Santarém, Portugal
From Michelin Guide
Ă BalcĂŁo is the perfect place for those keen to try new varieties of fish. Rodrigo Castelo is at the helm here â a chef from the Ribatejo province involved in numerous research projects who has found a way to truly showcase ingredients from his home region, with a predominant use of river fish to maintain a balance with the local ecosystem.The restaurant has the feel of an old tavern, with striking tiles that add a contemporary air and provide the backdrop for refined dishes prepared with a delicate touch. The cuisine here has it own distinct identity and is based around fish such as pike, barbel and catfish, some of which are cured in salt. Meat options here include wild boar and wild duck. Dishes on the menu that you wonât to miss include the âcoscorĂŁo do rio atĂ© ao marâ (a crispy pancake filled with salt- and freshwater fish) and the âcremosoâ of river crab and crayfish.