Bistro Barão

We found this gem wandering the streets of the Old City and were warmly greeted by Miguel when we entered the cosy restaurant. With no menu to translate and limited Portuguese we went on a culinary adventure that made our mouths sing of flavour. Starting with the selection of the wine, a handwritten menu and Miguel’s personal service turned a lunch into a life memory. Moito obrigado Miguel!!
THE TRAVELING HAT

Spectacular meal with delicious seasonal regional meals and the kindest host in a cozy intimate setting—what’s not to love?!

There are only a few tables so if you’re coming for dinner you may need to make a reservation or find them booked up. We had lunch and enjoyed starters of two local cheeses and three cured pork cuts served with a tomato jelly. The algarve prawns starter was wonderful and tender. The partridge pie was in a lovely Phyllo style crust. The host proudly served a local white wine made on a small estate owned by his friend.

By the time we left, we were thoroughly charmed by this tiny lovely spot.

What an intimate, exceptional experience, so glad we showed up at opening time. Our host/owner?/server single handedly managed the operation while the cook behind the scenes kept the aromas and dishes flowing. One of my favorite prawn appetizers ever. I enjoyed a wonderful pig & clam dish for dinner & a unique pear dish for dessert. Great wine selection, but get a reservation as there’s very limited seating, one of the highlights of our 12 day Portugal adventure.

Once in a while you have a meal that transports you. And even more rarely do you have a meal, a place, a chef, and owner(s) that together deliver a meal that transcends you. Dining at Bistro Barao in Evora, Portugal, delivered the latter. With only 10 seats per lunch and 10 seats per dinner, if you want to experience the warmth and knowledge of Miguel’s service and the passion and skill of Margarida’s cooking, make a reservation for lunch or dinner ASAP. Their food is clean, fresh and flavorful, their space is inviting and playful, and their service is wonderful — the attention to detail is only rivaled by the tastes they deliver with every course. Evora was on my “must visit” list for Portugal BEFORE I went to Bistro Barao. Because of our dinner, Bistro Barao would easily be a reason to GO TO Evora. Thank you, Miguel and Margarida. AND thank you J. Carlos at Hotel Albergaria do Calvário for the recommendation.. ❤

Perhaps the best meal we had in Portugal amid a trip of amazing meals. The egg appetizer was incredible and the fried octopus exceptionally tender. They served us some cheeses that were incredible and the wine that was suggested was wonderful. This is a tiny gem and I highly recommend that you make a reservation if you are visiting Évora.

Cannot say enough about this wonderful restaurant! Small and intiment....food is like your grandmother's cooking. The grouper stew was absolutely delicious as well as the prawns with garlic for a starter! That was the best I've ever tasted!!! Don't miss this place!

We stumbled across this place and ended up having an amazing lunch! Miguel (the owner) was delightful and the place was cozy and charming. The prawns are a must have. Wonderful and fun place.

This place is A-maz-ing. If you find yourself in Évora, seek out this tiny gem of a restaurant. 10 seats. Tiny and adorable and welcoming. If the prawns are on the menu for a starter, um, order it! Grouper Stew, pork dish and the partridge pie were out of this world.
The entire experience from the time we walked into the front door until we left was A+.
Miguel and Margarita are magic. Miguel is like a warm hug and Margarita is a chef that, well, the next time we are here, you know where to find us full and happy.

Three of us had dinner at this little bistro in April 2024. Miguel, the proprietor was so wonderful and friendly. The food was superb and it ranks as one of the best dinners we had during our 12 days in Portugal.

The best dinner we have had in Portugal to date. Found it last minute after striking out with reservations on my original two choices. Called up and was able to get a table.
The restaurant is small and only holds about 10 tables. Miguel greeted us and escorted us to a small room that had table seatings for parties of 2 and 6. The ceramic tiles adorning the walls are covered with writings from past guests and it was really charming. We were soon joined by the guests at the other table in the room and given the small space we soon joined in conversation and really hit it off which was a warm turn of events.
Miguel is a wonderful host and the food was absolutely delicious. Restaurant is a 2 person show with Miguel’s wife, Marguerite (just winging the spelling!) does the cooking while Miguel works the floor. It makes for a personalized experience and I highly recommend making this a must try when in Evora.

