Our History
Cultivating Portuguese tradition, flavor, and hospitality since 1985.
Manuel Branco's Passion
A Toca Restaurant opened its doors in 1985, the fruit of the dream and passion of its founder, Manuel Branco, for the rich regional cuisine of Alentejo and traditional Portuguese gastronomy.
Located in the historic center of Cacilhas, the restaurant was designed as a meeting point where comfort, familiarity, and the pleasure of a good meal complement each other naturally. With its striking rustic decor, it has kept alive the cozy atmosphere characteristic of traditional Portuguese taverns.
The Soul of the Dishes: Chef Sílvia
The kitchen at A Toca is masterfully directed by Chef Sílvia, Manuel Branco's wife. She combines the freshness of local coastal ingredients with respect for recipes inherited from generations of Portuguese cooks.
Sílvia is responsible for creating our signature specialties, such as Bacalhau à Casa and Polvo à Lagareiro, alongside tender and juicy grilled meats. In addition, she handcrafts the delicious desserts on our menu, including sweet egg and almond meringues and traditional farófias.
To ensure everyone enjoys our table, the Chef has developed options prepared especially for people with gluten or lactose intolerance.
A Team Ready to Welcome the World
Cacilhas is a haven for visitors from all countries. To ensure the best service, our team is qualified to serve customers in English, French, and German, ensuring a warm and barrier-free welcome.
Be part of our story
Come and indulge in Chef Sílvia's traditional dishes and Manuel Branco's warm welcome.