What to eat Alentejo? culinary specialties and gastronomy

Meal times are quite similar to those practiced in France. Lunch (almoço) is taken between 12:00 and 15:00, and dinner (jantar) takes place between 19:30 and 21:30, or even 23:00 in the tourist cities.

Having lunch in a bakery is commonplace for the local population. The dishes or snacks are simple but good, the prices are reasonable, the cleanliness is irreproachable, the bread comes straight out of the oven and, to top it all off, you get to share the daily life of the locals.

In restaurants, as soon as you sit down, you see olives, bread and other bruschettas on the table. This is not a complimentary appetizer, but a paid service. Simply push them to the edge of the table if you don't want them.

Tipping in restaurants is not... common in Portugal; but your generosity will not be taken badly... In restaurants, cabs, hairdressers, if you are satisfied with the service, you can leave between 5 and 10% of the bill.

If since 2008 it was forbidden to smoke in closed public places, except bars and restaurants, the latter joined the ban in 2015, electronic cigarette included.

Bars and cafes are often open between noon and 3pm, then open again at 7pm and close around 11pm.Happy hour starts around 5 or 6 pm and ends around 8 pm, before the evening really starts. In summer, some bars push the party to the end of the night..

It is possible to consume alcohol from 18 years old, your identity papers may be requested.

The petiscos are the equivalent of Spanish tapas: very appetizing mini-bites, to be enjoyed as an appetizer, an aperitif or to compose a whole meal!