of Portuguese stew made with a variety of meats and vegetables, are prepared in a clay pot over an open fire in the outdoor kitchen, enhancing the flavors with the smoky essence of burning wood. This method permeates the dishes with a distinctive, rustic taste that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere, including the best restaurants in Lisbon to eat cozido à portuguesa. Desserts at São Cristóvão are mostly conventual sweets, with recipes that were developed in the old convent of Saudação, offering guests a literal taste of history.
📍Rua 8 de Março, 7050-600 São Cristóvão
www.facebook.com/RestauranteSCristovao
Photo by Expresso
O Cortiço
Stripped of pretension but very rich in flavor, O Cortiço is a no-frills establishment where you can taste authentic Alentejo cuisine. It’s one of those places that has been serving the community long before culinary tourism became a trend and, even as more visitors make it to Montemo-o-Novo these days, it keeps doing what it has been doing well for a long time. At O Cortiço, the menu is straightforward and the food speaks for itself. Must-tries include the tender slices of Iberian pork (miminhos de porco preto) paired with homemade crispy fries, the grilled lamb chops and, like many of the eateries in the area, the migas. For dessert try the simple luxury that is favo de mel, which is nothing but a sweet comb of honey served with fresh fruit. Proving that some of the best culinary experiences often come without frills, O Cortiço is one of the best restaurants in Montemor-o-Novo.
📍Estrada Nacional 2, portas 16 & 18, Fazendas do Cortiço, 7050-011 Montemor-o-Novo
Photo by O Cortiço on Facebook
A Ribeira
The good thing about traveling and going to eat out in places like Montemor-o-Novo is that you’ll hardly ever come across a run-of-the-mill tourist trap. Restaurants like A Ribeira offer the kind of establishments locals go to unwind and eat well. Customers come here to enjoy hearty Portuguese fare that is super straightforward. Think generous servings of fried cuttlefish (choco frito), steaks that sizzle, and the freshest grilled fish. But what really makes A Ribeira stand out is the vibe. The owner, a local character in his own right, might share the menu items in a song or tally your bill with a tune. There’s sometimes stand-up comedy, always spontaneous, making each visit unpredictably entertaining. It’s the kind of place that you may end up loving or not, but it won’t certainly leave anyone indifferent. In essence, more than a restaurant, A Ribeira is an experience.
📍Porto das Lãs, Lote 1 – Rua de São Domingos, 7050-203 Montemor-o-Novo
www.facebook.com/restaurantearibeira
Photo by A Ribeira on Facebook
Petiscaki
Petiscaki is the kind of eatery that locals flock to for honest down-to-earth Portuguese petiscos and regional dishes. Besides food, this small establishment also has a good selection of regional wines and on-tap beers and sangria. The menu at Petiscaki features simple but delicious appetizers like sheep’s cheese paired with olives. For the main event, you can’t go wrong with their migas à Alentejana or the codfish pataniscas, served alongside a saucy type of rice which is in Portugal affectionately referred to as “naughty rice”. The açorda Alentejana, a garlic and cilantro infused broth served over slices of rustic Alentejano bread, is another standout, traditionally paired with cod and topped with a poached egg, offering Alentejo-style comfort on a bowl. For dessert, the homemade chocolate mousse and cheesecake are local favorites. Petiscaki only has five tables so it’s a small establishment, which honestly doesn’t do anything transcendental, but does a very good job at serving simple but hit-the-spot Portuguese dishes at amazing value for money.
📍Rua de Aviz 50, 7050-090 Montemor-o-Novo
Photo by carpadio.menu
MAPA
We have previously highlighted MAPA, run by chef David Jesus, as one of the restaurants in Portugal worth taking the trip from Lisbon just for the sake of eating. If you are looking for culinary innovation in Montemor-o-Novo, you must head to L’AND Vineyards hotel, where this restaurant is located. Here, chef David Jesus, formerly the executive chef at Lisbon’s Michelin-starred Belcanto, presents a culinary journey that intertwines Mediterranean, Alentejano, and Asian influences. In a way, the meals at MAPA are narratives of Portugal’s maritime history, celebrating the global connections forged by Portuguese explorers. The ingredients are locally sourced, emphasizing organic produce, regional meats, and fresh fish from nearby Setúbal. Mapa’s wine list also deserves a special mention, predominantly featuring selections from local winemakers. If you can afford it, this is, hands-down, one of the best high end gastronomic experiences you can enjoy in Montemor-o-Novo.
