Michelin Star Restaurants in Portugal 2010

The gastronomy of Portugal rivals that of its European neighbors.  Traditional dishes transformed into contemporary masterpieces.  French or Mediterranean classics inspired by local Portuguese ingredients.  Vila Joya in the Algarve is the only restaurant to be designated with two Michelin stars.  Yet, there are 11 others throughout Portugal distinguished with one star.  Following is the list of Michelin Star restaurants in Portugal for 2010:

North & Central Portugal

Arcadas da Capela – Chef:  Albano Lourenço; Consultant:  Joachim Koerper

Arcadas da Capela, Coimbra

In the historic XIV century manor house known as Quinta das Lágrimas, there is a convent-like yet romantic atmosphere, reminiscent of the story of forbidden lovers Pedro and Inês who once lived out their affair here. Executive Chief Albano Lourenço, under the direction of German Consultant Chef Joachim Koerper, prepares exquisite dishes utilizing traditional ingredients of the region.  Many ingredients are collected on the estate:  herbs from the gardens; oranges, lemons and avocados from the orchard; and raspberries and watercress in the fields.  Tasting menus are revised four times a year, inspired by the seasons.

Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas, Rua António Augusto Gonçalves, Coimbra
Reservations:  239 802 380
More Information:  Arcadas da Capela Website

  

Largo do Paço, Amarante

Largo do Paço – Chef:  Ricardo Costa

Located in the picturesque city of Amarante, between Porto and the Douro Valley, lies a beautiful XVI century palace, now home to boutique hotel Casa da Calçada.  The hallmark of this hotel is, Restaurante Largo do Paço, wehre Chef Ricardo Costa prepares Portuguese cuisine that has its roots in Luso tradition, yet evokes contemporary sophistication.  Favorite dishes include smoked sardines served with tomato confit, pepper jam, regional sausages and fresh vegetables drizzled with olive oil; and the Bisaro suckling pig with polenta cream, smoked ham, balsamic onions and Amarante jus. 

Largo do Paço, 6, Amarante, Porto
Reservations: +351 255 410 830
More Information:  Largo do Paço Website

 

Lisbon Area

 Eleven – Chef:  Joachim Koerper

Eleven, Lisbon

This modern and minimalist restaurant in Lisbon’s business district, overlooking the entire city.  Here Joachim Koeper,who has experience cooking in some of the world’s finest restaurants, creates menus in harmony with the seasons.  He has a passion for the tastes, colors and aromas of Mediterranean cuisine and southern European produce, which he infuses in the extraordinary dishes of Eleven, such as:  crayfish carpaccio with pineapple and sweet peppers; foie gras terrine with fig mousse and beetroot chutney; and, panna cotta with wasabi, red fruits and vanilla ice cream.

Av. Marquês da Fronteira, Jardim Amália Rodrigues, Lisbon
Reservations:  +351 213 862 211
More Information:  Eleven Website

  

 

Fortaleza do Guincho, Cascais

Fortaleza do Guincho

– Chef:  Antoine Westermann

Situated in the 17^th century fortress, the Fortaleza do Guincho Hotel is a showplace for this award-winning cuisine of French Chef Antoine Westermann.  Guests enjoy spectacular views out over the Atlantic Ocean and Cabo da Rocha, as they savor incomparable dishes.  Westerman, who earned critical acclaim at his Le Buerehiesel restaurant in Strasbourg, applies his heritage in French cuisine to this culinary tradition of Portugal.  Compliment this gastronomic experience with one of 800 selections from a wine list that Wine Spectator Magazine calls “one of the best in Portugal.”

Estrada do Guincho, Cascais
Reservations: +351 214 870 491
More Information:  Fortelezado GuinchoWebsite

  

Tavares – Chef:  José Avillez

Tavares, Lisbon

First opened in 1784 by Tavares Rico, this is Lisbon’s oldest restaurant.  It’s opulent décor of mirrored walls, gilded trim and crystal chandeliers evokes the grandeur of a bygone era, yet still provides dramatic ambience for one of Portugal’s finest meals. Chef José Avillez prepares French-inspired classics, including caviar, sole cooked in champagne sauce and seasonal game birds, roasted in a rich wine sauce.  Yet, Avillez also maintains his Portuguese roots with such fare as traditional bacalhau or the sopa alentejana (Alentejo-style soup that’s a concoction of garlic, bread, and egg).  An experience not to be missed.

