Portugal to get its first MICHELIN Guide
For the first time ever Portugal will have its own MICHELIN Guide with the Algarve chosen to host the first Gala in celebration. The highly anticipated MICHELIN Portugal Guide 2024 will celebrate the remarkable gastronomic evolution, the growing excellence and consistency found in Portugal, as recognized by the Guide’s esteemed inspectors.
Portugal currently boasts an impressive culinary landscape, with seven restaurants holding two MICHELIN Stars, 30 restaurants with one MICHELIN Star, 38 Bib Gourmand awards, and three projects recognized with the prestigious MICHELIN Green Star. The Algarve as a region has the greatest concentration with no less than eight MICHELIN starred restaurants.
The MICHELIN Portugal Guide 2024 meticulously curates the best dining experiences in the country across these categories, with a special emphasis on sustainability through the MICHELIN Green Star. This newly established distinction acknowledges restaurants and chefs who demonstrate exceptional dedication and commitment to sustainable gastronomy and the future of our planet.
According to Luís Araújo, head of Portugal Tourism Board: “We all value our gastronomy, but especially the tourists who visit us. The two things they most praise in Portugal are the friendliness of the people and the second is the gastronomy.”
To celebrate the launch of the MICHELIN Portugal Guide 2024, an exclusive Gala event will take place on February 27th, 2024, in the prestigious NAU Salgados Palace & Congress Centre in Guia, Albufeira. Renowned chefs Dieter Koschina, from Vila Joya (two MICHELIN Stars), and Rui Silvestre, from Vistas Rui Silvestre (one MICHELIN Star), along with a group of other talented chefs from the Algarve, will curate the Gala dinner. Guests will have the opportunity to savour emblematic dishes and experience the finest products of Portuguese gastronomy.
João Fernandes, President of Algarve Tourism commented: “It is no coincidence that we (in the Algarve) have eight of the 38 award-winning restaurants in Portugal and that two of the seven with two stars are in the region. The region has a quality that stands out.”
The choice of the Algarve as the backdrop for this grand event highlights one of Portugal’s iconic regions and its status as a renowned culinary destination in Europe. Known for its abundant culinary heritage, the Algarve entices food enthusiasts from around the globe with its diverse offerings. From delightful seafood delicacies to the traditional cataplana—a dish that showcases the region’s exceptional quality and flavour of ingredients. Other specialties from the Algarve region are chickpea stew, meat, corn and vegetables, which are also an integral part of the gastronomic experience in the mountains. Additionally, Algarve’s confectionery showcases the delightful flavours of almonds and carob, which are key ingredients in the renowned sweet treats known as Dom Rodrigo and Morgadinhos.
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In addition to the extraordinary cuisine, the Algarve is known as an excellent tourist destination, offering a wide range of cultural and leisure experiences. Visitors can explore the idyllic beaches of Lagos, Carvoeiro, and Sagres, or venture into the picturesque inland villages of Silves and Monchique nestled in the mountains. The secluded Island of Tavira and the vibrant capital, Faro, also offer unique perspectives on the region’s beauty.
The MICHELIN Portugal Guide 2024 sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in the country’s gastronomic journey. It celebrates Portugal’s culinary achievements, highlights sustainability efforts, and invites both locals and international visitors to embark on a remarkable culinary exploration.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.
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This must be a huge landmark moment for Portuguese tourism. Such recognition of the progress their restaurants have made.
Portuguese food has certainly been on a journey.
I remember having a very ordinary meal on the terrace of an Algarve restaurant with my parents in the late 60s.
The waiter never came back to see if we wanted dessert. When my father went to investigate he found the restaurant door locked and that the staff had gone home.
Who says that there’s no such thing as a free lunch?
No doubt that the Algarve is becoming a real foodie hotspot. We were spoilt for choice on our last holiday there.
Now that Portugal has all of these Michelin stars, you could put together a fascinating drive round Portugal dining at a Michelin starred restaurant every evening.
Now that Portugal’s got all these Michelin stars it’s putting together an unbeatable package.
As European cities go, Lisbon has got so much charm and character, then you’ve got all those beaches down the Atlantic coast and the Algarve. Plus fantastic weather too. What more could you want?
PS And Porto is a such a fascinating city too.