Fialho

Fialho is a traditional Alentejo restaurant at Travessa das Mascarenhas 16 in Évora, in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal, and is described as an Évora institution that has served regional cuisine since 1945. The restaurant sits in the historic centre of the UNESCO-listed city, a short walk from the Roman Temple and the cathedral. The cooking is rustic and generous, built around Alentejo ingredients such as black pork, lamb, game, bread and olive oil. The listed signature dishes are secretos of black pork at about 18 euros, migas alentejanas at about 12 euros and lamb stew at about 16 euros, which places the restaurant in the moderate price band. Secretos, a cut from behind the shoulder of the Alentejo black pig, is the dish most often associated with the region, while migas, a savoury dish of fried bread, is a traditional accompaniment to pork. The dining room has rustic decor, with traditional tiles, wooden furniture and walls decorated with memorabilia, and the atmosphere is warm and traditional rather than fashionable. Portions are large, so sharing a starter is common. The wine list is a major strength, with a strong selection of Alentejo reds and whites from local producers, and the staff can recommend bottles by the glass or carafe. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 3pm and 7pm to 10pm, and the restaurant is closed on Mondays. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and spring or autumn holidays when Évora receives many visitors, and booking a day or two ahead is usually enough. Lunch tends to be a long, unhurried meal, while dinner is similar but slightly busier. Visitors who want a traditional introduction to Alentejo cooking, with local wines, often choose Fialho for that reason. Evora is also a convenient day trip from Lisbon, so many diners arrive by car or train and plan the meal around a walking tour.