📍Herdade das Valadas, N4, 7050-031 Montemor-o-Novo
Photo by L’and Vineyards
Provenance
Part of the serene Gandum Village, Provenance offers a unique approach to authentic Portuguese food deeply rooted in sustainable principles. At this cozy restaurant, with a lovely green terrace perfect to enjoy your food al fresco on a sunny day, meals are crafted with the best of what the Alentejo has to offer. From the restaurant’s own vegetable garden to partnerships with local producers, dishes showcase the flavors of the region while supporting local agriculture and reducing environmental impact. More than a restaurant, Provenance is a place to relax and connect with nature. You could come here for a leisurely meal, but also simply for a cocktail at La Terrace Bar by the pool and, no matter how long you spend here, you’ll find a strong sense of community and that things are being done with purpose. After all, Provenance announces itself on social media as serving “conscious Portuguese food”. They are open from breakfast until diner, serving light snacks and drinks all day long. During the week, the restaurant offers a special lunch menu, providing great value with a combination of soup, main dish, drink, and coffee, ensuring that guests can enjoy a satisfying and sustainable meal without spending a fortune.
📍Gandum Village, Rua de São Domingos, Estrada Municipal 53, Reguengo de São Mateus, 7050-352 Montemor-o-Novo
Photo by Provenance
O Leilão
This is the kind of restaurant Portuguese families would go to for Sunday lunch. It has a welcoming atmosphere, hearty portions, and the regional Alentejano food served here is simply great. You can’t go wrong with classics like melt-in-your-mouth Iberian black pork strips (plumas de porco), served with savory fried bread pudding with wild asparagus (migas de espargos), or a simple but satisfying beef steak. Even though most folks would assume that traditional cuisine from the Alentejo is heavy on animal protein, places like O Leilão are mindful of diet preferences and are happy to welcome vegetarian customers and serve good plant forward dishes too. Their large parking area is also very convenient, particularly for those stopping by during a tour of the nearby historical sites, including ancient monoliths.
📍Parque de Leilões de Gado Apormor, 7050-035 Montemor-o-Novo
www.facebook.com/p/Restaurante-o-Leil%C3%A3o-Montemor-o-Novo-100063510460962
Photo by O Leilão on TripAdvisor
Pipocas
Pipocas Restaurant & Marisqueira brings a splash of Setúbal’s seaside flavor to the heart of Montemor-o-Novo. Founded by a Setúbal family, Pipocas is renowned for its authentic Setubalense gastronomy, offering a variety of dishes from grilled fish and seafood to the regional favorite of deep fried breaded cuttlefish strips (choco frito). Even though Montemo-o-Novo is not by the sea, Pipocas serves superb fresh fish and seafood, which comes in generous portions. Besides fried cuttlefish, the house speciality, customers can enjoy fish grilled over charcoal (peixe grelhado), alongside other standard Portuguese dishes which provide options for those who aren’t so keen on tasting the flavors from the sea. The warm hospitality you’ll feel at Pipocas, paired with their good food and the fact that there aren’t many other options for seafood in Montemo-o-Novo, make Pipocas a must stop for those craving a taste from the sea during their trip around here.
📍Rua Vicente Augusto Pires da Silva 10a, 7050-144 Montemor-o-Novo
www.facebook.com/p/Restaurante-Marisqueira-Pipocas-100057025197236
Photo by Pipocas on Facebook
Espelho do Mar – “O Arado”
Besides Pipocas above, Espelho do Mar (literally translates as “the sea’s mirror”), which is also known as O Arado, is another seafood focused restaurant in Montemor-o-Novo. Located near the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Visitação, with breathtaking panoramic views of the town, this is the perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a leisurely meal in a truly lovely setting. Besides the flavors of the sea, which include local speciality dogfish soup (sopa de cação) and grilled octopus (polvo à lagareiro), Espelho do Mar overall specializes in classic Alentejo cuisine with dishes like grilled thin slices of acorn-fed Iberian pork (secretos de porco preto), savory bread pudding (migas), and lamb. This is a family-run restaurant and everything is done in-house. Because of the amazing food and views to match, this is a sought-after location, so reservations in advance are definitely recommended.
