The Charm
Looking for some authentic Alentejo food at low costs? You’re in luck. At O Canhoto Restaurant in Borba, you will not only find great hospitality, traditional cuisine, but a wonderful environment.
Paolo, the owner of O Canhoto, will make sure to make you feel at ease from the time you arrive, until you leave. Taking care of all your needs, he even pre-plans what you’re going to eat before you even arrive! I had the pleasure of dining here two nights in a row when I visited the charming village of Borba. Nestled in the region of Alentejo, which is most known for its wine and particular food, the restaurant not only has dishes that live up to the region’s reputation, but the best wine you’ll have while you’re in town!
The atmosphere is exactly the kind that I love finding. Warm, cozy and small, you feel like you’re just one of the villagers when you step inside. The decor is old world with hanging garlic and dried meat (real or not, I’m not sure). Seeing all of this, you definitely realize you are not in a big city!
Wine, Food & Hospitality
The Quintas de Borba that I had that night was literally some of the best wine I had the whole month that I was in Portugal. And being the wine snob that I am, I believe in giving credit where credit is due.
With a small menu, O Canhoto has a knack for making everything taste…tasty, and leaving you feel full even without the need of eating very much. If you like a lot of oil then Alentejo is definitely the place to come. Not skimping on that golden canola as if it were coming out of the tap, this and pork is what you will find most of in the region. Different versions of the meat are prepared here, whether it’s grilled, or in a stew – whatever your pleasure, they’ll accommodate.
And don’t leave without trying their coriander rice. Coming from someone who is not a big rice fan, I couldn’t get enough of the stuff. That’s saying something.
But whenever you go, just make sure that when you do stop in, you let them know that Lisa sent you!
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