4 Best Restaurants in Estremadura and the Ribatejo, Portugal

Perched on rocks overlooking the open ocean, on the site of a former shellfish nursery, this fashionable restaurant offers some of the best seafood in the area. As you'd expect, the day's menu depends on the sea's bounty, but it might have salmonete (red mullet), pregado (turbot), robalo (sea bass), or linguado (sole). Alternatively, opt for a cataplana of fish stew for two, or even a juicy steak. The starters are worth sampling, too, such as octopus salad or a dish of fresh amêijoas (clams).

Behind a vintage tiled facade is a widely acclaimed restaurant that has long been among the country's most popular destinations for Italian food. Everything—the pasta, bread, ice cream—is homemade and beautifully presented and served by the owner, Norberto Marcelino, and his wife. Delicious main dishes include shrimp pansotti with a dill sauce, and breast of duck with port wine sauce and clementines. For desserts there is the ever-popular raspberry gratin with lemon sorbet, sinfonia de pêra Rocha (featuring a local pear variety, three ways), and fig crêpe with Moscatel ice cream.

In an old house with rustic Portuguese furniture, this eatery sits in a village that has long been a haven for gourmands. They bake their own bread on the premises—including a delicious pão chouriço—and there's a series of tasty starters. Trademark dishes include a noteworthy bacalhau com natas (codfish with cream) and duck rice; for specialties such as roast capon that must be ordered in advance, check the menu (ementa) on the website. Leave some room for a mixed dessert platter or for the brisa do Lis, a local almond pudding.

Live seafood crawling around in an aquarium shaped like a blue-and-white fisherman's boat gives you an idea of what you'll find on the menu. Pick out the fish or shellfish of your choice to be prepared especially for you, such as a sapateira recheada (stuffed crab) brought to the table in its shell.