Dom José Restaurant, Bombarral, Portugal

Dom José Restaurant – Bombarral

Monica Tindall

Located in Bombarral, in the wine region of Lisbon, Dom José Restaurant offers a memorable dining experience with traditional Portuguese family-style cooking and exceptional ingredients. The restaurant is known for its cosy and welcoming atmosphere, thanks to the converted home it resides in, as well as the Portuguese-British family who runs it. It features arched doorways, a white-washed exterior, and a corrugated tile roof. Dark wood tables and floors are brightened by white walls and natural light streaming in through the windows.

Nelson and Carla, a brother-sister team, warmly greet guests as they enter. In the kitchen, their Portuguese mother prepares incredibly delicious meals that leave diners longing for more. The restaurant has received recognition in the MICHELIN Guide several years running, and we see that in the quality of both food and service. Nelson and Carla provide masterful service to every table, demonstrating confidence, knowledge, efficiency, and kindness. The speed and professionalism with which they open and serve wine bottles would impress any sommelier.

Wine List

One notable aspect of Dom José Restaurant is its proudly local wine list, with the family having personal connections to nearly every wine producer on the menu. The first wine, Branco Colheita 2021 (EUR 14), hails from Quinta do Gradil, a mere 10 kilometres away in the Lisboa wine region. This delightful blend of sauvignon blanc and the local grape arinto is aromatic, with a light salinity and moderate acidity, whetting the appetite for the upcoming meal.

Dom José Restaurant

The menu at Dom José Restaurant showcases the warm, comforting flavours of mama-style Portuguese cuisine. Even though you probably already have wine and bread on the table, try to hold off on digging into that bread box. The dreamy olive oil dominance in many of the restaurant’s recipes aches to be mopped up with the hearty, spongy slices. Forget the packaged butter and wait for the sauces of the dishes to come.

Menu & Prices

Starters

For starters, the Fresh Mushrooms Sautéed in Olive Oil and Garlic (EUR 6.50) are sensational. The mushrooms are flavourful, with a touch of sharpness thanks to garlic and complemented by the richness of local olive oil. They provide a warm and comforting sensation akin to a loving embrace. Another awesome starter is the Marinated Anchovy Fillets (EUR 4.50), featuring a lovely vinegar tang softened by quality olive oil. We alternate bread dips between the anchovies’ cool residue and the mushrooms’ warm remnants.

Mains

Moving on to the main courses, the Peniche (a nearby coastal town famed for its fresh seafood) Squid with Garlic with Boiled Potatoes and Vegetables (EUR 16.50) is a standout. The purple-hued squid, tender and succulent, is accompanied by halved finger potatoes and a classic combination of olive oil, parsley, and garlic. A squeeze of lemon adds a refreshing touch. A side dish of cabbage and carrots completes the meal.

Another enticing main course is the Boneless Rabbit Fried in Olive Oil and Garlic with Fries and Vegetables (EUR 16.50). The rabbit is cooked to perfection and enhanced by chestnut and Port sauce, garnished with an orange slice. Thin fries and cabbage serve as healthful accompaniments. The flavourful sauce, with its sweetness complementing the chestnut’s pasty texture, is best enjoyed with fries or savoured by dipping, once again, a corner of bread.

The Herdade da Candeeira, Superior 2020 (EUR 18.00), a blend of Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Franca, is an excellent companion to the main courses. This red wine from Alentejo (made by the same producer as our earlier white) offers a ruby colour and aromas of ripe fruit, toast, and spice. Its full-bodied yet elegant nature, fruity mouthfeel, and soft tannins beautifully complement the rich sauce of the rabbit.

Dessert

For “non-dessert” people, we sure made short work of the Chocolate Mousse with Almonds (EUR 4.50). Carla, who assists in the kitchen and is responsible for this heavenly creation, combines lightness and aeration with density and richness. The bittersweet cacao fills the mouth, gripping at the edges before sliding down the throat, leaving a satisfying finale.

As a final touch, the Quinta de S. Francisco XO Aguardente Vínica Velha, a brandy produced less than 10 kilometres away, provides an excellent conclusion. With its warm hue, fruity nose, hints of honey and vanilla, and fine and elegant character, this brandy offers a mouth-filling experience with soft tannins and smooth wood.

Dom José Restaurant Review

Whether you are exploring the exceptional wines of the Lisbon region or embarking on a journey to discover the landscapes and history of the area, Dom José Restaurant is a must-visit. Its delightful setting, exceptional food prepared by a loving family, and proudly local wine list promise an unforgettable dining experience.

Reasons to visit Dom José Restaurant: authentic Portuguese cooking at reasonable prices; excellent wine list; efficient and friendly service.

Dom José Restaurant
Rua Dr Alberto Martins dos Santos ,
2540-087 Bombarral, Portugal – Link to Google Map
+351 262 604 384

Dom José RestaurantOpening Hours
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Saturday: 12:30–2:45 PM, 7:30–9:45 PM

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