Basilic Restaurant — Restaurant in Pombal

What a marvellous discovery to find this wonderful restaurant next to the castle in Pombal. The cuisine is high end Italian, but the prices are very reasonable. We had Eggplant Parmigiana and Seabass Cerviche for starters, both dishes were well presented and bursting with flavour. Main course was Tuna steak with pumpkin risotto, and slow cooked pork belly in a smokey, buttery sauce, served with wild rice. Our maitre'D, Max, treated us like special guests, very attentive without being intrusive. We were offered eggplant tempura as an amuse-bouche and delicious home made seeded bread to dunk in to a fresh and tasty basil pesto and a tomato puree dip. There's a good selection of tempting Italian desserts, and an extensive wine list featuring Italian and Portuguese wines at very reasonable prices. The restaurant is set on the hill leading to Pombal Castle, and has floor to ceiling windows, providing fabulous view of Pombal city and the surrounding area. There's also a café downstairs with alfresco tables, perfect for coffee and Italian sweet treats during the daytime. We can't thank Max enough for his wonderful hosting, and the chef and kitchen staff for the delightful dishes we had. Definitely worth making a reservation if you are anywhere near Pombal, we shall certainly be...

This restaurant is unique in the area and is a breath of fresh air. The menu is Italian at its best. The service is attentive, but not overwhelming. Max explained everything, including the two items which were not on the menu, but were also not an extra charge. We ate a starter of steak and another of scallops and followed them up with osso bucco and seafood risotto. Everything was excellent. We ordered a side salad, which was delicious, but surplus to requirements. We drank both house white and red, which were good quality and Portuguese. The wine list offers a good selection of at various price ranges, including some Italian options, which we will try the next time we go! We skipped desserts, choosing coffee, which was good and beautifully presented, along with a couple of options to help it down, which I believe were also included in the price. The space is tastefully furnished, not large, but with sufficient space between tables and a view over Pombal, next to the Castle. Prices are appropriate for the...

Italian Soul, Portuguese Twist

Tremendous service. You would have thought you were in a five-star New York City restaurant. Dishes were traditional, Italian, but with a Portuguese twist. Everything was unique and well plated.

Absolutely make a reservation, as it packs up quickly. Try to eat outside as the view is magnificent.

We met the chef and learned that he did train and study in Italy. He was extremely appreciative and humble. Of course, save them for the desserts because they are well worth it.

If you go for lunch, then the castle will be open and it could be a good idea to walk a few steps after that meal... Lol

We ordered: cheeses, pork belly, clams, tuna, eggplant, mozzarella, salad, ricotta cheesecake, and some type of insane...