A Taste of Alcoutim

Owned and run by mother in law Isabel and son in law Tomé, Cantarinha do Guadiana is genuinely a passionate family affair. When we arrived, we were warmly greeted by Isabel's husband holding one of Tomé's twin boys and Tomé's wife holding the other twin. We were led to the rear part of the restaurant that has been recently refurbished in a cosy, rustic and inviting style, where we had the pleasure of getting to know the family.

Isabel Ribeiros was born in the first hospital ever built in Alcoutim, this place is where she was raised, where her heart is and where her passion for cooking comes from.

Isabel was brought up eating real food when vegetables, fish and meats were all gathered and produced locally. Variety was abundant as dishes changed with the season and everything was made from scratch and fresh. Frozen foods and shortcuts did not exist and to this day, have no place in her kitchen. Together with her son in law, Tomé Pereira, dishes from the past are recreated in the kitchen of Catarinhas. The recipes are authentic and native to Alcoutim, some have been passed down through generations and others acquired by simply spending time listening to older generations and recording what they recall making. Many are so specific, you will not find them listed anywhere except in family homes of Alcoutim and in this restaurant.

Tomé is originally from Fuseta, not only shares a love for food and cooking, but also a love for Alcoutim cuisine and his mother in law. Luckily for the entire family, they can stand the heat of the kitchen. The two joined forces and have worked side by side in the kitchen since the opening of Cantarinha do Guadiana in 2019. While their food and restaurant has won awards, been on television, been written about in guides and seeing famous Portuguese faces is quite common, the emphasis has always been and will always be on authenticity and family. Both Isabel and Tomé explain how important it is to them that their customers feel at home in their restaurant, that they feel they are welcome and part of their own extended dining table.

Along with the unique menu, the wine list is well worth a mention too. Tomé has a nose for finding special, rare wines. Many of the wines are from small producers and are limited productions. Sometimes, especially during these darker and colder days, we need a little comfort, a place that is inviting and homemade food that is cooked from the heart. The simple elements that warm and nourish the soul. We recommend you try Cantarinha do Guadiana, please make a booking in advance.

Address: Avenida Da República loja 4, Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal. Telephone: 281 547 196

Email: cantarinhadoguadianavrsa@gmail.com