Lisbon has officially claimed the title of Europe's Best Culinary Destination for 2024, solidifying its status as a gastronomic powerhouse after outshining several of the continent's culinary capitals. This prestigious accolade was awarded at the World Culinary Awards, held on October 1 in Dubai, where Lisbon's vibrant food scene—rich in tradition yet innovative in execution—was recognized on the global stage. Adding to Portugal's triumph, Porto, the country's second-largest city was celebrated as the "Best Emerging Culinary Destination in Europe," marking a significant milestone for Portuguese cuisine as a whole.
Lisbon’s win as Europe’s Best Culinary Destination is no accident; it is the result of years of growth, innovation, and respect for tradition. Known for its culinary diversity, Lisbon’s food scene offers a rich mixture of flavors that blend time-honored Portuguese traditions with contemporary techniques and global influences. From rustic local eateries serving traditional Portuguese dishes to Michelin-starred restaurants pushing the boundaries of modern cuisine, Lisbon caters to every palate and preference.
The city has long been acknowledged for its culinary heritage, with iconic dishes such as bacalhau à brás (salted cod), pastéis de nata (custard tarts), and sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines) becoming internationally recognized. But it is the fusion of these classic flavors with modern interpretations by Lisbon’s top chefs that has propelled the city to the culinary spotlight.
Gastronomy plays a critical role in shaping Lisbon’s tourism industry. In recent years, food tourism has become one of the most influential factors for travelers when choosing their next destination. Lisbon’s culinary scene, steeped in both history and innovation, serves as a magnet for food lovers who want to experience authentic Portuguese flavors while indulging in avant-garde gastronomic experiences.
Visitors can explore Lisbon’s many facets through food: from traditional tascas (local taverns) to trendy, upscale restaurants offering modern, multi-sensory dining experiences. The city's seafood restaurants, capitalizing on Lisbon’s coastal location, provide some of the freshest and most exquisite seafood dishes in Europe, while the rise of farm-to-table concepts ensures the use of local, sustainable ingredients. The Portuguese capital boasts everything from charming street food vendors in mercados (markets) to haute cuisine prepared by Michelin-starred chefs who are passionate about reimagining classic Portuguese dishes.
Lisbon is also home to a growing number of wine bars and tasting rooms that showcase Portugal's impressive range of wines, from the internationally renowned Vinho Verde to the robust flavors of Douro and Alentejo wines. Together, these elements contribute to a well-rounded and immersive culinary experience that keeps visitors coming back for more.
Innovation is, without a doubt, a key factor in Lisbon’s success as a culinary destination. A new wave of chefs has emerged in the city, driven by a desire to reinvent classic dishes and celebrate Portuguese ingredients in a modern context. These culinary pioneers are not afraid to experiment, often blending influences from around the world while staying true to the essence of Portuguese cuisine. Their creative efforts have placed Lisbon on the global gastronomic map, contributing to the city's allure as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
Belcanto | Wine Tourism in Portugal
Restaurants such as Belcanto, led by renowned chef José Avillez, exemplify this innovative spirit. Belcanto, which has earned two Michelin stars, is known for its contemporary approach to Portuguese cuisine, combining tradition and innovation in every dish. Avillez and other chefs like him are shaping Lisbon’s culinary future, pushing the boundaries of what Portuguese cuisine can be while retaining its soul.
While Lisbon claimed the spotlight at the World Culinary Awards, another Portuguese city also made its mark. Porto, often overshadowed by its capital counterpart, was named the “Best Emerging Culinary Destination in Europe” at the same awards ceremony. This recognition underscores Portugal’s overall influence in the European culinary landscape and showcases the growing diversity of the country’s food scene.
Porto’s rise to culinary fame is driven by a combination of its historic charm, rich culinary traditions, and an increasing number of high-quality dining experiences. The city has seen a surge in gastronomic events, such as Global Kitchen and the Tiradentes Culture and Gastronomy Festival, that have attracted both local and international visitors. These events, combined with Porto's unique offerings of traditional dishes like francesinha (a decadent sandwich filled with various types of meat and covered in a rich sauce) and contemporary interpretations of Portuguese cuisine, have set the city on a path toward culinary excellence.
Porto’s achievement as the best emerging culinary destination is a testament to the hard work of its chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary innovators who are redefining what it means to dine in this coastal city. With the city set to host the next Portuguese Michelin gala, the spotlight on Porto’s gastronomic talents is only expected to grow.
In addition to the awards for Lisbon and Porto, Portugal also celebrated another win at the 2024 World Culinary Awards. Vila Joya, located in the Algarve, was named Europe’s “Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant.” This luxurious dining experience, led by Austrian chef Dieter Koschina since 1991, has held two Michelin stars for several years and continues to impress with its meticulous attention to detail, innovative techniques, and commitment to using local ingredients.
Vila Joya is renowned for blending the finest Portuguese produce with Koschina’s precise and refined cooking style, resulting in dishes that showcase both the simplicity of the Algarve’s ingredients and the complexity of world-class culinary craftsmanship. This award further cement Portugal’s position as a global leader in fine dining and elevates the Algarve as a destination for food lovers seeking an indulgent, high-end gastronomic experience.
Lisbon’s triumph as Europe’s Best Culinary Destination in 2024 marks a new chapter in Portugal’s culinary story. The city’s ability to blend tradition with modernity, its diverse and high-quality culinary offerings, and its commitment to innovation have all contributed to this well-deserved recognition. Alongside Porto’s emergence as a culinary hotspot and Vila Joya’s status as Europe’s best fine dining hotel restaurant, Portugal is positioning itself as a leading force in the global food scene.
For travelers seeking unforgettable culinary experiences, Lisbon now stands as a must-visit destination, offering a rich variety of flavors, styles, and gastronomic traditions that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.