Top Restaurants in Castelo Branco
Top Things to do in Castelo Branco
Countries
Where to Eat in Castelo Branco: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Discover the best restaurant in Castelo Branco, Portugal including Retiro do Cacador, Cozinha do Castelo, Restaurante Pinguim, Dona ferreirinha, L'amazzona, Arena di Verona, Restaurante O Jardim, Marisqueira 'O Carlos', Telheiro Do Abilio & Sra de Mercoles, Palitao
Things to do in Castelo Branco
1. Retiro do Cacador
Overall Ratings
4 based on 379 reviews
2. Cozinha do Castelo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By David L
For the price 14 Euros the buffet represents good value, the a la carte has traditional and regional dishes. My 7 year old son opted for the buffet rather than the children's meal and enjoyed pork and potatoes followed by Jelly and cake!
3. Restaurante Pinguim
Overall Ratings
4 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Heidi F
We seem to have been unlucky when I look at other reviews for this restaurant.
While the service was really nice we also had to wait rather long for drinks, food and the bill.
The meats were really good (porco preto; cabrito) but all side dishes were cold. When pointing it out we got some more - this time warm.
The table next to us had similar issues; not a good night as it seems...
4. Dona ferreirinha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By NMGMarques
This is no gourmet restaurant. The food, none the less, is delicious. I have now had the good fortune of eating hear a few times and so far have yet to order a dish that doesn't hit the spot. Most times I choose based on their recommendations. The dish of the day is usually a winner although anything from the menu is always prepared to excellence. Presentation is always a notch above the competition in this region. Taste is sublime. When choosing your wine, let them recommend one. They don't dissappoint.
Fair warning though: prices are high. At the very least they are above average. If you do have the chance, inclination and pocketbook however, then I suggest you give it a try. Dinners most time you'll be seated in an instante. Lunch, better make a reservation.
5. L'amazzona
Overall Ratings
4 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By aish_2013 - Ilhavo, Portugal
The place is a little bit difficult to find if you're not familiar with the area, but worth the trouble of looking. The menu was a bit mixed in origin but had some very good options. We had two steaks: a pepper steak and a steak on the stone, which had a very nice flavour, though the concept was a bit different from ours (more creamy, less pepperish for the first and a not so thick steak for the latter). Overall we really enjoyed the meal and will definitely return and recommend.
6. Arena di Verona
Overall Ratings
4 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By Elipessoa - Lisbon, Portugal
This restaurant stays in a first floor with stairs, I think it doesn't have elevator, so it is quite inaccessible. The place has a very poor decoration and, as it has an open kitchen with the oven in the room, it is very hot. In the day we went is was uncomfortable. However service is very nice and staff is very kind. The food is also very good. Prices are ok, about €10,00 each plate. I hope they put a more powerful air conditioner.
7. Restaurante O Jardim
Overall Ratings
4 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By mowgliguru - Geneva, Switzerland
This is probably one of the best kept secrets of Castelo Branco! In one of the side streets close to the city square lies this discrete hidden gem of a place! Packed with locals of various age groups and also some regular expats, is usually a guarantee for good quality and fresh produce given the guest turnover. Don't be discouraged by the outside look which may suggest that the place is closed. A small table outside with two chairs is a signal that it is open. I was welcomed by a radiant waitress who was equally comfortable in English. I had some dietary restrictions e.g. no oil, no carbs etc. These were noted by the waitress and indeed implemented. Before the maincourse bread olives and a delicious tuna-onion spread was served on the house. The food I had was fresh, delicious and beautifully presented. I had ordered grilled Cabillaud and steamed vegetables. The coffee that followed was exceptionally good. Service was prompt and polite and never rushed. My lunch bill was EUR 12.50 only. I was so intrigued by the quality of food and service that I had to enquire about the owner of the restaurant. I was introduced to Chef Miguel who is the proud owner of this outstanding restaurant.
This is a gem with an exceptionally good quality:price ratio! A must visit! A big round of applause to the Team of O'Jardim for their outstanding service to food lovers.
8. Marisqueira 'O Carlos'
Overall Ratings
4 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By Joe B - Newcastle-upon-Tyne
My dog was welcome! Arranged in advance, I was given a quiet table in the simple, but tasteful dining area. He had beef and rice, and although this is primarily a sea-food restaurant, I had a veal steak. Seth (my dog) finished his whilst I had my soup starter. The steak was accompanied by chips and salad, finished off with a coconut-mousse which was divine. I washed everything down with the house white wine. This restaurant is run by lovely folks, and if I lived in Castelo Branco I would be a frequent customer.
9. Telheiro Do Abilio & Sra de Mercoles
Overall Ratings
4 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Ada738 - Beziers, France
We have dined here on a number of occassions the food is always excellent and the service excellent, the owners son has an excellent understanding of english and always explains the menu to us. It is a family business the mother being the chef its so difficult to find good fish in the interior of Portugal but here you can find it, I have to say it never fails to impress
for us the best in all of Castelo Branco
10. Palitao
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By NMGMarques
This is a small restaurant, sitting maybe some 30 people. The decor inside is of a rustic feel. Quite charming. The one downfall this restaurant can have is that since the space is so limited, if you don't book in advance, you risk being seated near the toilet doors. The proprietors do their best to isolate the toilets from the main room using thick curtains, but all the same, you know where you are sitting and it can be a bit off putting. So plan ahead, and call in advance. Ask for a table near the window if possible. However, don't expect much of a view as there is none.
Some standard entrees but to my liking (scrambled eggs with "alheira" and asparagus, tomato salad, etc...). Others available upon request. The selection for main dishes is limited but whatever you choose will be delicious no doubt. For those who like their food a bit on the spicy side, ask for the hot sauce. It lives up to the name. If you ever have the time and inclination, order the oven cooked veal flank at least 3 to 5 days in advance. It's big, so good for a group of people, but honestly it's some of the best meat I have had in a long time. Wine selection is adequate and some Deserts to top.
Price wise, you pay a pretty penny. Then again, this restaurant doesn't go the extra mile to hide that it isn't a cheap establishment. If you go here, you know you are not dining on a budget. That said, you won't go home a poor man either.
My recommendation: give it a go. One of the better restaurants in the Castelo Branco area.
