Gusto by Heinz Beck – Michelin Star Cuisine at Conrad Algarve

As with all things at Conrad Algarve, special care is taken to provide the very best experiences. So, with connoisseurs of fine dining and wine in mind, it’s not surprising that the luxury resort features a Michelin star-designated restaurant, Gusto by Heinz Beck, offering exquisite Mediterranean cuisine in a contemporary and sophisticated environment.

The ambiance at Gusto is modern, with a large dose of sleek Scandinavian design. An abundance of lighted opaque globes in varying sizes hang from the ceiling and provide a subtle glow to the room. The linear design aesthetic used for the tables, chairs and banquettes carries over to the long counter of the open kitchen situated at the far wall. Surrounding the room are floor-to-ceiling windows with clear views to the expansive resort and the Loulé hills in the distance. On warm nights, guests are invited to sit outside on the terrace encircling dining room.

Gusto by Heinz Beck is inspired, conceived and executed by three respected men noted for their commitment to exemplary quality and service.

Gusto is intended as an homage to Augustus Hilton, the late father of the hotel chain’s founder Conrad Hilton. Augustus was a Norwegian immigrant to America, opening a general store in New Mexico and instructing the teenage Conrad on the finer points of service and entrepreneurship.

Lending his signature to the restaurant, Germany-native Heinz Beck is one of Europe’s most respected three star Michelin chefs. His extensive training began in Michelin star kitchens, including Colmbi hotel, Freiburg (one star), Tantris of Munich (three stars) and Tristan in Mallorca, Spain (two stars). Since that time, Beck spent time at the German presidential Headquarters as Chef de Cuisine, and later studied wine to add the title “sommelier” to his CV. Presently, Beck holds three stars at the prestigious La Pergola restaurant in the Cavalieri Hilton Hotel in Rome, and one star at Apsleys at The Lanesborough Hotel in London.

(left) Braised beef, (right) Heinz Beck

Overseeing the kitchen with precision execution is Italian Delfo Schiaffino. Prior joining Chef Beck in the Algarve, Schiaffino’s developed a varied knowledge of gastronomy and a passion for quality ingredients and fine cuisine at an early age, growing up in a creative family between Portofino, in Italy, and Soest, Germany.

Mediterranean Tuna

For wine enthusiasts, the Gusto wine list is sure to impress. Many of Portugal’s finest labels are available alongside selections from some of world’s most respected wine cellars.

During the dessert course, Gusto offers a selection of wines, ports and infusions. The infusions are expertly formulated to increase well-being: Lemon Verbena helps to distress; Rosemary to invigorate: and thyme to reduce fatigue.

For those who enjoy finishing the meal with a smoke, the restaurant has a customized Cuban cigar menu. Might be a good idea to pair that with an extraordinary cognac or step over to the Gusto Bar and order a craft cocktail from the Age of Discoveries drinks menu.