Restaurants and Cafés

When passing through Almograve, on the way to the beach or on the way back, O Lavrador imposes its presence on the roundabout, not only because of the size of the building with white walls and yellow trim and the elegance of the ivy roof that covers the terrace but also because of the authenticity of the cuisine, based on local produce and recipes. It has two entrances: one for the café and one for the restaurant. In the large, cheerful room with blue and white azulejo panels, a sober décor, wooden chairs and tables, cotton tablecloths (bordeaux red and grey) protected by paper covers, the most important element is the fish display case with an abundance of sargos. It only contains newly caught fish from the coast.  

The space is simple and cheerful, as is the atmosphere, reception and food. The one-page menu, in addition to the couvert with bread, butter, cheese and olives, includes a brief but enthusiastic chapter on the starters, especially when the amêijoas à Bulhão Pato, a permanent presence, are paired with goose barnacles, velvet crab and crabs. The quality is such that there are some people who have a full meal of only velvet crab and/or crab. Among the main dishes are grilled fish, such as sargo, robalo sea bass and gilthead bream, among others (always and only from the coast, such as sardines in summer) and different meat dishes, such as stewed meats with chickpeas, tenderloin pork with clams and a good sirloin steak. Enjoyable homemade desserts, especially almond roll with black-seed squash and chocolate mousse. A decent selection of mostly Alentejo wines!