I'm so glad to hear that there are vegetarian options in Portugal. The couvert you mention at the hotel restaurant sound DELICIOUS, and the pics are, as usual, amazing.

Debbie

The couvert is sometimes already on the table when you arrive, but usually only at touristy places, in my experience (and then it's typically a little container of tuna paté, one of sardine paté, and some butter). If you're lucky there'll be olives.

In non-touristy places it'll be brought to the table shortly after you arrive, sometimes after ordering, sometimes before. Everything costs something. If you don't wave it (or parts of it) away, you'll probably be billed for it… though that can vary (sometimes you're billed for the elements you've eaten). The prices are usually on the menu, but it's not always clear what matches which item.

There's good reason for indulging at many places — the olives are often outstandingly good in Portugal, sometimes even house-cured; the cheeses can be delicious, and sometimes croquettes (usually bacalhau) or small meat empadas are offered which can be tasty.

And although I'm not really a lover of lamb (apart from the living variety, of course - they're so cute!), the dish looks irresistible.

Tell us about the couvert you find on your table. Was all of it just sitting there waiting for you to be tempted? Sounds a bit like a tourist trap - but perhaps the locals indulge…?