Largo Padre Manuel Vasconcelos 17, 3300 Arganil, Portugal
The best restaurant in the centre of Arganil. Has an extensive menu and good wine list. Dishes of the day are displayed outside. Busy most lunch times. Nice atmosphere and attentive service. English spoken if you don't speak Portuguese. Noted for its grilled meat and fish. Budget €15 a head for lunch including house wine.
The Chanfana was really cool, the Panados were lemony and really well made.
We went there two days in a row, as this place just rocks. All 4 dishes we had were excellent. The dorada (sea bass, I guess) was perfectly done. My typical sausage was very heavy but delicious. The goat stew is from heaven (recommendation from our hosts) and is slowly cooked in red wine. Lastly the pig special cuts were simple but well made and of great quality. Expect to pay less than 25 euros for world class (but simple) food with a jug of good red wine.
So difficult to get star levels right, this is a nicely run place with good food and convenient location - wasn’t trying too hard but we had a good meal (6 of us) and it was uncomplicated.
Owner doesn't like English for some unknown reason. I went there twice in one day. I thought the first time it may of been because he was busy. He kept walking past my table, dealing with everyone else and ignored my call to him. Then i thought, maybe he thought i was being inpatient when i went to the counter to order beforehand, but i didn't realise it was table service. But still. He told me he didn't have any broccoli, being off, then came to my table with broccoli. That evening i went back for the same meal (easy for me, i'm vegan). I sat down and saw two women carrying up the veg from the store cupboard down stairs including several bags of broccoli. I ordered the same, a tiny portion came. A woman seemed cold(who had a huge plate of veg) as was i, he put the heater on and when she left, turned it off. I waited for 20 minutes for him to come to my table after finishing, to offer coffee, a pudding. What is this mans problem ? Very strange experience. When i had been there previously with my Husband, he was very nice. Maybe he enjoys behaving badly to lone women ? Steer clear.
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