In 2024, for the first time, Michelin debuts a rating guide dedicated solely to the the best gastronomy in Portugal. For it’s launch, the highly-regarded gastronomy rating guide elevated a previous one star to two stars, and awarded four new stars to restaurants in Santarém, Lisbon and Funchal. There are now a total of 47 stars awarded to 39 restaurants across the country.
New Stars
Congratulations are in order for all chefs winning new stars and maintaining stars from last year.
All seven TWO-STAR winners from last year maintain their status for 2024. Entering the two-star realm this year is Vitor Matos of Antiqvvm in Porto.
There are now 31 ONE-STAR restaurants in Portugal. Those added to the list this year are: Portuguese foodie favorite, Rodrigo Castelo of O Balcão, in Santarem; Vitor Matos and Francisco Quintas of 2 Monkeys at the Torel Palace Hotel, and João Pedro Sá of Sála in Lisbon; and Desarma, Octavio Freitas, in Funchal, Madeira.
Maintaining Stars
Click on title for more detail
ALENTEJO
Esporão * *
Carlos Teixeira
ALGARVE
Al Sud *
Luís Anjos
A Ver Tavira *
Luís Brito
Bon Bon *
José Lopes
Gusto by Heinz Beck *
Libório Buonocore
Ocean **
Hans Neuner
Vila Joya **
Dieter Koschina
Vista *
João Oliveira
CENTRAL PORTUGAL
Mesa de Lemos * *
Diogo Rochas
LISBON AREA
100 Maneiras *
Ljubomir Stanisic
Alma **
Henrique Sá Pessoa
Belcanto **
José Avillez
Cura *
Pedro Pena Bastos
Eleven *
Joachim Koerper
Encanto *
Jos’e Avillez & João Diogo
Epur *
Vincent Fargas
Feitoria *
André Cruz
LISBON (CONTINUED)
Fifty Seconds *
Rui Silvestre
Forteleza do Guincho *
Gil Fernandes
Kabuki *
Paulo Alves
Kanazawa *
Paulo Morais
Lab *
Sergi Arola
Loco *
Alexandre Silva
Midori *
Pedro Almeida
MADEIRA
Il Gallo d’Oro ** *
Benoit Sinthon
William Restaurant at Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel, Madeira by José Diogo Costa *
Luís Pestana
NORTH PORTUGAL
G Pousada *
Óscar Geadas
PORTO
Antiqvvm **
Vitor Matos
Casa da Chá da Boa Nova **
Rui Paula
Euskalduna Studio *
Vasco Coelho
Le Monument *
Julien Montbabut
Pedro Lemos *
Pedro Lemos
Vila Foz *
Arnaldo Azevedo
The Yeatman **
Ricardo Costa
Green Stars
Green Stars, a distinction awarded to restaurants at the forefront of sustainable practices, went to João Sousa of Malhadina Nova in Alentejo, and Rodrigo Castelo of O Balcão. Restaurants maintianing their green star include: Diogo Rochas at Mesa do Lemos, Carlos Teixeira at Esporão and Benoît Sinthon of Il Gallo d’Oro.
Missing from Last Year
Three restaurants are off the list from 2023. Eneko, by Enecko Axta in Lisbon closed at the end of the year. Largo do Paço, in Amarante, featuring the cuisine of Tiago Bonito, is currently closed for renovations. Rui Silvestre moved to Fifty Seconds, leaving Vistas in the Algarve without a star.
Photo above: Vista Restaurant, Michelin *, Chef João Oliveira
NORTH | BRAGANÇA & GUIMARÃES
A Cozinha
Chef: António Loureiro
ONE STAR With numerous awards already under his cap, including Portugal Chef of the Year 2014, Chef Loureiro returned to his hometown to further his gastronomic journey. He renovated an old two-story house in the historic center and created an elegant space for dining and other culinary events, like wine tasting and workshops. An urban vegetable garden on the upper floor provides fresh ingredients for his dishes of authentic Portuguese flavors prepared with modern and innovative techniques. The relatively small, but impressive, menu changes with the seasons.
