If you’re heading to southern Europe, head for Portugal where the food culture brings together traditional flavors and produce with the bold brushstrokes of modern gastronomy, making it an outstanding destination for gourmet travelers. At the heart of Portugal’s culinary renaissance is José Avillez, the country’s best known chef, whose name has become synonymous with the soul of Portuguese cooking. From fine dining Bel Canto and haute vegetarian Encanto in Lisbon’s Chiado district, to Porto’s famed Cantinho do Avillez, and Tasca in Dubai, Portugal’s gastronomic star demonstrates the very best of his country’s rich produce. Avillez, alongside other culinary virtuosos such as Dieter Koschina, Ricardo Costa, and Hans Neuner, has been instrumental in ushering Portuguese cuisine onto the world stage and putting the spotlight on its impressive dishes, from succulent seafood to great-tasting pasture-fed meat. Beyond fine dining, neighborhood restaurants preserve Portugal's bustling food culture, thanks to traditional taverns and bistros dishing out comforting classics. At Varina da Madragoa, diners can enjoy the country’s famous bacalhau at prices to suit both locals and visitors. Unassuming kitchens like Das Flores in Chiado serve simple classics like bitoque and other local specialities without ceremony. The labyrinthine alleys of Lisbon are alive with a spirit of camaraderie and authentic dining experiences. Tasca Zé dos Cornos hums with an exuberant vibe, serving sharing dishes of hearty Portuguese favorites. At Alfama’s hidden gem Tasco do Vigário, menus, like the neighborhood, are traditional, and best enjoyed with a glass of local wine or a refreshing pitcher of sangria. Seafood aficionados must try the treasures of Merendinha do Arco, where simple grilling allows flavor to shine. This kind of dedication to quality and authenticity connects all of Portugal's independent dining establishments. The Portuguese culinary scene also boasts an exquisite selection of wines. From vivacious Vinho Verde to the full-bodied reds of the Douro Valley, quality and diversity thrives in every corner of the country’s fascinating wine culture. Portugal is a country where every dish celebrates the nation’s rich heritage and convivial spirit. Its blend of sophisticated food culture and honest charm makes it the ideal destination for everyone who loves to eat and lives to eat.
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