Rua da Misericórdia, No. 35, Encarnação, Lisbon
Reservations:  +351 213 421 112
More Information:  Tavares Website

Algarve

 

Amadeus, Almancil

Amadeus – Chef Siegfied Danler-Heinemann

Although in the Algarve since 2003, Amadeus never ceases to amaze.  Austrian-born Chef Siegfried Danler-Heinemann specializes in a simplified approach to modern European gourmet cuisine, using the freshest seasonal ingredients and avoiding extravagant presentation.  Many different fixed-price menus are offered, and the wine list is, featuring a wide selection of Portuguese and international wines, is considered one the best in the region.  Just outside Almancil in the “golden triangle” of the central Algarve. 

Escanxinas, Estrada Almancil-Quarteira, Almancil
Reservations:  +351 289 399 134
More Information:  Amadeus Website

  

Henrique Leis – Chef Henrique Leis

Henrique Leis, Almancil

(Almancil)- Some call it intimate and rustic; some call it quaint Swiss-style chalet.  No matter the description of the comfortable ambiance, the cuisine of Brazilian Chef Henrique Leis is a stand out performance.  The international menu includes such creations as royal urchins and nuts oysters lukewarm Sabayon seaweeds,  filet- mignon de boeuf sauce au Porto et á la truffe, and lobster Sagres in two services.  A cuisine that celebrates the elegance and importance of details.  The wine list is equally impressive. 

Vale Formoso, Almancil
Reservations:  +351 289 393 438
More Information:  Henrique Leis Website

  

Ocean Restaurant, Porches

Ocean at Vila Vita Parc - Executive Chef Hans Neuner 

A couple years ago Austrian Chef Hans Neuner brought his unique approach to gourmet cuisine to this refined restaurant at Vila Vita Parc.  Blending traditional with the contemporary, he re-invents recipes using current methods and technical knowledge, with his own inspired finesse.  His emphasis is on the freshest, highest quality and locally sourced products.  More than 70 percent of the food products he uses are organic and most are procured regionally, including many from the resort’s own organic farm, Herdade Dos Grous.

Alporchinhos, Porches
Reservations:  + 351 282 310 100
More Information:  Ocean Website

  

São Gabriel – Chef:  Chef Torsten Schultz

São Gabriel, Almancil

With experience cooking across the globe, from New York to China, and Las Vegas to Spain, German-born Chef Torsten Schultz enjoys infusing these cultural experiences into his fine cuisine at this cozy restaurant in the Algarve.  Presentation of each dish is impeccable—each, a work of art unto itself.  The elegant interior of this former ambassador’s residence makes for a romantic evening not to be forgotten.  In the Summer, the patio offers al fresco dining among the lush sub-tropical Thai garden.   

Estrada Vale do Lobo – Quinta do Lago,  Almancil
Reservations: +351 289 394 521
More Information:  São Gabriel Website

  

Vila Joya, Galé

Vila Joya – Chef:  Dieter Koschina

Portugal’s only Michelin Two Star Restaurant.  Chef Dieter Koschina continues to win award-after-award for his gastronomic artistry and has turned this seaside hotel into Portugal’s best address for fine dining.  Austiran Chef Dieter Koschina regularly inspects the Algarve markets in search of the finest quality ingredients.  He buys lobster, crayfish and turbot from the local fishermen Algarve.  And he sources ingredients such as caviar and truffles from international markets.  Dinner is a set menu of six courses, except on Thursdays when Koschina serves his famous gala dinner with eight courses.

Praia da Galé, Galé, Albufeira
Reservations: +351 289 591 839
More Information:  Vila Joya Website

 

Willie’s – Chef:  Willie Wurger

Willies, Vilamoura

German born and trained Willie provides an exquisite and relaxing atmosphere in which to enjoy his variety of international influenced cuisine. Elements of French, Italian and central European cuisine are enhanced by an extensive wine selection.  It is Willie’s desire to share his love for fine food with his guests, creating a relaxing atmosphere where the level of enjoyment and hospitality makes for a memorable dining experience.  The restaurant is quietly tucked away behind the Hilton hotel in the beautiful residential area of Vilamoura. 

Rua do Brazil, 2, Vilamoura
Reservations:  +351 289 380 849
More Information:  Willie’s Website

Madeira

 

Il Gallo d'Oro, Funchal

Il Gallo d`Oro -  Chef:  Benoît Sinthon

In the luxurious Cliff Bay hotel in Madeira, this classy restaurant offers elegant and formal (gentlemen are required to wear dinner jackets) dining, superb sea views and a real old world ambience. Gallic chef Benoît Sinthon is at the helm, and he has achieved no small feat- getting Madeira island its first Michelin star.  Cuisine inspired by Italy and the Mediterranean is the hallmark of this restaurant.  Try sampling:  trio of lobster, asparagus and wild mushrooms; turbot fillet cured, stuffed with scallops, caviar sauce and lobster medallion; symphony of chocolate.

The Cliff Bay Hotel, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Reservations:  +351 291 707 700
More Information:  Il Gallo dÓro Website

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