Largo do Serralho 4, Guimarães
Reservations: +351 253 534 022
See Our Story: Restaurante A Cozinha
Learn More: A Cozinha website
G Pousada
Chef: Óscar Geadas
ONE STAR After generating significant buzz at O Fradas, Chef Óscar Geadas and brother António set their sites to build a culinary destination at Pousada de Bragança. Óscar is in charge of the kitchen where the concept is traditional cuisine of the northeast region, with a focus on locally-produced products. Expect lamb and lentils, cod and Bragançan beans, pigeon pate all prepared with contemporary techniques and creativity. Trust sommelier António to select a beautiful, and possibly surprising, wine from this distinct region.
Pousada de Bragança São Bartolomeu, Estrada do Turismo, Bragança
Reservations: +351 273 331 493
See Our Story: G Pousada – Michelin Star Regional Cuisine of Óscar Geadas
Learn More: G Pousada website
DOURO VALLEY & PORTO
Antiqvvm
Chef: Vitor Matos
TWO STARS Chef Matos has a passion for the use of the freshest seasonal products harvested from the region. His cuisine leans towards Mediterranean influences, embracing both traditional and contemporary techniques. Matos started out studying confections and pastries in Neuchâtel., Switzerland, and later worked his way through the kitchens of Vidago Palace and Tiara Park. He earned his first Michelin star while head chef at Largo do Paço in Amarante. His high-quality cuisine is enhanced by stunning views over Porto from the refurbished 19th century Quinta da Macieirinha.
Rua de Entre-Quintas 220, Porto
Reservations: +351 22 600 0445
Learn More: Antiqvvm Website
Casa de Chá da Boa Nova
Chef: Rui Paula
TWO STARS Rui Paul is one of Portugal’s most beloved and respected chefs. Known for restaurants DOP in Porto and DOC in Douro, Paula also hosts Portugal’s Master Chef. And finally, Paula receives recognition for his masterful work at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova. Paula takes inspiration from the restaurants location overlooking the ocean to create amazing Portuguese dishes with fish and seafood. Two themed tasting menus are also available.
Avenida da Liberdade, Leça da Palmeira, Matosinhos Porto
Reservations: +351 932 499 444
See Our Story Casa de Chá da Boa Nova – Álvaro Siza & Rui Paula Create an Instant Classic
Learn more: Casa de Chá da Boa Nova website
Euskalduna Studio
Chef: Vasco Coelho Santos
ONE STAR After Coelho Santos returned home from training in the northeastern regions of Spain—in the Basque Country at Mugartiz and Arzak, and in Catalonia at El Bulli—he created the space to experiment and test ideas and techniques for private clients. After honing his skills for a couple of years, he decided to open to the public, maintaining the intimate and personal environment. Cuisine is international, with a focus on creativity. There is no menu; rather, Coelho Santos prepares ten moments to enjoy…and enjoy you will.
Rua de Santo Ildefonso, No. 404, Jardim de São Lazaro, Baixa, Porto
Reservations: +351 935 335 301
See Our Story: Euskalduna Studio – Creative Cuisine of Vasco Coelho Santos
Learn More: Euskalduna Studio Website
Le Monument at Le Monumental Palace Hotel
Chef: Julien Montbabut
ONE STAR It makes sense that relatively-new beautiful five-star hotel Le Monumental Palace Hotel should also offer a haute cuisine dining experience. Enter French chef Julien Montbabut. He trained at three-star Pavilion Ledoyen in Paris, opened his own Le Restaurant in the city, before taking up a new challenge at Le Monument. To prepare, he toured Portugal to familiarize himself with local products and flavors. Et voilá! His 14-course “Travelling around Portugal” tasting menu is a tribute to Portuguese cuisine with French influences, such as, smoked eel, foie gras, grapefruit, Blackspot seabream, parmentier, caviar, and turbot, mushrooms, coffee.
Le Monumental Palace, Avenida dos Aliados 151, 4000-067 Porto
Reservations: +351 227 662 415
Learn more: Le Monument Website
Pedro Lemos
Chef: Pedro Lemos
ONE STAR Pedro Lemos is a beloved chef to foodies in Porto. His popular restaurant in the Foz do Douro of Porto has been pleasing guests and generating praise since its opening in 2010. Lemos’ cuisine is inspired by memories of his grandmothers: one working the fields in Bragança; the other selling fish at the markets in Matosinhos. These simple and genuine cuisines of land and sea, blended with his own innovative techniques and creativity, make for a unique gastronomic experience. Tasting menus are available.