Ended up in Evora by chance. It was late and lunch service was near to being over. Found this Bistro and walked in. Miguel was sitting at a table and it was empty. Hewarmly greeted us and seated us. We communicated in broken Spanish, Portuguese and a few words in English. The menu was a little notepad scribbled with the dishes of the day. Opted not to have the pata negra , but instead chose black pig and cod. Miguel entertained us, his wife Margarita, the chef, prepared the meals. An eclectic bistro tucked away on a side street with only 12 seats. A mix of antiques created the look.....a Singer sewing machine that my grandmother had adorned the area that served as a bar, the entry to the kitchen and the reception desk. The table had vinyl records that were placemats....I had Boney M! Lunch was an unforgettable experience.....the meal was delicious, the bistro an absolute conversation piece and Miguel.....passionate about the opportunity to ensure his guests had a good time and enjoyed. Tried Portuguese cheesecake.....very different, but also very good. Sometimes, life takes you on unexpectedly on the beaten path and what was unplanned, becomes an amazing experience and memory! Thank you Miguel for creating that wonderful memory!!!!

Fabulous seafood and rice soup! Best meal I’ve had in Portugal. The black pork was also delicious and plentiful. Both were enough to share. Tucked on a side street. Note: it’s not fast food, nor cheap, but wow.

Perfection. Best Octopus, wine and appetizers I've ever had. Period. Only 5-6 tables, personal service and the owner's suggestions are highlights. The tempura octopus, yes tempura, is the most tender, huge octopus pieces I've ever had. Husband had the Hare Risotto which was great too. Their jamon, cheese appetizer and local wine selection were also perfection.

This is an authentic and very unique restaurant. Incredible menu with gourmet choices and delicious wines.

The owner takes pride in serving you himself (takes one appetizer dish) and serves everyone on their plate, cut our dessert in pieces for us- I have never experienced that before!

The food is made with pride and they only serve what is in season, he will tell you what is available from the menu, for example. Everything was fresh and delicious 👌.

Be sure to call ahead the day before to reserve- there are only about 4 tables in the restaurant and they must turn people away.

One of the best restaurants in Evora. We experienced a very professional service, and excellent food throughout the starters, main courses, and dessert.
In addition, our host paired some lovely white wine with the fish dishes.
All told, a very memorable evening, and we shall return at the first opportunity..

Top notch dining experience. Beautiful and funky small setting, with expert service done formally but not stuffy. Beautiful foods that are creative and delicious.

What a wonderful little restaurant
It’s like being invited to your grandma’s kitchen for dinner. The grandma that could cook but the one you never had
Run by a elderly couple
They have only 8-10 seats so you got to book your table
It’s very intimate
Miguel the husband runs around like a young man serving all his hungry guest whilst his wife whips up the nicely cuisine
The prawns were awesome
Cheese with jam lovely
Grouper soup is a must

Small restaurant with only 5 tables inside. The staff helped us select the dishes from the menu and we definitely had a great meal! Definitely recommend!

Delicious food, relaxed service - incredibly earnest and sweet. You will almost certainly need reservations for dinner - just drop by during the day and ask about that evening or the next.

We had the pork cheeks with a delicious chestnut purée & the lamb stew. Lots of small bones in the stew, but a richly flavoured broth and tender lamb, with no “lamby” aftertaste. Simple and fresh tomato salad. Good wine recommendation too.

This is a wonderful hidden away restaurant. It’s very cozy makes you feel like you’re in the owners home. We’ve been to lots of small restaurants but this one tops it. The food is outstanding, the service is exceptional. We definitely will be back. Eric&Uschi, USA