Snack-bar Cantinho do Alentejano

We arrived early, with enough time for a peaceful lunch together. Could there be an antidote to pessimism? A recipe for survival? Will the looming A22 tolls mean that business and restaurants on the EN125 get more business? This place is small, but you can tell straight away that the cooking is good. Meals are served on generous platters. Clients range from working folk, to foreigners that know the territory.

The hostess regaled us with the dishes of the day: fried rabbit or cuttlefish. A complete meal here costs €8. We decide to try it, and look at the simple menu. What about a nice succulent “bitoque” (steak with fried egg)? Meat-enthusiasts get to choose from grilled pork steaks (€7), grilled pork belly (€8), steak with mushroom sauce (€13), pork “bitoque” (€7.50), and lamb cutlets (€10). When it comes to fish, there’s corvina (€14), sole (€13), grilled swordfish (€12), boiled salt cod (€9.50), or grilled (€12). The chef suggests monkfish rice, or shellfish rice (€25), for two people. Choices are basic, but perfectly flavoured – and the place offers some parking spaces right at the door. Another positive point: desserts here are homemade and fresh!

Specialities: Traditional Portuguese gastronomy; Hours: Lunches and dinners. Closed Sundays; Bank cards: Multibanco; Bill: €19.70 for two; Owner: Nádia Fernandes Menalha dos Reis; NIF 247 575 747.