Rua do Padre Luís Cabral, 974, Foz do Douro, Porto
Reservations: +351 220 115 986
See Our Story: Pedro Lemos – Traditional Flavors Meet Modern Cuisine in Porto
Learn More:Pedro Lemos website
Vila Foz
at Vila Foz Hotel
Chef Arnaldo Azevedo
ONE STAR Chef Arnaldo Azevedo literally grew up in the kitchen; his father was also a chef. His style here is both focused and relaxed. In a nod to the hotel’s location in front of the Atlantic Ocean, fish and shellfish play starring roles. Although there’s a short a la carte menu, the way to go is one of the tasting menus. The five-course “Rebentação” and the six-course “Maresia” menu are both largely pescatarian, with plates like langoustine with razor clam rice, and monkfish with Portuguese cabbage and copita. The five-course “Novo Mundo” menu, meanwhile, is fully vegan.
Vila Foz Hotel & Spa, Avenida Montevideu, 236, Foz do Douro, Porto
Reservations: +351 222 449 700
Read our story: Vila Foz Restaurante
Learn more: Vila Foz website
The Yeatman
Chef: Ricardo Costa
TWO STARS Within the first year of opening, the restaurant at the Yeatman Hotel earned its first star; and just a few years later, its second. All credit must be given to Chef Ricardo Costa, formerly of Largo do Paço (see above). At the Yeatman, Costa puts his own contemporary spin on traditional Portuguese dishes. Yet, the Michelin judging panel may have also been swayed by the extraordinary views of Porto. Or, perhaps they were impressed with the selection of 25,000 bottles of old and new world wines in the Yeatman wine cellar. Most likely, all are reasons to rank this exquisite restaurant among the world’s finest.
Rua do Choupelo (Sta. Marinha), Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto
Reservations: +351 22 013 3100
See Our Story: Yeatman Restaurant Porto – Two Michelin Star Cuisine of Ricardo Costa
Learn More: Yeatman Website
CENTRAL (VISEU)
Mesa de Lemos
Chef: Diogo Rocha
ONE STAR On a winery, in the hills outside of Viseu is perfect location for Chef Diogo Rocha to showcase his technique, creativity and passion for sustainable cuisine based on national and seasonal ingredients. In fact, the menu features dishes with names such as: From the Algarve, Seafood; From Peniche, Octopus; From Resende, the Cherry. And foodies have taken notice; Mesa de Lemos has already won “Restaurant of the Year” from Portugal’s Revista de Vinhos and a “Golden Fork” from Boa Cama Boa Mesa Guide. Of course, the meal is complimented with locally and regionally-produced wines.
Quinta de Lemos, Passos de Silgueiros, Silgueiros
Reservations: +351 961 158 503
Learn More: Mesa de Lemos website
LISBON | CASCAIS | SINTRA
2 Monkeys
Chefs: Vítor Matos & Francisco Quinta
Chef Vitor Matos (two Michelin Stars in Porto) and Francisco Quinta invite you into their informal—but sophisticated—realm of gastronomy at Torel Palace Hotel. The tasting menu is a surprise, but fear not! It’s modern Portuguese cuisine, inspired by the freshest quality ingredients prepared with expert techniques, with a loads of creativity and brimming with passion. The space is intimate in countertop gastro style, providing an up-close view and personal interaction with the chefs.
Torel Palace Hotel, Rua Câmara Pestana 23
Reservations: +351 218 262 927
Learn More: 2 Monkeys Website
100 Maneiras
Chef: Ljubomir Stanisic
ONE STAR Always a local favorite, Stanisic shuns the term “fine dining experience” in favor of a more proactive “dive dining”. His menu is a journey through his origins as a boy in Yugoslavia and his escape during the war to Portugal. Creative plates include obscure ingredients like codfish tongue and the meat from the head of a cow that diners assemble into taco-like creations.
