Lisbon’s restaurants have been awarded a total of eight Michelin stars – three of them new – in the just-publishedMichelin Guide Spain and Portugal 2017, with Belcanto by José Avillez retaining its two stars. Portugal’s capital has always been known for classic dishes such asbacalhauand the freshest of seafood, but now the city’s talented chefs are using their creativity and the latest techniques to create an unforgettable choice of fine dining experiences.
Included within three new one star restaurants isLAB by Sergi Arola. Located in Penha Longa Resort (Sintra), this intimate 22-seat restaurant is described as “striking” by Michelin and features the innovative cuisine of famous Spanish Chef Sergi Arola – a protégé of the world’s greatest Chef Ferrán Adriá. LAB features three different tasting menus and, to the delight of wine lovers, over 550 wines from around the world.www.penhalonga.com
Also newly awarded one Michelin star are Loco and Alma. AtLoco, Chef Alexandre Silva showcases his creations via two tasting menus using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, whileAlmaoffers “traditional, international and more innovative dishes” which reflect both the knowledge of traditional Portuguese cuisine and passion for Asia of Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa.www.loco.pt/www.almalisboa.pt
Retaining their previous Michelin stars are:
Belcanto |2 Michelin stars (Lisbon): José Avillez is considered to be one of the world’s greatest Portuguese chefs and Belcanto was the first restaurant in Lisbon to be awarded two Michelin stars. It offers Portuguese haute cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere that still provides some of the former romance of the Chiado district – “one of the best gourmet experiences in Portugal”, according to Michelin.
Eleven |1 Michelin star (Lisbon): Situated in the heart of Lisbon’s financial district, Eleven offers “creative [Mediterranean] gourmet cuisine” in a minimalist setting. Owner and chef Joachim Koerper is acclaimed as one of the most important masters of Mediterranean cuisine.www.restauranteleven.com
Feitoria |1 Michelin star (Lisbon): Located in the Hotel Altis Belêm, Feitoria features “modern cuisine steeped in tradition”, as traditional Portuguese flavours are mixed with influences from the Far East which pay tribute to old Portuguese explorers. Three different tasting menus are available, designed by Chef João Rodrigues.
Fortaleza do Guincho |1 Michelin star (Cascais): Located in a former 17thcentury fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Fortaleza do Guincho’s cooking has “an international flavour with a focus on Atlantic fish and seafood”, mixed with the creativity of Chef Miguel Rocha Vieira, one of the judges of MasterChef Portugal.
Executive Director at Turismo de Lisboa, Paula Oliveira, said: “We are thrilled and proud that the prestigious Michelin guide has recognised Lisbon’s talented chefs and exciting food scene. We are confident that we can take our place as one of Europe’s great culinary destinations.”
Left to right: Chefs José Avillez and David Jesus (Belcanto); Suckling pig revisited (Belcanto); Chef João Rodrigues and his team (Feitoria).
For more information, ideas and inspiration on visiting Lisbon, please go towww.visitlisboa.com