A Lanterna - Castelo Branco

We were looking for a different restaurant but it looked like it was no longer in business. Nearby was A Lanterna. We were seated right away. The starters were... read more We were looking for a different restaurant but it looked like it was no longer in business. Nearby was A Lanterna. We were seated right away. The starters were placed on our table. We went for the fried fish, the salami and the pickled peppers. We passed up the olives and bread. Good thing we did since the main dishes were more than enough. I ordered porco preto and my friend asked for grilled lamb. Both were done perfectly. Mind you, the prato do dia does not include starters, drinks, desserts, and coffee. It was a good lunch.

We went here for a meal a couple of nights ago and had a really enjoyable meal. We had a selection of small plates to start, the standard ‘couvert’ so we didn’t... read more We went here for a meal a couple of nights ago and had a really enjoyable meal. We had a selection of small plates to start, the standard ‘couvert’ so we didn’t actually choose them they were just put in front of us but they were very nice. For mains we had grilled ibérico pork and a squid and prawn espetada the squid was cooked very well! For dessert, tried a local Alentejo cake which was lovely and also the classic apple tart option which again, very pleasant. Two things that left a bad taste... Shoddy arrogant service from the man who owns the place. Our couvert dishes were charged at €2.00 each where as the table of locals next to us were charged at €1.50 each (they had the same). Not sure if it was because we weren’t locals but just a bit petty. Given the rudeness of the owner we couldn’t be bothered to question it! I’d recommend going if you’re in the area and fancy local cuisine just put up with the rude owner as the other lady serving called Isabel was really lovely and just double check your bill and maybe ask up front how much the couvert is!