Rua do Teixeira 39, Lisbon
Reservations: +351 910 918 181
See Our Story: 100 Maneiras Immersive Dining Experience
Learn More: 100 Maneiras website
Alma
Chef: Henrique Sá Pessoa
TWO STARS Alma (Portuguese for “soul”) is a restaurant created from the passion of Portuguese celebrity chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. The mantra of Alma is “to serve much more than a meal: we serve emotions, identity, knowledge.” With this in mind, Sá Pessoa prepares Portuguese cuisine straight from the heart fused with Asian-inspired techniques. Having trained in acclaimed kitchens as Evo Santi Santimara in Barcelona, El Cellar de Can Roca in Girona and Tippling Club in Singapore, Sá Pessoa considers his travels as the greatest influence over his cooking.
Rua Anchieta 15, Lisbon
Reservations: +351 213 470 650
See Our Story:: Alma Henrique Sá Pessoa in Lisbon Learn More: Alma Website
Belcanto
Chef: José Avillez
TWO STARS José Avillez received his first Michelin star while head chef at the historic Tavares restaurant in Lisbon. His career has since skyrocketed with books, TV appearances and a flurry of restaurant openings across the country. Yet, his own personal pride and joy is Belcanto. Avillez refurbished this historic building and designed a menu that has won him much acclaim and two Michelin stars. Avillez likes to say, “each dish tells a story and stirs the emotions of those willing to try it.” And with names of dishes like “the Garden of the Goose that Laid the Golden Egg,” and “Dip in the Sea,” diners enjoy delicious “stories” on their gastonomic journey.
Rua Serpa Pinto, 10 A, Lisbon
Reservations: +351 213 420 607
See Our Story: Portuguese Haute Cuisine of José Avillez
Learn More: Belcanto Website
Cura
at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz
Chef: Pedro Pena Bastos
ONE STAR Pedro Pena Bastos made his name at inventive restaurants like the dinner-party-style Ceia experience and the destination-dining winery Esporão. But, it is his signature project, CURA, at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon that is his most audacious move yet…and earning a Michelin star. Although Pena Bastos has a reputation for highly technical cooking, his plates are un-fussy and the pleasure level is high. The menu is divided into 12 courses, each centered on a single, special ingredient, such as freshly caught sea bass garnished with cabbages, parsley and saffron; squid with hazelnuts, roasted seaweed butter and caviar; and Hokkaido pumpkin with chanterelles, pistachios and Indian cress.
Four Seasons Hotel, Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 88, Lisbon
Reservations: +351 213 811 401
See Our Story: Cura at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz
Learn More: Cura website
Eleven
Chef: Joachim Koerper
ONE STAR Set high on a hill in Parque Eduardo VII, this sophisticated and contemporary restaurant features beautiful views of Lisbon. In the kitchen, Chef Joachim Koerper prepares Mediterranean cuisine that can be described as “luminous and elegant, modern and innovative.” Koerper, who has worked in such noteworthy restaurants as Moulin de Mougins, Guy Savoy, L’Ambroisie and his own Girasol, prides himself on his philosophy of keeping it simple. Locally grown, fresh and natural ingredients are the basis for his harmonious dishes.
Rua Marquês Fronteira (within Parque Eduardo VII), Lisbon
Reservations: +351 213 862 211
Learn More: Eleven Website
Encanto
Chef: José Avillez
Executive Chef: João Diogo
ONE STAR What happens when a two Michelin star (see Belcanto) chef decides to try his hand at vegetarian cuisine? You get “enchanted” (“Encanto” in Portuguese)! Lisbon’s beloved José Avillez set his sights on plant-based plates “where the vegetables are the stars.” Together with Executive Chef João Diogo, they prepare an ambitious menu of 12 “moments,” full of contrasting colors, textures, temperatures, and flavors. It goes without saying that everything is seasonal and produced by small or local Portuguese farmers and foragers.
Largo de São Carlos 10, Chiado, Lisbon
Reservations: +351 211 626 310
See Our Story: Encanto – José Avillez Enchanted with Vegetarian Cuisine
Learn More: Encanto Website
Epur
Chef: Vincent Farges
ONE STAR French chef Vincent Farges literally began his career training under stars, at the one-star Hotel Le Grand Paris in Digne les Bains and two-star Hotel Le Juana in Juane les Pins. He continued to hone his skills at French restaurants from Morocco to Greece, when superstar chef Antoine Westermann lured him to become executive chef at Forteleza da Guincho (below). Farges maintained the Michelin distinction for 10 straight years before heading off on his own. At Epur, Farges turns out impeccably plated, deceptively simple dishes, with quality produce using precise contemporary French technique.
