Famous Portuguese chef José Avillez, the owner of numerous awards and restaurants, will take place on November 4-5, 2023 at the International Gastromasa Gastronomy Conference.
The 8th Edition of the International Gastromasa Gastronomy Conference which continues to serve as a bridge between Turkey and world gastronomy and is in the first two places among world gastronomy events, will be held on November 4-5, 2023 at the Haliç Congress Center in Istanbul. The theme of the conference will be “Geography”. Gastromasa Hospitality, Gastromasa Coffee, Gastromasa Bar and Gastromasa Pastry concepts, which will take place within our Gastromasa Conference, will bring together world-renowned gastronomy professionals who shape the sector under the same roof. 60+ world-renowned chefs and pastry chefs, 30+ baristas, sommeliers and mixologists, 200+ professional speakers, the most important investors of the tourism and hospitality sector, famous chefs, gastronomy professionals, general managers, F&B managers, purchasing managers and many others will have the opportunity to take part at the 8th Edition of the International Gastromasa Gastronomy Conference.
I never dreamed I would be where I am today, nor overcome what I have overcome. I made it here because I have a dedicated, passionate and enthusiastic team that stands out because of its drive to keep learning more and doing better.
– José Avillez
About José Avillez & His Gastronomy Story
Portuguese and a chef, José Avillez’s focus is to promote Portuguese gastronomy and contribute to making Portugal a top gastronomic destination. He’s considered a reference in Portuguese gastronomy and has stood out because of his enterprising spirit and drive to go further.
His immense curiosity, love for travelling and a constant drive to experiment and learn have contributed a great deal to his creativity and evolution, though the great source of inspiration is Portuguese cuisine. He defines himself as a chef who’s passionate about cuisine and about his country and, who embraces innovation and creativity without ever forgetting tradition, quality, authenticity and the worth of work.
José Avillez grew up near the ocean and a pine forest in Cascais, and this had a profound influence on his work. He studied Business Communication in college, had private study lessons with the key author on traditional Portuguese gastronomy, Maria de Lourdes Modesto, and did many professional internships in several different restaurants, in Portugal and abroad, such as El Bulli by Ferran Adrià, which transformed his concept of cuisine.
In 2008 he took on the role of executive chef of the emblematic restaurant Tavares, in Lisbon, the place where, in 2009, he’d come to win his first Michelin star. In 2011 he decided to open his own restaurants and, today has several in Portugal – Lisbon, Porto and Cascais – also in Dubai and Macau, each with a different concept, but all expressing his passion for cuisine.
In 2023, with his wife, Sofia Ulrich, he opened CASA NOSSA – THE LAKE FARMHOUSE, a unique estate in Campinho, Alentejo, on Alqueva’s lake bank, with stunning views, absolute privacy and the comforts and amenities of a five-star hotel. José Avillez has an enthusiastic team who helps him manage his restaurants and develop his projects, including the TV shows, books, signature wines, and most recently, CASA NOSSA – THE LAKE FARMHOUSE.
Today, what is it that excites and drives him?
“Creating momentum and mobilizing my country, promoting Portuguese gastronomy, working with my amazing team, and cooking and caring for my customers. But also, and always, the moments of creativity, because it’s when I feel the most pleasure and emotion in my life. Then there’s the emotional commitment, the chance to give… that’s what we do in cuisine! Life is a journey, and the important thing is to give and leave more than we take.”
The Restaurants
− At BELCANTO (Lisbon – Chiado), distinguished with two Michelin stars and considered one of the world’s 50 best restaurants (#25) by the prestigious “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants”, José Avillez offers contemporary Portuguese cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere that evokes the old romantic feel of Chiado. This is the style that truly defines him and expresses his creative evolution. Opened in January 2012.
− ENCANTO (Lisbon – Chiado) was accoladed with a Michelin Star in 2022, the year it opened. It’s an enchanted place of haute cuisine where vegetables are celebrated as starts. Legumes, leaves, seeds, algae, mushrooms, flowers, fruits, eggs, and cheeses are delicately prepared and served. Here, we celebrate the work of small or local Portuguese farmers and cede the spotlight to seasonal products. Opened in March 2022.
− MARÉ (Lisbon – Guincho, Cascais) has a relaxed atmosphere, ocean-inspired décor, and privileged location. This restaurant is integrated into Guincho’s natural landscape, in complete touch with nature, and stands as the perfect setting to enjoy a cuisine based on the unique flavour and freshness of Portuguese fish and seafood. Opened in May 2023.
− PÁTEO (Lisbon – Chiado) where seafood and fish are king, at the ample and surprising BAIRRO DO AVILLEZ, a neighbourhood that gathers different, complementary gastronomic concepts inspired by the best Portuguese flavours signed by chef José Avillez. Opened in August 2016.
