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Belcanto

Lisbon

An exploration of Portuguese flavours from the country’s landmark eatery

On the Pass

José Avillez

Pastry Chef

Américo dos Santos

Origin story: A legendary Lisbon establishment that opened its doors as a men’s club in 1958, Belcanto took on a new life when chef José Avillez took the helm in 2012. In 2019, Avillez moved the restaurant to bigger and better premises – next door. Under his culinary navigation, Belcanto has progressed to become the finest in Portugal.

The low-down: The intimate restaurant lies under vaulted ceilings and minimalist chandeliers, while light streams through the high windows. Belcanto’s home offers its 45 guests two tasting menus, which take diners on a gastronomic journey of contemporary Portuguese cuisine, as well as an a la carte for those who prefer the luxury of choice.

Highlight dishes? Standout plates include cured and smoked red mullet with Algarve carrot and a parsley emulsion; matured beef sirloin paired with an onion tart, spinach and almond spread; and the whimsically named, The Garden of the Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs, which features egg with crunchy bread and mushrooms. A taste of the seas comes from scarlet shrimp with green curry, sprouts and apple.

More on the chef: A well-known face on Portuguese TV for his cooking show Improbabilicious, Avillez has also published four cookbooks and his food empire harbours a cluster of restaurants in Lisbon and Porto, including Bairro do Avillez, a food hall housing four distinctive eateries under one roof. A wine aficionado, the chef has developed several vintages under the JA line with Quinta do Monte D’Oiro winery.

Worth noting: Avillez fans should book seats at Belcanto’s chef’s table for ringside culinary action in the kitchen.

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