Largo da Academia das Belas Artes, 14, Chiado
Reservations: +351 213 460 519
See Our Story: Epur by Vincent Farges in Chiado
Learn More: Epur website
Fifty Seconds
New Chef: Rui Silvestre
ONE STAR In 2023, Fifty Seconds lost it’s original Executive Chef, Martín Berasategui…but have no fear. Portuguese Micheline star chef Rui Silvestre is now in charge adding his own creativity, techniques…and vision. The restaurant alone is reason to visit. Perched high above the Myriad by Sana Hotel, (the elevator ride to the top takes fifty seconds!) the diniing room offers panoramic views of the Tagus River and surrounding Parque das Nações neighborhood.
Cais das Naus, Lote 2.21.01, Parque das Naçōes
Reservations: +351 211 525 380
See Our Story: Fifty Seconds
Learn More: Fifty Seconds website
Feitoria at Hotel Altis Belêm
Chef: André Cruz
ONE STAR At the tender age of 21, André Cruz was selected by Chef João Rodrigues to become a member of the original Feitoria team in 2010. On a sabbatical away from Portugal he further developed his expertise by working with Chef Kamilla Seidler at Gustu in Bolivia and Rodolfo Guzman at Boragó in Chile. With newly acquired skills, he returned to Feitoria in 2015 as sous chef to Rodrigues, and eventually replaced him as signature chef at the Michelin star restaurant. Cruz’s Semente (“Seed”) degustation menus, focus on organic, locally-produced products. Guests enjoy options of seven and nine “steps,” with seven and nine step vegetarian menus also available.
Doca do Bom Sucesso, Lisbon
Reservations: +351 210 400 208
Learn More: Feitoria Website
Fortaleza do Guincho – Cascais
Chef: Gil Fernandes
ONE STAR The stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean from this former 17th century fortress transformed into boutique Hotel Forteleza do Guincho are reason enough to visit this restaurant. However, it’s the extraordinary cuisine that has earned and retained a star since 2001, with the French cuisine of renowned chef Antoine Westerman. In recent years, the gastronomy has shifted to modern Portuguese, with Gil Fernandes retaining the star for his unique and innovative take on local ingredients. The four-course tasting menu, experience menu and a la carte selections emphasize fish and seafood, as in Scarlet Prawn from Algarve, Watercress, Citrus Fruits, and Wild Sole, “Açorda”, Cockle and Portuguese Saffron.
Estrada do Guincho, Cascais
Reservations: +351 214 879 076
See Our Story: Fortaleza do Guincho Restaurant
Learn More: Forteleza do Guincho Website
Kabuki
Chef: Paulo Alves
ONE STAR Already a critical success in Madrid, this new offshoot opened in 2022 at the Four Seasons hotel. In less than one year, Chef Paulo Alves has replicated the success of it sister establishment and earned a star. Much of it seems purely Japanese—there’s an excellent selection of sushi and sashimi—but sometimes the Latin influence becomes unmistakable, as in a plate of raw tuna topped with breadcrumbs and confit tomatoes, a nod to the Spanish classic of pan con tomate. And then, there are bites that are pure pleasure, like a nigiri with a fried quail egg and white truffle pâté. Tasting menus of €100 and €135.
Rua Castilho 77–77E
Galerias do Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Reservations: +351 212 491 683
Read Our Story: Kabuki at the Four Seasons Ritz in Lisbon
Learn More: Kabuki Website
Kanazawa
Chef: Paulo Morais
ONE STAR Paulo Morais is the veritable king of Japanese cuisine in Portugal. He was one of the first to prepare sushi in Lisbon, long before sushi was “cool.” He has honed his skills at Midori, Bica do Sapato, Umai and Rabo d’Pêxe, as well as studied traditional methods and techniques in Japan. He took over the helm and kitchen at renowned Kanazawa from Chef Tomoaki Kanazawa himself, and has found a way to continue the high standards of creativity, tradition and innovation all while making Kanazawa his own.
