When you dine at Solar dos Amigos, you take a trip back to a time when people grew their own food, so cooking was informed by a deep knowledge of ingredients.
We realized that our meal was going to be extraordinary when Luisa Nunes, the restaurant owner, brought a small plate of pataniscas (fried codfish) that were wonderfully light and full of flavor. We liked them so much that we tried two other codfish preparations. The first was Tiborna, roasted codfish combined with potatoes, olive oil, and garlic. It is a traditional recipe, but this version shined because of the pristine ingredients and immaculate execution. The second was codfish campino style, a delicious, airy combination with cabbage and white beans baked inside a country bread.
Our first meat dish, fried lamb chops, reminded us of how extraordinary the taste of lamb can be. The grand finale was Cascos à Ribatejo—veal grilled in the huge fireplace of the main dining room. The veal was succulent, tender, and deeply satisfying.
Throughout the meal, different types of bread and vegetable sides were brought to our table: an unforgettable warm corn bread (broa) seasoned with garlic and olive oil, a hearty bean rice, and much more. The food was blissfuly married with the house wine, a bold red produced by Luisa’s octogenarian father.
Luisa is a master of the art of hospitality. Even though the restaurant has four spacious dining rooms, she seems to be everywhere, chatting with regulars, welcoming new clients, making sure the food and service are perfect. Luisa loves the restaurant so much that she never vacations and feels bored on Wednesdays, the day Solar dos Amigos closes. It is her passion that makes dining at Solar dos Amigos such an exceptional experience.
The greatest food in Portugal was not inspired by the kitchens of palaces and noble houses. It comes from a rural tradition that is perfectly reflected in the food of Solar dos Amigos.
Solar dos Amigos is located on a small village called Guisado, 100 km north of Lisbon. The restaurant’s address is Rua Principal, 49, Guisado, Caldas da Rainha. Even though the restaurant is large, it is a good idea to make reservations. Their telephone number is 262-877-135. Click here for their website.
Another place in beautiful Portugal I would love to visit. I will be back there in April:)
Solar dos Amigos is fantastic; it deserves a special trip.
I will make the effort:)
Reblogged this on The Portugal Years and commented:
If you have never had a Portuguese country meal, you need to find a way to get to one.
I will visit the place for sure 🙂
It is very much worth a visit!
I am visiting Portugal in April, but Vila Vicosa and Crato – I hope to find somewhere similarly good to eat!
Hi Candy: the food in Alentejo is great in general. Are you staying at the Crato Pousada? The food there is very good. Here is our post about it https://saltofportugal.com/2014/10/16/a-classic-alentejo-recipe/ If you go through Evora let us know; we have two great suggestions.
I wish you had posted this 3 months ago whilst I was still in Lisbon it sounds extraordinary
It is a good excuse to come back!
ça fait des années que je fréquente ce restaurant, très BON……….
I have to visit this place! I am so glad I’ve found your blog 🙂 Congratulations, guys! Proud to be Portuguese
Thank you so much for following our blog which is a weekly love letter to Portugal.
The Portuguese kitchen is very nice. I have to admit though: the fish dishes I had were terrific, but the meat was slightly fat (and sometimes way too fat).
Lovely county to visit!
Warm regards,
Tieme