Michelin-Starred Restaurants Portugal: Enjoy an amazing culinary experience
Portugal is known for much more than its beautiful beaches, amazing climate all year round and the magnificent musical genre “fado”. Among the Portuguese wonders, is the country’s gastronomy.
The Portuguese know how to take advantage of their privileged location and geographic diversity. With access to the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, traditional Portuguese food includes elements from both the sea and its mountains.
Due to this incredible culinary diversity and the amazing restaurants spread all over the country, Portugal has been on the itinerary of the world's most renowned chefs, including Hell’s Kitchen and MasterChef's famous TV personality, and possibly one of the most popular chefs in the world, Gordon Ramsey.
The famous TV chef was recently in the Silver Coast of Portugal, where he unveiled the secrets of some local treasures, such as the Pão de Ló de Alfeizerão and fresh fish caught on the coast of Nazaré. This was the location chosen for one of the episodes of the third season of “Uncharted”, a TV show airing on National Geographic in which the chef travels around the world in search of new culinary inspiration and cultural experiences.
Another famous chef who also loved Portugal was Anthony Bourdain. On several occasions, Bourdain choose Portugal to film his culinary shows, where he would taste the most diverse Portuguese dishes and share them with the world.
Due to the popularity and credibility of these chefs and very popular TV shows, followed by millions around the world, traditional Portuguese gastronomy is now more recognized beyond the Portuguese and European borders.
Where to find Portugal’s best restaurants?
One of the great things about Portugal is that you do not need to spend a fortune to have unique and memorable experiences! The same can be said about food.
From north to south, there is no need to go to expensive and luxurious restaurants to find amazing quality food. In any typical “tasca” or small café in Portugal you will find genuine flavours that are very true to the country’s essence... and also very affordable!
In small family-run restaurants, usually outside the more touristy areas, a meal including a starter, main course, dessert, a glass of "vinho da casa" and coffee can cost anywhere from 8 to 15 euros... and you won't believe the quality and freshness! Just see where the locals go to and enjoy!
However, if you don’t mind spending a bit more and want a truly memorable experience, then you should definitely try some of Portugal most awarded restaurants, namely Michelin-starred places where world-famous chefs will serve you a feast for your taste buds!
Restaurants in Portugal with 2 Stars MICHELIN
Currently, Portugal has seven restaurants with 2 Michelin stars that can be found in the Porto area, Lisbon, the Algarve, and on Madeira Island:
Belcanto - Lisbon
Occupying a former convent in the Bairro Alto (Chiado), Belcanto offers one of the best dining experiences in Portugal.
Chef José Avillez
Alma - Lisbon
Located in the heart of the Chiado district in an 18th-century building, the interior provides the backdrop for seasonal à la carte options and menus that encompass traditional, international and Mediterranean dishes.
www.almalisboa.pt
The Yeatman - Vila Nova de Gaia
This stylish restaurant has a bright decor combining the classical and the contemporary, as well as stunning views of Porto. The menu showcases seasonal ingredients and an incredible balance of flavours.
Casa de Chá da Boa Nova - Leça da Palmeira
This restaurant is located on the rocks above the beach, right by the water’s edge. The perfect setting for locally inspired cuisine that is only available with a menu that features 6, 12 or 21 dishes.
Ocean - Porches (Algarve)
This unique restaurant offers superb sea views that are complemented by a perfect balance between fine gastronomy, an attractive decor and comfort. The menu here changes in line with the best seasonal products.
Chef Hans Neuner
Podcast - Michelin Star Portugal
In this episode of Portugal The Simple Life Podcast, Dylan is joined by Hans Neuner, a 2 Michelin star chef at one of the world's best restaurants: ‘Ocean’...
Vila Joya - Albufeira (Algarve)
Serving a flavourful menu with beautifully presented dishes, Vila Joya is one of the most highly-regarded and sought-after dining experiences in the Algarve. Here you can expect seafood and modern Japanese inspired cuisine.
Chef Dieter Koschina
Il Gallo d'Oro - Funchal (Island of Madeira)
Il Gallo d'Oro is the gourmet restaurant at Madeira's five-star hotel The Cliff Bay. The menu brings the refinement of aromatic cuisine to the table, inspired by Iberian cooking that highlights local ingredients.
Chef Benoît Sinthon
1-Star MICHELIN Restaurants in Portugal
Portugal also boast 21 restaurants distinguished with 1-Star Michelin:
Fifty Seconds - Lisbon
Lab by Sergi Arola - Sintra
Midori - Sintra
Eleven - Lisbon
100 Maneiras - Lisbon
Loco - Lisbon
EPUR - Lisbon
Eneko Lisboa - Lisbon
Feitoria - Lisbon
Fortaleza do Guincho - Praia do Guincho
Mesa de Lemos - Passos de Silgueiros
Pedro Lemos - Foz do Douro
Antiqvvm - Porto
Largo do Paço - Amarante
A Cozinha - Guimarães
Vista - Portimão
Bon Bon - Lagoa
Gusto - Almancil
Vistas Rui Silvestre - Vila Nova de Cacela
G Pousada - Bragança
William - Funchal
Discovering Portugal through food
Portugal is a unique country with a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques, accumulated over centuries of history with influences and inspirations from all over the world.
After all the recognition Portugal’s cuisine has received over these last few years, tourists no longer visit the country only in search of beautiful beaches and a great climate. Food is, more than ever, one of the main reasons why so many people are looking at Portugal as an increasingly appealing destination!
Want to read more blogs about food in Portugal?
From the famous pastel de natal to Portugal's love affair with "bacalhau", find out more about traditional Portuguese cuisine and why food is so important in Portugal...
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