Rua Damião de Góis 3A, Belem, Lisbon
Reservations: +351 213 010 292
Read Our Story: Michelin Star Japanese Fine Dining in Lisbon
Learn More: Kanazawa Website
LAB – Sintra
Chef: Sergi Arola
ONE STAR The small 22-seat restaurant is intimate, yet an ideal showcase for the fine art and flavor of Chef Sergi Arola’s cuisine. Mentored by renowned chef Adriá Ferran, Arola has made a name for himself by leading the kitchens at Hotel Miguel Ángel in Madrid and Hotel Arts in Barcelona, as well as his self-named restaurant Arola already at Penha Longa. He adds this star to the two Michelin stars he has collected for Gastro restaurant in Madrid. At LAB, three tasting menus and à la carte selections offer innovative and emotional gastronomy.
Penha Longa Resort, Estrada da Lagoa Azul, Sintra
Reservations: +35 1 219 249 011
Learn More: LAB Website
Loco
Chef: Alexandre Silva
ONE STAR In the last decade, Chef Silva has wound his way around Portugal hitting numerous culinary milestones. His studies ranged from kitchen and pastries, to F&B Management and molecular gastronomy. He was at Lisbon’s Bocca restaurant before winning TV’s Top Chef for 2012. He opened the restaurant at the Alentejo Marmóis Hotel and later became Executive Chef at the trendy Bica do Sapato. At Loco, Silva embraces “micro seasons” by selecting local organic products at the peak of freshness, to prepare Portuguese cuisine using experimental and innovative techniques.
Rua dos Navegantes 53-B, Lisbon
Reservations: +351 21 395 1861
See Our Story: Loco Restaurant – Creatively ”Crazy” Cuisine
Learn More: Loco Website
Midori
Chef: Pedro Almeida
ONE STAR It’s the oldest Japanese restaurant in Portugal, and most would say it’s the best Japanese cuisine in the country. But what began 25 years ago, is not what you see today. The large dining room has been transformed into an intimate, contemporary space with soothing gray hues, and large windows overlooking the gardens. In the kitchen, Chef Pedro Almeida prepares Portuguese influenced Japanese cuisine in a style known as kaiseki (small plates of Japanese haute cuisine), such as roasted nori seaweed, toro tuna and sturgeon caviar to start, and red snapper cured in kombu, Azores urchin, codium seaweed purée and oyster leaves.
Penha Longa Resort, Estrada da Lagoa Azul, Sintra
Reservations: +351 219 249 011
See Our Story: Midori – Japanese with a Portuguese Soul
Learn More: Midori Website
Sála
Chef: João Sá
ONE STAR
At age 12, João was already creating gastronomic events at school, and at age 14, he enrolled in the Estoril Hotel School. He worked with top chefs like Lubomir Stanisic and Nuno Mendes, before making his solo debut as a chef at G-Spot in Sintra, where he went for three years without repeating a single dish. The tasting menus at Sála are generally filled with fish, seafood and vegetable-forward dishes. Simple descriptions such as Cuscos, coriander & garlic, razor clam or Smoked eel, saffron stew, black garlic belie the complexity of the cooking that go into the preparation.
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 103, Lisbon
Reservations: +351 218 873 045
See Our Story: Sála by João Sá in Lisbon
Learn More: Sála website
ALENTEJO
Esporão
Chef: Carlos Teixeira
ONE STAR Chef Carlos Teixeira has been a fixture at Esporão for some time now, developing seasonal and sustainable menus for the renowned Portuguese winery. He works closely with local and national producers to source products at the peak of their freshness. Therefore, you can’t be surprised if the menu changes frequently and without notice. Degustation menus are offered in five or seven moments. Of course, it would be a shame not to pair the courses with the winery’s fine wines.
