Portugal’s culinary landscape is thriving, with chefs gaining international acclaim for their inventive takes on traditional flavors and their commitment to showcasing the finest local ingredients. This year, thirteen Portuguese chefs have been honored at The Best Chef Awards 2024 in Dubai, a testament to Portugal's growing influence on the global gastronomic stage. Each chef’s restaurant offers a unique, unforgettable experience, combining outstanding cuisine with settings that celebrate Portugal’s natural beauty and heritage.

The Best Chef Dubai 2024

At Wine Tourism in Portugal, we believe that the perfect meal is complemented by the finest wines and immersive cultural experiences. Our exclusive tours allow you to discover the best of Portuguese gastronomy alongside its world-renowned wines, all set against stunning landscapes and historic venues. Join us as we introduce you to these exceptional chefs and their award-winning restaurants - destinations that are as rich in flavor as they are in tradition. Let us guide you on a memorable journey where food, wine, and culture meet in perfect harmony.

José Avillez 

Award: 🔪🔪🔪

José Avillez is a name synonymous with the modern evolution of Portuguese cuisine. Known for his innovative approach and dedication to elevating traditional flavors, Avillez has established himself as one of Portugal’s most celebrated chefs. With a career that spans multiple restaurants, television appearances, and a reputation for pushing culinary boundaries, Avillez has become a beacon of creativity and quality. His award of three knives at The Best Chef Awards 2024 highlights his influence and the extraordinary level of his gastronomic contributions.

Belcanto

Belcanto, Lisbon

Located in Lisbon’s historic Chiado district, Belcanto is the flagship of Avillez’s restaurant empire. Holding two Michelin stars, Belcanto is where Avillez’s vision truly shines, blending avant-garde techniques with deep respect for Portuguese heritage. The restaurant offers a tasting menu that is as visually captivating as it is delicious, showcasing dishes inspired by Portuguese culture, history, and the sea. Belcanto’s reputation is built on its ability to surprise and delight diners, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking the essence of Portuguese fine dining.

Encanto

Encanto, Lisbon

Encanto, also in Lisbon, is José Avillez’s latest venture and represents a new phase in his career. This restaurant focuses on delivering a unique, vegetarian-driven culinary experience, an uncommon approach in Portuguese cuisine. At Encanto, Avillez brings the same innovative spirit, crafting dishes that emphasize the natural beauty and flavors of vegetables. The restaurant’s ambiance is intentionally intimate and relaxed, allowing diners to immerse themselves fully in the culinary journey. Encanto’s experimental yet rooted approach has quickly made it a standout addition to Avillez’s portfolio.

Hans Neuner

Award: 🔪🔪🔪

Hans Neuner is celebrated for his skillful and imaginative approach to seafood, earning him a prestigious place in the international culinary landscape. Originally from Austria, Neuner has embraced Portugal’s culinary potential and terroir with unmatched dedication, bringing forth dishes that highlight the richness of Portuguese seafood while infusing it with innovative European influences. Under his leadership, his restaurant has consistently received top accolades, including two Michelin stars. His recent award of three knives at The Best Chef Awards 2024 further cements his status as a top chef who pushes the boundaries of Portuguese cuisine.

Ocean

Ocean Restaurant, Algarve

Situated in the breathtaking Algarve within Vila Vita Parc Resort, Ocean is Hans Neuner’s acclaimed fine-dining restaurant that artfully combines modern culinary techniques with Portugal’s coastal flavors. Inspired by its seaside location, Ocean’s tasting menus showcase an elegant progression of fresh, local seafood and seasonal produce, creating a refined yet authentic experience. Each dish is a testament to Neuner’s skill in balancing freshness, texture, and flavor, drawing deeply from Portuguese roots while embracing innovation. With its stunning views, impeccable service, and two Michelin stars, Ocean has become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking the essence of Portugal’s coast.

Henrique Sá Pessoa

Award: 🔪🔪

Henrique Sá Pessoa is widely respected for his refined, soulful interpretation of Portuguese cuisine. A culinary ambassador for the country, Sá Pessoa combines traditional flavors with a contemporary twist, presenting dishes that are both comforting and innovative. His philosophy centers on simplicity, using high-quality ingredients to create dishes that highlight Portugal’s culinary heritage. With several television appearances and numerous awards, Sá Pessoa has built an impressive reputation. His recognition with two knives at The Best Chef Awards 2024 reflects his significant impact on both the Portuguese and global food scenes.

