Portugal’s impact in the world of gastronomy continues grow at a rapid pace. No doubt, a major influence in this upward trajectory is Chef Hans Neuner at Ocean Restaurant at VILA VITA PARC Resort & Spa resort. With thoughtful cooking, outstanding service and an opulent setting, Ocean is an essential experience for “aficionados” of fine dining.
Upon entering Ocean, it’s at once easy to see how the restaurant came about its name. Large picture windows along the south wall provide unobstructed views of the Atlantic. The dining room is stunning. Tastefully elegant in contemporary clean lines with a palette of deep sea blue and dove gray to match the vast ocean. Contrasting the dark hues are striking white corals, each a work of art unto themselves. Exquisite modern design Austrian crystal stemware and silver cutlery on the tables complete the décor splendidly. A wine room and chef’s table is just beyond.
At the helm is Austria native Neuner who quite literally grew up in a kitchen. Both his father and grandfather were cooks. Yet, much of Neuner’s professional training came under the guidance of Karlheinz Hauser, during his nine years at the Adlon Hotel in Berlin. He honed his culinary skills further at Tristan Restaurant (two Michelin stars) in Mallorca, Spain and Seven Seas (one Michelin star) in Hamburg.
In 2007, VILA VITA Parc invited Neuner to head up the kitchen at Ocean. He was given carte blanche to build and lead a team toward his aspiration of winning his own Michelin star. Just two short years later, the dream was realized. A Michelin star was awarded to Ocean in 2009, based on Neuner’s technical precision, keen sense for creativity, and passion for using only locally-sourced and fresh products.
Always innovating and persistently improving, Neuner and his team were awarded a second Michelin star in 2011. Further accolades include earning two stars in the Red Guide of Portugal and being named Portugal’s Chef of the Year in 2009 and 2012. Among many other awards acquired in the last decade, Ocean and Neuner have received the prestigious Platinum Fork award, five years in a row, from Portuguese food and hotel publication Boa Cama Boa Mesa.
In recent years, Neuner has explored the global culinary routes that helped shape Portugal’s gastronomic identity. From the Azores to Brazil, from Mozambique to Macau, and even as far as Hawaii and Japan, these menus celebrated the flavors, ingredients, and techniques born from centuries of maritime discovery.
Now, with Essência, Neuner brings that journey full circle. The new tasting menu marks both a conclusion and a new beginning, returning the focus squarely to Portugal itself. Drawing on everything learned during those years of exploration, the approximately fifteen-course experience distills the spirit of Portuguese cuisine into a refined and deeply personal expression.
Iconic Portuguese flavors appear throughout the menu, though often in unexpected forms. A Porto-inspired francesinha evolves into an elegant composition of carabinero prawn, delicate chouriço, and truffle. The Algarve’s famed frango piri-piri retains its bold character while receiving a contemporary refinement. Even the Sagres coast’s humble moreia becomes crisped in tribute to Bairrada’s suckling pig tradition, bridging regions of Portugal in a single bite.
The “Asian Expedition” tasting menu of 14 moments is €315. Add the wine pairing for €225, or €395 for premium selections, and €125 for non-alcoholic recommendaitons. .
For more information, visit the Ocean Restaurante website.
Rua Anneliese Pohl
Alporchinhos
Porches
Algarve
Phone: + 351 282 310 100
Email: info@restauranteocean.com
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 19:00 to 21:00
Please note:
■ Reservations Strongly Recommended
■ Dress Code – Elegant Evening Wear
■ Children – 12 Years and Older
