6 Best Restaurants in Évora and the Alentejo, Portugal

Set right in the heart of Milfontes, this cozy café serves one of the best breakfast spreads in town. Hikers following the Rota Vicentina often stop here to recharge.

There are several refreshment stands and snack bars along the Rossio, but for more substantial fare try this casual eatery. From this popular 60-year-old art deco–style café and its first-floor restaurant, you can watch the goings-on in the square. Inexpensive accommodation can be found upstairs.

Opposite the fountain on Praça do Giraldo, Café Arcada is a local institution open since the 1940s. The large hall now features a newspaper stand, a bakery, a wine shop and a restaurant. Tables on the square are just the place from which to watch the city on parade. Try the queijadas (cakes made with fresh cheese).

This upscale coffee shop with friendly service offers sandwiches and other light lunches, making it the perfect stop between sightseeing trips around town. The outdoor terrace in back offers superb views of the hillside across from Castelo de Vide.

This Beja institution, which first opened its doors in 1893, serves great coffee and conventuais, sweets made according to recipes from local convents. In a pedestrian-only area just outside the city walls, it's conveniently located next to a few hotels and offers far better breakfasts, including delicious torradas (simple white toast with butter). Don't be surprised if you're the only tourist in the ground-floor dining room; the friendly barman may try his (rusty) English on you.