The first edition of the "Sabores ao Centro" awards aimed to recognize cuisine, value local products, and highlight the contribution of the restaurant sector to the tourism appeal of the territories. In this regard, the Ourém restaurants "O Rito" and "Tia Alice" were awarded, and "O Curral" was recommended.
Alice Marto, from the Fátima-based restaurant "Tia Alice", received the Career Award for her historical contribution to regional gastronomy.
The ceremony was attended by the President of the Municipal Chamber of Ourém, Luís Miguel Albuquerque, and took place at the Centro de Cultura Contemporânea in Castelo Branco. The event celebrated the gastronomic diversity of the eight sub-regions of Central Portugal.
A total of 25 restaurants were honored and 31 more were highlighted as recommended, establishments that will be included in the future Guia Sabores ao Centro, scheduled for publication in early 2027.
The event was promoted by Turismo Centro de Portugal, in partnership with the eight Intermunicipal Communities (CIM), and brought together chefs, restaurant entrepreneurs, producers, and institutional representatives to emphasize the unique power of gastronomy in connecting visitors with territories and communities.