− TABERNA (Lisbon – Chiado) is Lisbon’s most atypical tavern and offers good Portuguese flavours with a touch of creativity in a very laid-back atmosphere. Open every day, noon to 11 p.m., at BAIRRO DO AVILLEZ. By TABERNA’S entrance, you’ll find a Mercearia (gourmet deli) where you can buy irresistible delicacies. Opened in August 2016.
− MINI BAR (Lisbon – Chiado) is José Avillez’s gourmet bar that offers a new entertainment concept and small, varied, and flavourful gastronomic experiences, along with wonder and fun. This is not a traditional restaurant. Here, nothing is what it seems. Opened in September 2014 in Teatro São Luiz and in 2020 moved to BAIRRO DO AVILLEZ.
− CANTINHO DO AVILLEZ (Lisbon – Chiado and Parque das Nações | Cascais | Porto) offers a good Portuguese-inspired cuisine influenced by the chef’s travels in a very comfortable atmosphere. In Chiado it opened in September 2011; in Porto it opened in September 2014; in Parque das Nações it opened in May 2018; in Cascais it opened in May 2019.
− PIZZARIA LISBOA (Lisbon – Chiado) is an old dream come true. José Avillez dreamed of opening a pizzeria ever since he was a young boy… Maybe because he was fascinated by the way pizza has travelled the world, maybe because he loves the fun, family-friendly atmosphere of pizzerias, or maybe because he loves a new challenge. Or, quite probably, for all these reasons. Opened in March 2013 and moved to Bairro do Avillez in 2020.
International Projects
− TASCA, distinguished with one Michelin star, at the hotel Mandarin Oriental Jumeira in Dubai, is chef José Avillez’s first international restaurant project. Tasca offers a menu of Portuguese flavours with a contemporary twist in a vibrant atmosphere. Opened in March 2019.
− MESA, in The Karl Lagerfeld Macau, at the Grand Lisboa Palace, Macau, is the Chef’s first restaurant in East Asia. It presents some of the best Portuguese contemporary cuisine, alongside local products and flavours. In May 2023, The Karl Lagerfeld Macau unveils the partnership betweenJosé Avillez and this concept.
Chef’s Other Projects
CASA NOSSA – THE LAKE FARMHOUSE
Together with his wife, Sofia Ulrich, he opened CASA NOSSA – THE LAKE FARMHOUSE, a unique estate in Campinho, Alentejo, on Alqueva’s lake bank, with stunning views, absolute privacy and the comforts and amenities of a five-star hotel.
Designed to offer a memorable stay in absolute privacy, CASA NOSSA – THE LAKE FARMHOUSE is always rented as a single property, house and estate, with full board and the service of a dedicated team. The cuisine is Portuguese in essence and signed by chef José Avillez.
WINES
Together with José Bento dos Santos at the Quinta do Monte D’Oiro vineyard, in Lisbon, produced the JA wines with his signature: JA Red, produced entirely from Syrah grapes, JA White, made from the grape varieties Viognier and Arinto, and JA Rosé.
BOOKS
José Avillez has contributed to countless Portuguese and foreign books and authored “Um Chef em Sua Casa” (“A Chef in Your Home”), “Petiscar com Estilo” (“Snacking in Style”), “Cantinho do Avillez – As Receitas” (“Cantinho do Avillez – The Recipes”) and “Combinações Improváveis” (“Improbabilicious”).
TELEVISION
JA AO LUME “JA at the Stove” (06/12 – 01/14) aired for three seasons on SIC Mulher channel. In a relaxed and light-hearted manner, chef José Avillez taught us how to be creative in the kitchen every day.
COMBINAÇÕES imPROVÁVEIS “Improbabilicious” (11/14 – 02/16) on SIC Mulher channel, was a weekly cooking show in which José Avillez combined flavours, textures and temperatures, suggesting a probable combination, an improbable combination and a recipe for the younger viewers −all from a single star ingredient.FAMILY FOOD FIGHT (12/18 – 03/19), was a juror in the competitive cooking series, airing on RTP 1, in prime time, in which diverse and multi-generational families went head-to-head in high-pressure cooking challenges inspired by real home cooking.
MESTRE DO SABOR “Master of Flavour” – Season 1 (2019), was a juror on the Brazilian gastronomy TV show, produced and aired by Rede Globo. José Avillez and the chefs Leo Paixão and Kátia Barbosa mentored and assessed 24 candidates, all of whom were professional chefs from different regions of Brazil.
MESTRE DO SABOR “Master of Flavour” – Season 2 (2020), this time partially (until May 2020), he was once again a juror on Globo’s TV hit competition on gastronomy.
RADIO
O CHEF SOU EU “I’m The Chef” (2014) – José Avillez shared tips, quick recipes, and suggestions on this recurring segment on Radio Comercial.