Herdade do Esporão Winery, Reguengos de Monsaraz, Alentejo
Reservations: +351 266 509 280
Learn More: Esporão website
Taberna O Balcão
Chef: Rodrigo Castelo
ONE STAR According to the chef, Ó Balcão is all about “sharing the flavours, memories and tradition of being Portuguese.” With a passion for the gastronomic heritage of Ribatejo and utilizing only the best products of the region, it is no doubt why Chef Rodrigo Castelo continues to earn award-after-award, from Michelin recognition to Best Traditional Kitchen and Silver Fork to Daily Table from national publications. The bluefin tuna with grilled cabbage with lemon butter, and creamy crab and langoustine are among the favorites worthy of the 40-minute drive from Lisbon.
Rua Pedro de Santarém, No. 73, Santarém
Reservations: +351 243 055 883
See our story: Ó Balcão Santarém
Learn more: O Balcão website
ALGARVE
Al Sud
at Palmares Clubhouse
Chef: Luis Anjos
ONE STAR Louis Anjos, already known across the country for his Michelin star performance at Bon Bon in Carvoeiro, delivers a star for the luxury Palmares resort in Lagos, in western Algarve. Hailing from Minde in central Portugal, Anjos spent time training in highly-regarded national hotels before honing his skills at one-star Viajante in London and three-star Martin Bersategui in San Sebastian. His techniques shine and passion evident in his 8-, 10- and 12-course menus, featuring dishes such as bluefin tuna with Ria de Alvor oyster, oscetra caviar and Granny Smith apple, and Iberian pork noodles in broth with Monchique corn and fine herbs.
Palmares Ocean Living & Golf, Clubhouse, Lagos
Reservations: +351 926 292 617
Learn More: Al Sud website
A Ver Tavira
Chef: Luís Brito
ONE STAR An Alentejano from Santa Clara-A-Nova, Chef Luís Brito began his distinguished career in 1989. He’s worked in various respected hotels and taught at hospitality schools from Madeira to Brazil. He settled in Tavira in 2017, was recruited by A Ver Tavira, and began focussing on elevating the cuisine and quality of service, always with a Michelin star in his sights. He has accumulated excellent reviews, awards and guest praise ever since. For dinner, Brito offers three tasting menus: five- seven- and ten-moments; as well as one dedicated to vegetarians.
Largo Abu-Otmane, Calçada da Galeria nº 13, Tavira, Eastern Algarve
Reservations: +351 281 381 363
Learn more: A Ver Tavira website
See Our Story: Creative Cuisine of Luís Brito
Bon Bon – Carvoeiro
Chef: José Lopes
ONE STAR Not a surprise to fine dining aficionados in the western Algarve, Bon Bon has had the Michelin Guides attention for some time. Originally, the guide awarded the recognition to young Chef Rui Silvestre, who has left to start new projects. But foodies should not dispair; José Lopes has taken over the helm. Having worked under Joachim Koerper at Eleven in Lisbon, Lopes brings enthusiasm, creativity and technique to every dish he conceives. Owner and sommelier Nuno Diogo compliments the Bon Bon dining experience with the utmost quality service.
Urb. Cabeco de Pias, Carvoeiro
Reservations: +351 282 341 496
See Our Story: Bon Bon – Michelin Star Fine Dining in Carvoeiro
Learn More: Bon Bon Website
Gusto by Heinz Beck
at Conrad Algarve
Chef Libório Buonocore (signature of Heinz Beck)
ONE STAR With three Michelin star (La Pergola, Rome) chef Heinz Beck as its namesake, Gusto has always been a popular destination, at the Conrad Algarve, for gourmet cuisine. With resident executive chef Libório Buonocore, culinary aficionados get excited by the brilliance of Beck blended with the perfection of Buonocore. Together, they create innovative, haute Mediterranean cuisine. Diners enrich their experience by selecting from an impressive wine list, ordering a cocktail from the award-winning mixologist, and browsing the Cuban cigar menu.
Estrada da Quinta do Lago, 8135-106 Almancil, Algarve
Reservations: +351 289 350 700
See Our Story: Michelin Star Cuisine at Conrad Algarve
Learn More: Gusto web page
Ocean Restaurant
at Vila Vita Parc – Porches
Chef: Hans Neuner
TWO STARS (Photo at top) Having trained with Michelin star chefs in Berlin, Hamburg and Mallorca, Austrian Chef Hans Neuner was hungry for a star of his own. In 2006, he arrived at Ocean Restaurant in the beautiful VILA VITA Parc resort and immediately set out on his mission. Within three years, Neuner earned his star, and two years later is was awarded with a second star. Seasonal dishes such as Miral Pigeon with blackberry, chicory and black walnuts, and John Dory served with “burned” artichoke, zucchini flower and rock octopus, have the gastronomy community singing his praises.
