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Belcanto by José Avillez – Michelin 2 Star Restaurant, Lisbon, Portugal

It’s Michelin season once again and the Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal 2016 is fast approaching !! We’ll keep you updated with the results of the NEW Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain and Portugal Guide when announced on November 25th!

In the meantime, over the next few weeks we’ll be showcasing some of the Best Michelin starred Chefs in Spain and Portugal  with our own Pre-Michelin Guide Spain and Portugal 2016 SuperChef Series by Gourmand Breaks – An insight into the world of some of the current Michelin star chefs in Spain and Portugal!

This year we’re starting in Portugal where surprisingly there are no Michelin 3 star restaurants (yet!). First off, and in no particular order, a Portuguese chef who last year obtained his Second Michelin Star and is shooting for that 3rd Michelin star in 2016:

Belcanto - Lisboa

José Avillez –  is the first Portuguese chef to obtain the Michelin 2 Star Restaurant honor in Portugal. He currently has 5 restaurants in Lisbon – Belcanto, Cantinho do Avillez, Mini Bar, Café Lisboa and Pizzaria Lisboa,  1 restaurant in Oporto – Cantinho do Avillez, a take-away service called JA at Home and a wine range called JA Wines bearing his signature: JA Red, JA White and JA Rosé.

Belcanto, Lisbon  –  acclaimed the best restaurant in Portugal, is the flagship restaurant by the young talented chef José Avillez. It opened in 2011 in the Chiado district of Lisbon, Portugal. Within a year Belcanto was awarded its first Michelin star and in 2014 received its second for the 2015 Michelin Guide for Spain and Portugal. Belcanto is the first restaurant in Lisbon to obtain this Michelin 2 Star restaurant distinction. Original modern Portuguese cuisine, inspired by El Bulli, great service in an elegant setting with beautifully presented food and a fantastic selection of Portuguese wines – this is Belcanto.  To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours :)

Belcanto has also been elected one of the best 100 restaurants in the world by the prestigious Restaurant Magazine and currently stands at 91st place on  “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants List”.

A dish by José Avillez at Belcanto © Vasco Célio

A dish by José Avillez at Belcanto © Vasco Célio

Experience Portugal’s growing gastronomy and fantastic wine regions on a Gourmand Breaks Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tour to include Portugal.  An ever-increasing destination choice with our guests Portugal can easily be combined with Spain  for a two-center vacation giving you the chance to indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain and Portugal.