You know fine dining. Now, get to know fire dining. Chef Ricardo Dias Ferreira introduces a new dining concept to Portugal focusing on one of the four elements of earth: Fire! Everything is prepared over coals in either a 19th century oven or on a customized grill created for the restaurant. Restaurant Elemento is in Porto on Rua do Almada.
A restored 19th century building, just a block away from Praça Liberdade is the home for Elemento. Exposed stone walls attest to the history of the building, while modern dining tables and a long marble counter are indications of the contemporary temptations to be served.
They key element of Elemento, of course, is the use of fire. Yet, it is Chef Dias Ferreira’s creativity with grilling techniques that make this cuisine unique. Inspired selection of materials, such as firewood, straw, pine needles, pine cones and more, are meant to enhance various flavor profiles of the prepared food. Eucalyptus is used to light the embers, while higher density cork oak allows for more intense heat.
Chef Dias Ferreira is no stranger to gourmet cuisine. Before the age of 23, he has already trained at (former Porto restaurant) Shis, Arola and Midori at Penha Longa, the Yeatman Restaurant, and at Lasarte in San Sebastian, Spain, under the watchful direction of Martin Berasategui. He journeyed south to Australia, spending time in the kitchen at Quay Restaurant and Altitude at the Shangrila Hotel, as well as opening up Chiado, a pop-up contemporary Portuguese spot in Sydney.
Seasonal, locally-grown produce are sourced daily to fill out the offering. Some recent menu items include: squid, black ink, marrow and almonds; sea bass, smoked cream, celery and cabbage; pork, parsnips, abalone and mushrooms; textures of baked apples on the fire.
Guests can order a la carte, or choose the tasting menu which changes weekly. At lunch, Elemento offers an executive menu, with starter, main course, dessert and glass of wine.
For more information, visit the Restaurante Elemento website.
Restaurante Elemento
Rua do Almada, 51
Porto
Phone: +351 224 928 193
Email: info@elementoporto.com
Hours:
Dinner – Tuesday to Saturday – 19:00 to 23:00
Lunch – Wednesday to Saturday – 12:00 to 13:00