VILA VITA Parc, Alporchinos, Porches
Reservations: + 351 282 310 100
See Our Story: Culinary Moments of Hans Neuner
Learn More: Ocean Website
Vila Joya
at Hotel Vila Joya – Galé
Chef: Dieter Koschina
TWO STARS In addition to being honored with this Michelin distinction, Austrian Chef Dieter Koschina’s Vila Joya has been selected as one of San Pellegrino’s “World’s 50 Best Restaurants.” He credits this recognition to his staff’s dedication to a high level of excellence in technique and service, as well as use of the freshest ingredients from regional farms and sea. Although, ultimately, it is Koschina’s innovative European cooking techniques that win over the hearts of guests and pallets of critics. His guinea fowl is stuffed with black truffles and artichokes and Portugal’s emblematic bacalhau is confited and paired with beetroot coulis and yogurt.
Praia da Galé, Galé, Albufeira
Reservations: +351 289 591 839
Learn More: Vila Joya Website
Vista
at Bela Vista Hotel & Spa
Chef: João Oliveira
ONE STAR From humble beginnings cooking for his disabled grandparents, João Oliveira discovered his inspirational passion. It has been a privilege for him to work with some of Portugal’s gastronomic restaurants: Largo do Paco, The Yeatman and Vila Joya. In charge of the kitchen at Vista since 2015, Oliveira serves dishes influenced by the wondrous seafood in the oceans of the Algarve, fused with the sophisticated flavors of his past in the north. Featuring both Vista and Seasonal tasting menus.
Avenida Tomás Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Algarve
Reservations: +351 282 460 280
See Our Story: Vista Restaurant – Michelin Star Fine Dining
Learn More: Vista Restaurante website
MADEIRA
Desarma
Chef: Octávio Freitas
Passionate about food from the age of 11, Octávio graduated from culinary school at 15 and never stopped in his pursuit of learning, innovating and mastering the art of Madeiran cuisine. Along the way, he has become an ambassador, of sorts, for Madeiran ingredients, complete with writing a book, and hosting TV shows and podcasts. At Desarma, 6-, 9- and 12-moment menus take you on a journey of the island in an imaginary battle between your senses and Octávio’s masterful flavors.
Hotel The Views Baía, Rua das Maravilhas 74, Funchal
Reservations: +351 291 700 220
Learn More: Desarma Website
Il Gallo d’Oro
at Cliff Bay Hotel
Chef: Benoît Sinthon
TWO STARS French born Benoît Sinthon credits his Italian grandmother for awakening his passion for cooking. From his days in Marseille, he mastered the art of Mediterranean cuisine. After stints at several European restaurants, Sinthon settled at the Cliff Bay. Four years later, his efforts paid off with a Michelin star, and in 2017, he was awarded his second. Distinguished dishes from recent tastings include: Foie Gras Triolgy with bicolor pear compote and 10 year Blandy’s Madeira Wine verdelho jelly; and Premium Wagyu Filet, accompanied by veal cheek confit, black truffle juice. Not to be overlooked: avocado cannolli! The experience begins by entering through the wine cellar, with tables in the restaurant enjoying superb ocean views.
The Cliff Bay Hotel, Funchal, Madeira
Reservations: +351 291 707 700
See Our Story: Il Gallo d’Oro – Exquisite Cuisine of Benoît Sinthon
Learn More: Il Gallo dÓro Website
William Restaurant at Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel, Madeira
Chef: José Diogo Costa
ONE STAR In addition to being a passionate chef, Chef Costa is a native of Funchal; so, who better to prepare Madeiran cuisine based on the finest produce from the island, infused with innovative flavors and crafty, expert techniques. Stunning panoramic ocean views elevate the dining experience making this restaurant a top gastronomic destination.
Estrada Monumental 139
Funchal, Madeira
Reservations: +351 291 717 171
Learn more: William website