Alma

Alma Restaurant, Lisbon

Located in Lisbon, Alma is Henrique Sá Pessoa’s celebrated fine-dining restaurant, where he brings "soul" to Portuguese gastronomy by blending authentic local flavors with international influences. With two Michelin stars, Alma offers an inviting, sophisticated setting where guests can enjoy two tasting menus: one dedicated to Portuguese classics and another showcasing Sá Pessoa’s innovative perspective. Dishes range from elevated interpretations of traditional staples like codfish and octopus to creations inspired by his global culinary experiences, making Alma a must-visit for those seeking a nuanced, contemporary take on Portugal’s rich culinary heritage.

Pedro Pena Bastos

Award: 🔪🔪

Pedro Pena Bastos is a rising star in Portuguese gastronomy, celebrated for his meticulous attention to local, seasonal ingredients and his dedication to sustainable practices. With a background in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens, Pena Bastos brings an elevated yet grounded approach to Portuguese cuisine. His work reflects a deep respect for nature and the origins of each ingredient, presenting dishes that are as thoughtful as they are delicious. His award of two knives at The Best Chef Awards 2024 underscores his commitment to a culinary philosophy that honors simplicity, authenticity, and innovation.

Cura

Cura Restaurant, Lisbon

Award: 🔪🔪

Ricardo Costa is renowned for his commitment to preserving and enhancing traditional Portuguese flavors. With a culinary career spanning several prestigious kitchens, Costa brings a refined and sophisticated touch to Portuguese gastronomy. His work is deeply rooted in the heritage of his home country, yet he elevates classic dishes with modern techniques and presentation. Costa’s role as Executive Chef at The Yeatman in Porto has garnered him widespread acclaim, including two Michelin stars and, most recently, two knives at The Best Chef Awards 2024. His culinary style is a blend of innovation and respect for tradition, making him a prominent figure in Portuguese fine dining.

The Yeatman

The Yeatman Gastronomic, Porto

Vasco Coelho Santos

Award: 🔪🔪

Vasco Coelho Santos is a pioneering force in Portuguese gastronomy, known for his experimental style and dedication to pushing culinary boundaries. With a passion for exploring the depth of Portuguese flavors while integrating global techniques and influences, Coelho Santos has earned a reputation as one of Portugal’s most dynamic chefs. His two-knife award at The Best Chef Awards 2024 reflects his influence and creativity, which can be experienced in his flagship restaurant, Euskalduna Studio, as well as his newer venture, Seixo, where he continues to explore Portuguese terroir in innovative ways.

Euskalduna Studio

Euskalduna Studio, Porto

Euskalduna Studio in Porto is Vasco Coelho Santos’s flagship restaurant, an intimate dining space that redefines Portuguese cuisine with bold, innovative tasting menus. Known for its exclusivity and personalized experience, Euskalduna Studio takes guests on a journey through reimagined Portuguese flavors, combining tradition with cutting-edge techniques. Each dish is presented with artistic precision, allowing diners to explore seasonal ingredients through a creative and modern lens that exemplifies Coelho Santos’s unique approach to Portuguese gastronomy.

Seixo by Vasco Coelho Santos

Seixo by Vasco Coelho Santos, Douro Valley

Seixo is Vasco Coelho Santos’s rural retreat, offering a dining experience deeply rooted in the Portuguese countryside. Located in a rustic setting, Seixo focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that reflect the authenticity of the land. Here, Coelho Santos embraces slow food principles, crafting a menu that changes with the seasons to showcase the pure flavors of Portuguese terroir. With its relaxed ambiance, Seixo invites diners to connect with nature and savor a simple yet refined interpretation of regional ingredients and dishes.

Carlos de Albuquerque Teixeira

Award: 🔪

Carlos de Albuquerque Teixeira is an emerging figure in Portuguese fine dining, celebrated for his commitment to sustainable, farm-to-table cooking. As a chef who values authenticity and the natural flavors of the Alentejo region, Teixeira has developed a culinary style that emphasizes simplicity, quality, and respect for the environment. His dedication to locally sourced ingredients and environmentally conscious practices has earned him one knife at The Best Chef Awards 2024, reflecting his growing influence in the Portuguese culinary scene.

Esporão

Esporão Restaurant, Alentejo

Esporão, located in Portugal’s Alentejo region, is Carlos de Albuquerque Teixeira’s homage to sustainable and locally-focused cuisine. This one-Michelin-starred restaurant is set within the Esporão estate, renowned for its wine and agricultural heritage, providing a rich supply of fresh ingredients directly from the land. Teixeira’s menu at Esporão highlights Alentejo’s natural abundance, with each dish crafted to showcase the authenticity and simplicity of local flavors. The ambiance and menu create an immersive experience that reflects the essence of Alentejo, making Esporão a true farm-to-table destination.

