In the heart of Lisbon’s vibrant Chiado district, Belcanto by Chef José Avillez is a reverent homage to Portuguese heritage, brought alive through refined techniques and visionary creativity. Every corner of Belcanto, from the ambiance to each plated masterpiece, speaks to the centuries-old Portuguese spirit of resilience, exploration, and innovation, all meticulously crafted under the direction of Chef Avillez.
The Maestro Behind the Scenes: Chef José Avillez
Born in 1979 in Cascais, José Avillez is one of Portugal’s most celebrated chefs, leading a culinary renaissance that has brought Portuguese cuisine into global acclaim. His path wasn’t a straightforward one. Initially studying business communication, Avillez was drawn inexorably toward the world of flavors and ingredients, eventually abandoning his studies to pursue a career in the culinary arts. His untraditional start set the stage for his boundary-pushing approach to cooking.
Avillez’s passion for Portuguese gastronomy is palpable. This devotion to elevating his country’s food heritage took him to legendary kitchens worldwide, with a formative stint at Ferran Adrià's El Bulli in Spain, where he delved into the avant-garde techniques that would later become his signature. Avillez also worked at Tavares, another fine-dining institution in Lisbon, where he honed his skill in marrying local ingredients with progressive, imaginative methods. This journey has endowed Avillez with a profound culinary philosophy: preserving the soul of Portuguese cuisine while embracing innovation. His respect for tradition coupled with a daring approach makes him a culinary storyteller, where each dish captures Portugal's spirit.
"Stepping into Belcanto feels like stepping into a Portuguese renaissance of flavor."
An Homage to Portugal’s Essence
Located in a quiet, elegant building, Belcanto’s exterior belies the culinary wonderland within. The restaurant’s aesthetic is an ode to minimalism, with a sophisticated décor that invites guests to focus their senses entirely on the food. The deep wooden tones, dim lighting, and carefully placed design elements offer a space both intimate and luxurious.
Belcanto originally opened in 1958 as a traditional restaurant, but when Avillez took over in 2012, he transformed it into an epicurean playground for fine dining aficionados. Avillez and his team have maintained the respect for Belcanto’s legacy while bringing it into the modern age. The result is a dining experience that transcends mere consumption, evolving into a sensory journey through Portuguese history, reimagined for the contemporary palate.
Belcanto’s decor reflects Avillez’s vision—a space where modernity meets tradition. The setting is intimate, with a seating arrangement that ensures a personal, almost theatrical dining experience. Each table is strategically placed to allow diners a view of the open kitchen, where Avillez and his team work like artists at an easel, transforming ingredients into edible masterpieces. The lighting is dim yet focused, directing attention to each dish as it arrives, allowing the colors, textures, and artistry to shine. Subtle classical music adds to the ambiance, enhancing the dining experience without overpowering it.
Since Avillez’s leadership, Belcanto has received accolades that position it as a must-visit for gastronomes worldwide. It earned its first Michelin star in 2012, followed by a second in 2014, making it the first restaurant in Lisbon to be honored with two Michelin stars. Belcanto is also ranked among the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants”. These accolades speak to Avillez’s ability to create an unparalleled dining experience that remains true to Portuguese roots while pushing the boundaries of what those roots can become.
Belcanto’s tasting menus are orchestrations of art and flavor. Avillez introduces diners to the diversity of Portuguese ingredients and culinary traditions, carefully weaving them with modern techniques to create a symphony of tastes that feels both familiar and new. Each course has a narrative, an origin story that Avillez translates onto the plate. Two tasting menus currently guide guests through this experience: the Lisbon menu and the Belcanto Classics menu, both serving as love letters to Avillez’s homeland.
Golden Egg
A signature that pays homage to Avillez’s fascination with beauty and flavor, the “Golden Egg” is a dish that combines luxury with simplicity. It arrives at the table encased in a golden exterior, almost like a Fabergé egg crafted for the palate. Inside, the egg is gently poached to a custard-like texture, accompanied by a delicate mushroom broth. The dish is topped with truffles, a touch that lends both aroma and an earthy quality that pairs with the soft richness of the egg.
The Sea at Your Table
This dish is a tribute to Portugal’s coastline, a place dear to Avillez’s heart. Served on a glass plate that resembles the surface of the ocean, the dish features fresh sea bass paired with seaweed and shellfish elements, all accented by sea-inspired garnishes. The flavor transports you to Portugal’s beaches with each bite, a moment that captures the coastal spirit of the nation.
Suckling Pig Revisited
A beloved Portuguese dish receives a reimagining here, with Avillez elevating the classic to gourmet status. The pork is slow-cooked to achieve a meltingly tender texture, while the skin remains crispy and seasoned to perfection. Paired with mexican Mole sauce, it’s a balancing act of sweet and savory, a familiar yet refined nod to Portuguese comfort food.
Wine and Pairing Experience: A Journey Through Portuguese Vineyards
Belcanto’s wine list is an adventure in itself, an homage to the diversity of Portugal’s wine regions. The restaurant boasts a robust selection of more than 350 labels, about 80% of which are Portuguese. The sommelier team works closely with Avillez to select pairings that elevate the flavors of each dish, guiding diners through a journey across Portugal’s distinct terroirs. Each wine pairing feels like a story, carefully chosen to enhance the essence of each course. Standout pairings include lesser-known yet exceptional wines from Alentejo and Douro, as well as rare Portuguese varietals that allow guests to taste the landscape of Portugal through the vine.
For Avillez, cooking is a responsibility. Belcanto champions sustainable and ethical sourcing, a core value that guides the entire menu creation. The restaurant places a strong emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients, partnering with Portuguese farmers and fishermen to source the freshest, most flavorful produce and proteins. Avillez views this commitment as a way to support Portugal’s agricultural heritage and contribute to the preservation of its landscapes. This focus on sustainability is not merely an ethical choice but an integral part of Belcanto’s flavor philosophy. By working within the limitations of the seasons, Avillez embraces an element of surprise, constantly reimagining the menu based on what nature provides.
In a city teeming with history, Belcanto is a modern classic, a cornerstone of Lisbon’s gastronomic scene that has redefined what it means to dine in Portugal. Chef José Avillez has crafted a space where the past and present of Portuguese culture coexist on the plate. Belcanto celebrates the country’s heritage while imagining its future. The result is an experience that lingers long after the final course—a timeless ode to Portugal, as imagined by a culinary genius.
Comments