📍Rua de Nossa Sra da Visitação 1, 7050-265 Montemor-o-Novo
Photo by bguerreiro on TripAdvisor
Raiz & Tradição
Raiz & Tradição serves traditional Portuguese and Alentejano cuisine, yet it presents each dish with a touch of modern sophistication that sets it apart from most establishments in the area. The ambiance here is cozy but elegant, and even though the vibes are contemporary, the cooking definitely breathes the best of rustic cooking, even if more polished when it comes to technique and, above all, presentation. The menu offers a creative take on Portuguese classics, blending traditional flavors with inventive twists. It features starters like wild boar falafel, a unique combination of game meat and sweet wild fruit compote, alongside caramelized red onion mashed potatoes. Main courses such as lamb chops with mint migas and Iberian black pork abanicos with asparagus migas showcase the kitchen’s ability to elevate typical regional dishes to gourmet levels. This isn’t the cheapest restaurant in town but it is definitely good value for money for what you get, on days when you’d like to treat yourself to something a little more special than what you’d get at a regular tasca.
📍Rua Bento Gonçalves 2, 7050-155 Montemor-o-Novo
www.instagram.com/raiz_tradicao
Photo by Gastroranking
O Cachola
Most travelers find O Cachola while traveling along the A6 motorway. But we believe that this restaurant should be a destination in its own right, as it is an amazing place to indulge in the rich flavors of Alentejo while enjoying the fresh air and tranquility of its rural setting. Forget about sandwiches and the usual roadside fare with fast(er)food. Here you come to indulge in casual yet special meals. O Cachola is all about well-prepared portions of traditional Portuguese dishes. Served in generous portions, and at surprisingly reasonable prices considering the amount of food you get and its quality too. The options include things you’d expect in this area, such as expertly cooked pork and delightful fried cuttlefish, along with house wine from the region. For those on a road trip (maybe to or back from Spain?), or simply on the ebay to also explore nearby Arraiolos, O Cachola is very worth a stop to recharge your energies.
📍Casais de Adua, 7050-007 Montemor-o-Novo
www.facebook.com/RestauranteOCachola
Photo by O Cachola on Facebook
Best activities for foodies in Montemor-o-Novo
Explore Herdade do Freixo do Meio
For foodies with a passion for sustainability and local farming, a visit to Herdade do Freixo do Meio is a must. This agricultural estate has revolutionized traditional farming methods by embracing an agroecological model that ensures the harmony between land use and resource sustainability. Located in the scenic countryside of Montemor-o-Novo, the estate offers visitors a unique opportunity to see agroforestry and organic farming in action. At Herdade do Freixo do Meio, you can indulge in a variety of activities ranging from guided tours focusing on the agroecology practices to walking the historical paths that outline the estate’s evolution. The guided tours, available for both small groups and individuals, focus on topics from the sustainability of local ecosystems to the rich history of the land. Visitors can also enjoy self-guided tours, which allow for personal exploration of the estate’s extensive grounds, including the traditional Montado landscape, diverse agroforests, and the on-site food processing areas. The experience is enhanced by the opportunity to sample and purchase organic products directly from the farm. Everything from acorn-based delicacies to fresh organic vegetables and traditional Alentejo bread is available. Dining at the Cantina offers a taste of authentic farm-to-table meals, prepared using ingredients sourced directly from the estate. For a more casual experience, the weekly Sunday market at Herdade do Freixo do Meio showcases the estate’s organic produce alongside local crafts, offering a perfect blend of community shopping and cultural exchange. In fact, Sunday would probably be the perfect day to visit but you are welcome to stop by any day of the week and weekend. Before you head to Herdade do Freixo do Meio, check their calendar of regular events and see if there’s anything extra special taking place.