Dieter Koschina

Award: 🔪

Austrian-born Dieter Koschina has brought European sophistication to Portuguese cuisine, making his mark as one of the most respected chefs in the Algarve region. With over three decades of experience in Portugal, Koschina has developed a culinary style that marries Portuguese ingredients with refined European techniques. His restaurant, Vila Joya, has long been a distinguished destination for fine dining, earning numerous accolades, including a Michelin star and, most recently, one knife at The Best Chef Awards 2024. Koschina’s influence and artistry have made him a cornerstone of Portuguese gastronomy.

Vila Joya

Vila Joya Restaurant, Algarve

Vila Joya, situated along the Algarve coast, is Dieter Koschina’s signature restaurant, known for its elegant fusion of Portuguese flavors and European finesse. The restaurant’s scenic ocean views complement Koschina’s sophisticated, ingredient-focused menu, which is inspired by the fresh produce, seafood, and seasonal offerings of the Algarve. With each dish, Vila Joya exemplifies Koschina’s dedication to precision, quality, and artistic presentation, creating a fine dining experience that balances local authenticity with European refinement.

Rui Paula

Award: 🔪

Rui Paula is a celebrated figure in Portuguese gastronomy, known for his elegant interpretations of traditional coastal cuisine. With a deep connection to Portugal’s northern coast, Paula crafts dishes that pay homage to the region’s flavors and ingredients while infusing them with contemporary flair. His culinary philosophy is rooted in authenticity and creativity, transforming classic recipes into modern masterpieces. Recognized with one knife at The Best Chef Awards 2024, Paula continues to elevate Portuguese cuisine on both a national and international level.

Casa de Chá da Boa Nova

Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, Porto

Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, located in Matosinhos, is Rui Paula’s celebrated two-Michelin-starred seaside restaurant, offering a dining experience that is as scenic as it is gastronomic. Situated on the rocky coastline, the restaurant provides panoramic ocean views that serve as inspiration for Paula’s seafood-focused menu. Here, he combines local, fresh seafood with inventive techniques, creating dishes that reflect both tradition and innovation. The restaurant’s architecture and ambiance further enhance the immersive experience, making Casa de Chá da Boa Nova a true testament to Paula’s mastery of Portuguese coastal cuisine.

Vítor Matos

Award: 🔪

Vítor Matos is renowned for his sophisticated approach to Portuguese cuisine, blending modern techniques with the rich traditions of his homeland. Known for his precision, creativity, and commitment to excellence, Matos has established himself as one of Portugal’s top chefs. His work at Antiqvvm has earned him critical acclaim, including a Michelin star and one knife at The Best Chef Awards 2024, further solidifying his reputation for delivering innovative dishes rooted in Portuguese heritage.

Antiqvvm

Antiqvvm, Porto

Antiqvvm, located in Porto, is Vítor Matos’s flagship, two-Michelin-starred restaurant, where he crafts a modern interpretation of Portuguese flavors within a historic setting. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century villa overlooking the Douro River, Antiqvvm combines an elegant ambiance with Matos’s creative, ingredient-driven menu. Each dish is a thoughtful exploration of Portuguese flavors, presented with meticulous detail and artistic flair, making Antiqvvm a must-visit for those seeking a refined yet innovative taste of Portugal’s culinary traditions.

Honorable Mentions

João Oliveira – Vista: 🔪🔪

Vista, Algarve

João Oliveira is a rising star known for his mastery of refined Portuguese cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. As the head chef at Vista, located in the Algarve, Oliveira creates an immersive dining experience that highlights the region’s coastal bounty. His inventive dishes and sophisticated presentation offer guests a memorable journey through Portugal’s flavors, earning him two knives at The Best Chef Awards 2024. Vista has become a celebrated destination for those seeking a fine dining experience that captures the essence of the Algarve.

George McLeod – SEM: 🔪

SEM Restaurant, Lisbon

George McLeod has garnered attention for his fresh and minimalist approach to modern dining at SEM. His philosophy centers around simplicity and seasonality, allowing the ingredients to speak for themselves. Situated in an inviting, relaxed atmosphere, SEM is a place where guests can experience thoughtfully crafted dishes that focus on balance and flavor. With one knife from The Best Chef Awards 2024, McLeod is solidifying his reputation as a chef to watch in Portugal’s culinary scene.

Marlene Vieira – Marlene: 🔪

Marlene, Lisbon

Marlene Vieira’s eponymous restaurant, Marlene, is a celebration of Portuguese heritage through contemporary cuisine. Known for her vibrant creativity and innovative use of local ingredients, Vieira crafts dishes that pay homage to her roots while pushing culinary boundaries. Marlene offers a dining experience filled with artistry and imagination, earning Vieira one knife at The Best Chef Awards 2024. Her work stands out as a fresh, forward-thinking take on traditional Portuguese flavors, making Marlene a noteworthy addition to Lisbon’s dining landscape.