World-class restaurant in Lisbon rightfully earns top global rank
In the heart of Lisbon's Chiado district, Belcanto, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, has been redefining Portuguese cuisine since Chef José Avillez took over in 2012 [1][2]. Originally founded in 1958, Belcanto is now located at Rua Serpa Pinto, 10 A, 1200-445 Lisbon, Portugal [3].
The restaurant, situated near the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos, offers a **creative yet deeply Portuguese cuisine** that presents a refined and immersive gastronomic experience [1][2].
### Standout Dishes
Belcanto's menu is a symphony of flavours, with dishes like the Polvo à Lagareiro (Octopus) and Bacalhau à Lagareiro taking centre stage [2]. The Polvo à Lagareiro exemplifies Portugal’s mastery of seafood, with tender, flavorful octopus prepared with a contemporary flair [2]. Bacalhau à Lagareiro, a celebration of traditional Portuguese dried and salted cod, is served in a sophisticated presentation [3].
### Dining Experience
The dining experience at Belcanto is nothing short of extraordinary. Tasting menus combine traditional Portuguese ingredients and recipes with avant-garde techniques, turning each dish into both a flavor symphony and a visual feast [2]. The atmosphere is described as elegant yet comfortable, making it a perfect place for a high-end but relaxed dining experience [3].
Chef José Avillez's philosophy at Belcanto is to **merge creativity with the richness of Portuguese culinary heritage**, elevating local flavors into edible art [1][2]. This approach has established Belcanto among the world's finest restaurants following its relocation in 2019 to a larger adjacent space [4].
For vegetarian diners, Avillez also offers Encanto, a Michelin-starred restaurant focused on seasonal vegetables, ensuring a beautifully curated experience for non-meat eaters [1].
Beyond Belcanto, Chef José Avillez's empire extends from Lisbon to Porto, with restaurants such as Bairro do Avillez redefining upscale street food by combining four distinct culinary worlds [5]. Each plate created by Chef Avillez is a testament to his precision, as seen in dishes like the Algarve red mullet, dried and smoked, paired with confit carrot and a parsley emulsion [5].
In summary, the standout at Belcanto is its innovative tasting menu featuring iconic Portuguese dishes like Polvo à Lagareiro and Bacalhau à Lagareiro, served in an elegant yet inviting setting, all crafted by Chef José Avillez’s masterful fusion of tradition and modern gastronomy [1][2][3].
Belcanto is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, and closed on Sunday and Monday. Reservations can be made by calling 351 213 420 607. To learn more about Chef José Avillez and his culinary empire, tune into his prime-time television show where he shares the secrets of haute cuisine with Portuguese audiences [6].
References: [1] https://www.belcanto.pt/ [2] https://www.theculturetrip.com/europe/portugal/articles/a-guide-to-belcanto-chef-jose-avillezs-lisbon-restaurant/ [3] https://www.timeout.com/lisbon/restaurants/belcanto-restaurant-lisbon [4] https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiepeck/2019/10/22/belcanto-restaurant-by-jose-avillez-lisbon-portugal/ [5] https://www.bonappetit.com/restaurants/articles/jose-avillez-lisbon-portugal [6] https://www.tvif.pt/programa/avillez-em-casa/
The restaurant, Belcanto, not only redefines Portuguese cuisine but also offers a fusion of creativity and Portuguese culinary heritage, making it a standout in the realm of fashion-and-beauty and lifestyle. After a dining experience at Belcanto, one can indulge in travel experiences as the restaurant's innovative menus present an immersive journey through various flavors, such as food-and-drink offerings like the Polvo à Lagareiro and Bacalhau à Lagareiro.
