Casa do Alentejo

Historic Moorish Palace Setting

Casa do Alentejo occupies the historic Palácio Alverca, a former 17th-century Moorish palace extensively renovated in 1918. The building serves as the headquarters for the Alentejo regional association, blending cultural preservation with gastronomy. Visitors enter through a grand patio adorned with arabesque tiles, ascending to dining rooms featuring vibrant azulejos—traditional Portuguese painted ceramic tiles—depicting rural scenes, florals, and geometric patterns. Open fireplaces add warmth, creating an enchanting, slightly crumbling ambiance that transports diners to Alentejo's heart.

Authentic Alentejan Cuisine

The menu showcases regional specialties from Portugal's Alentejo province. Signature dishes include carne de porco à Alentejana, a beloved combination of pork, clams, potatoes, and coriander, alongside bacalhau com pimentos roasted salt cod with sweet peppers, and hearty pork stews. Desserts feature sericaia, a conventual egg yolk cake paired with Elvas plum jam. Starters like fresh pork scratchings and olive paté set the tone. Portions are generous, with a three-course meal averaging €30-35. White Alentejo wines complement the rustic fare perfectly.

Dining Areas and Atmosphere

Two distinct dining spaces cater to different vibes: the upstairs restaurant rooms bustle with locals enjoying tiled, canteen-style settings, while the downstairs taberna offers casual street-side seating. The magnificent ballroom hosts weekend events like Saturday Alentejo afternoons with choral groups and Sunday dances starting at 3:30 pm, drawing elderly locals for socializing. The ladies' bathrooms, with 1930s pink paneling and mirrors, add a whimsical touch.

Cultural Hub and Activities

Beyond dining, Casa do Alentejo pulses with cultural life. It hosts book presentations, poetry sessions, temporary exhibitions, thematic conferences, gastronomic weeks, art contests, craft displays, and council-dedicated events. The Páteo Árabe features the 2023 Fountain of Friendship sculpture marking the venue's centenary. This polivalente space preserves Alentejan customs while engaging broader Lisbon audiences.

Practical Details

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch (12-16:00) and dinner (19:00-23:00), with taberna extending hours. Reservations recommended via +351 213 405 140. Located near Av. Liberdade, it's a welcome non-touristy spot on Rua das Portas de Santo Antão.