📍7050-704 Foros de Vale Figueira
Photo by Projecto Matéria
Immerse yourself in the world of chocolate at Melgão Cacau e Chocolates
For a truly indulgent experience, Melgão Cacau e Chocolates in Montemor-o-Novo is a destination not to be missed by any chocolate lover. Founded by brothers António and Serafim Melgão, this factory specializes in sustainable production and the use of rare and aromatic cocoa varieties, sourced ethically from small-scale farmers, thus adhering to fair trade principles. Located in the historic and now decommissioned Montemor-o-Novo railway station, Melgão Cacau e Chocolates retains the charm of the old building while incorporating modern chocolate-making technologies. Visitors can tour the factory to see the entire chocolate-making process, from bean to bar. This includes the roasting of cocoa beans, the refining and conching process, and finally the molding and packaging of the final products. Of course the experience ends with a chance to taste freshly made chocolate too! The tours are available with or without prior reservation, though booking is recommended to ensure availability.
📍Antiga Estação Ferroviária, Largo Machado dos Santos, 7050-125 Montemor-o-Novo
Photo by Público
Taste Gouda style cheese from the Alentejo at Quinta Anema
Quinta Anema offers a unique culinary and cultural experience in the Alentejo, giving visitors a sneak peek into the world of organic cheese-making. Founded by Jan and Elisabeth Anema, Dutch expatriates driven by a passion for sustainable agriculture and community involvement, the quinta has become a reference for eco-friendly practices and social engagement through its Escola Viva program. This farm is a place of cheese production, but also a living classroom for young people usually not so accustomed to the rustic realities of farm life. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the daily rhythms of an organic farm that produces one of the world’s oldest cheese varieties, Gouda. The Anemas use traditional methods honed in their native Netherlands but adapted to the Alentejo’s terroir. The milk comes from their herd of Blaarkop cattle, known for their resilience and quality milk, perfectly suited for the slow food movement’s ideals. The Gouda cheese made here is crafted from raw, non-homogenized milk, ensuring a rich flavor profile enhanced by the natural diet of the cattle, which includes fresh pastures and hay but no silage, enriching the cheese with a higher omega fatty acid content. Visitors to Quinta Anema can explore the organic production process from milking to maturation, learning about the critical balance of nurturing the land and producing high-quality food. This visit promises not just a tasting but an educational journey highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in modern agriculture.
📍Courela da Ponte Velha, 7050-467 Lavre (between Montemor-o-Novo and Coruche)
Photo by Segredos da Vila on Facebook
Signup for a wine tasting session and discover Alentejo’s best wines
The Alentejo region, which Montemor-o-Novo is a part of, is known for its sprawling vineyards, to explore the local viticulture is definitely something you can also do around here. This area, part of the distinguished Évora sub-region, is steeped in a winemaking tradition that dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, who first introduced viticulture to this sun-drenched terrain. Now-a-days, there’s a diverse wine portfolio, with a focus on both indigenous and international grape varieties. White grape varieties like Antão Vaz and Arinto offer crisp and aromatic profiles, while reds such as Alicante Bouschet and Aragonez are celebrated for their depth and complexity. For enthusiasts eager to explore the nuances of these wines, Montemor-o-Novo’s wineries provide immersive tours and tastings. These sessions often include walks through the vineyards, visits to the cellars, and detailed discussions about the winemaking process, from the influence of the Mediterranean climate to the impact of sustainable practices on the quality of the wine. These are some of the cellars which organize enotourism activities – for more context, make sure to also check this Montemo-o-Novo Guide of Enotourism, put together by the local authorities.
📍Couteiro Mor – Vinhos Barão Rodrigues
https://couteiro-mor.pt/provas
📍Quinta Plansel
www.adega.plansel.com/en/enoturismo
📍Aromas do Sul
https://aromasdosul.pt/enoturismo
📍L`and Vineyards
Photo by Portugal Farm Experiences
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