PODA

The story

PODA, Montemor-o-Novo – Rustic Portuguese Cuisine with a Bib Gourmand

Sabor, História, Rusticidade

PODA is a restaurant rooted in tradition and seasonality. The team’s philosophy is simple: no shortcuts. Guests come here to experience genuine tastes of ancestral Portuguese cooking, respecting each season’s bounty. The kitchen is led by Chef João Narigueta, an Alentejo native who blends the traditional with the modern, treating every ingredient, recipe, and story with care. “Cozinhar é um ato de amor,” he says – cooking is an act of love.

A Wine Lover’s Project

Wine is central to the project. Sommelier Miguel Dominguinhos, co-founder of PODA, opened the restaurant with the aim of showcasing the quality of Portuguese producers, many of them little-known. Each bottle on the list is a discovery, chosen to surprise and delight guests just as Miguel himself is thrilled by every new find.

Recognised for Value and Quality

In 2026, PODA earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, an award that celebrates good-quality, good-value cooking. It’s a fitting recognition for a restaurant that delivers honest, flavour-driven food without pretence. From river fish stews and grilled sardines to migas with pork and the signature bife à PODA, the menu reflects the land and the sea of Portugal, prepared with rustic confidence.