Restaurante O Nando

Next to Boliqueime there’s a turn-off where the sign promises “economical prices for workers”.

From the (smart) outside, this restaurant doesn’t look like the habitual “truckies watering hole”. That’s because it isn’t. The idea here seems to come from that transatlantic notion of two distinct classes – the trolls go into the hold, while more up-market diners waft into the dining room.

You got it – this place has two rooms for serving meals, apparently for two very different brands of public. One has tables joined together and serves full meals for €7.50, and the other has a rather more thoughtful layout and an atmosphere more conducive to business lunches/ meals.

It’s the waiter who organises the distribution of clients. When we were deciding where to sit, we were swiftly ushered on. “Dishes of the day this way,” he pointed. Fine. He got it. We were in for one of those anyway, weren’t we?

The “dish of the day” dining room has lots of windows and good exposure to light. You can see the pool in the neighbouring guesthouse from here.

The service (waitress) is friendly, with a good sense of humour.

There were two dishes to choose from – whiting fillets with Russian salad, or Mutton “chanfana” (a typical Portuguese dish). “I’m sick of old goat,” said an unknown diner sitting beside us. We felt the same. So, bring on the fish.

And again, the right choice. As far as we could see, the kitchen – which serves both dining rooms – makes the Russian salad from fresh vegetables (not frozen) and homemade mayonnaise.

With a glass of chilled white wine, who could ask for more? To follow, there was coffee and a homemade dessert. Probably the best meal for “workers” that we’ve had so far! But we should return to try the “other dining room”…

Specialities: Dishes of the day for workers; “Bacalhau à Nando” (Salt cod); Duck with Fruits of the Forest; Lamb chops w/ Garlic cream or Pepper sauce. “Cabrito à Padeiro” - a traditional kid (young goat!) dish and “Leitão à Bairrada” (Suckling pig “Bairrada-style”) on Saturdays; Hours: closed Sundays; Bank cards: Multibanco & Visa; Bill: €7.50; Owner: Horizogloria Lda.; NIF 509 170 617.