Enjoy Forno da Telha, the Last Rural and Culinary Getaway of the Summer

Source: Inout Viajes

A cultural escape with a rural essence and a gastronomic soul: that’s the experience at Forno da Telha, the restaurant shaped by Chef Miguel Rocha Vieira in Évora, created to honor the Alentejo’s essence with a contemporary touch. In the heart of the Alentejo, it blends history, modern cuisine, and a true immersion into local culture.

Évora is one of Portugal’s most authentic getaways: it combines the charm of a rural destination with the cultural richness of a UNESCO World Heritage city. Just two and a half hours from Badajoz and less than four from Seville or Mérida, Évora is the perfect escape for those looking to reconnect with tradition, discover authentic culture, and step away from the fast pace of everyday life. Forno da Telha becomes the gateway to the Alentejo at its most genuine: rural, serene, steeped in history and flavor. An experience that balances the calm of the surroundings with the pleasure of cuisine that honors the past with a modern outlook.

In a former tile factory on the outskirts of Évora, a new destination has emerged for lovers of Alentejo cuisine: Forno da Telha. More than a restaurant, it is a statement of intent. Under the leadership of acclaimed Portuguese chef Miguel Rocha Vieira—whose talent has earned him multiple Michelin stars throughout his career—Forno da Telha pays tribute to the Alentejo’s roots through a modern and sophisticated culinary language, establishing itself as a gathering place for families and friends.

An escape to the heart of the Alentejo, where flavor meets history

With the narrative “Alentejo Reinvented,” the restaurant draws inspiration from the region’s ancestral flavors, elevating them through cutting-edge techniques and unique presentation. The soul of the Alentejo is found in every dish: in the warmth of its bread, the intensity of its herbs, the depth of its stews. Forno da Telha offers a return to the roots, reimagined with both respect and creativity. “The Alentejo is a land of memories, of slow cooking and deep flavors. At Forno da Telha, we want to tell its story through every dish, reinterpreting the authentic with a contemporary vision, while never losing its essence,” explains Chef Miguel Rocha Vieira.

The menu, focused on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, features dishes such as confit cod with chickpeas and chorizo, wild boar empanada with pear and nut salad, or rabbit in carrot and orange escabeche. All paired with a carefully curated selection of regional wines—including the traditional talha wines fermented in clay amphorae—and an exclusive olive oil handpicked by the chef himself.

A full-day experience: poolside relaxation and Alentejo flavors

This summer, Forno da Telha is enhancing its offering with a pool and terrace area. Surrounded by olive trees and overlooking the sweeping Alentejo plains, the pool is open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., allowing guests to enjoy a full day of rest, refreshment, and fine dining. The restaurant offers a day pass for those who want the complete experience: a day of swimming, Talha wines, and dishes that connect with the land.

Since June 22, every Sunday features “Sunday Lunches”—a family-friendly plan starting at 12:30 p.m. with a buffet of garden starters, a weekly Alentejo menu, a dessert cart, and pool access with lounge chairs and a sangria bar (€40 per person). Children have their own kids’ club with supervised activities, a dedicated buffet, and face painting.

On Saturdays, through September 6, DJ sessions bring life to the terrace from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. And in August, two unique evenings arrive: Fado on August 8 (8:30–10:00 p.m.) and an Alentejano Singing Trio on August 22 (8:30–9:30 p.m.), offering a chance to experience the region’s heritage music paired with its traditional cuisine.

Forno da Telha is part of the portfolio of AHM – Ace Hospitality Management, representing a clear commitment to positioning the Alentejo as a leading culinary destination. Its concept combines pride in tradition with an innovative vision that celebrates the past while shaping the future of Portuguese cuisine.

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