O CHEF SOU EU “I’m The Chef” (2020) – After 2014’s success, José Avillez returned to Radio Comercial with the same segment, suggesting recipes and challenging listeners to DIY them.
Awards
2005
José Avillez is awarded the Chef D’Avenir prize by the International Academy of Gastronomy.
2009
Tavares restaurant is awarded a Michelin star.
José Avillez is awarded the Chef of the Year prize by the Portuguese Academy of Gastronomy.
Tavares is awarded the 2008’s Best Restaurant of the Year prize, by Revista de Vinhos magazine.
José Avillez participates in Madrid Fusión, the largest cuisine congress worldwide. He is the first Portuguese chef invited to this event.
José Avillez is part of the Portuguese team in Millesime Madrid, a very highly praised event in the gastronomy world, with all of the top Spanish chefs working alongside each other. In this event, he is the only Portuguese chef invited to work side by side with the elite group of Maestros Millesime, the top Spanish chefs.
José Avillez is named one of the “100 Contemporary Chefs” by Ferran Adrià in the book “COCO”, published by Phaidon.
José Avillez is named Chef of the Year by “Mesa Marcada”, the prestigious gastronomy blog. Tavares is named Restaurant of the Year by the same blog.
2010
José Avillez is elected 2009’s Personality of the Year in Gastronomy by the magazine WINE – The Essence of Wine.
At the invitation of Tourism of Portugal, he participates in Fitur 2010, Madrid’s International Tourism Fair, giving two presentations on food design.
José Avillez is one of the Portuguese chefs invited to the Montreal High Lights Festival.
The guide “Boa Cama, Boa Mesa” by Expresso newspaper awards Tavares restaurant the Platinum Fork, the highest honour granted by this guide.
At the invitation of the AEP, the Portuguese Business Association, José Avillez participates in Moscow’s Market Week, in Russia, where he gives a presentation on Portuguese gastronomy and products.
At the invitation of the Tourism of Portugal and the Portuguese Gastronomy Association, José Avillez is involved in the presentation of the program “Taste Portugal” to consolidate Portugal as a premium gastronomic travel destination.
José Avillez participates in the meeting held by Portugal’s President with young Portuguese chefs, and is one of the five chefs invited to address the audience.
José Avillez is awarded the Medal of Honour by the Portuguese Hotel, Catering and Similar Services Association, for his important contributions and for the services provided.
2011
José Avillez is elected 2010’s Chef of the Year by WINE – The Essence of Wine magazine.
José Avillez is awarded the Silver Medal of Merit for Tourism by the Portuguese government.
2012
For the second time, José Avillez is invited to participate in Madrid Fusión, the largest media-covered cuisine congress in the world.
Belcanto is awarded the Restaurant Revelation prize by the guide “Boa Cama, Boa Mesa” by Expresso newspaper.
José Avillez is elected Master Negotiator 2012 by the INV, the Institute for Negotiation and Sales.
José Avillez is invited to cater Joana Vasconcelos’ inauguration dinner for her exhibit at the Palace of Versailles in Paris.
José Avillez is awarded the Sabores del Arco Atlántico prize by Spain’s Gijón Tourism Office.
José Avillez is invited to participate in the celebrations for The Year of Portugal in Brazil and The Year of Brazil in Portugal.
José Avillez is invited to participate in the second edition of Millesime Mexico, the largest and most important cuisine event in Mexico.
2013
José Avillez is named Chef of the Year by the guide “Boa Cama, Boa Mesa” by Expresso newspaper.
The guide “Boa Cama, Boa Mesa” by Expresso newspaper awards Belcanto the Platinum Fork, the most prestigious award granted by this guide.
Belcanto is nominated for the first annual “Foodie Top 100 Restaurants: Europe, UK & Asia Pacific” list.
Belcanto is awarded three Repsol suns.
Chef José Avillez is invited by chef Nuno Mendes to participate in the 1st edition of the CRAFT event at the Viajante restaurant in London.
José Avillez participates in the Millesime Madrid event, an exclusive and highly renowned gastronomic meeting.
José Avillez accepts Joana Vasconcelos’ invitation to cater to the artist’s inauguration dinner at the Venice Biennale.
Belcanto is awarded a Michelin star.
2014
Belcanto is awarded two Michelin stars.
The guide “Boa Cama, Boa Mesa” by Expresso newspaper awards Belcanto the Gold Fork.
The prestigious gastronomic blog “Mesa Marcada” names José Avillez 2013’s Chef of the Year and Belcanto 2013’s Restaurant of the Year.
2015
The Repsol Guide 2015 awards Belcanto three Repsol suns, and Mini Bar and Cantinho do Avillez Lisbon and Porto one Repsol sun.
Belcanto is included in the list “La Liste”, organized by the French government, coming in at #101 in the world’s ranking of the top 1000 restaurants.
José Avillez’ Belcanto is considered one of the 100 best restaurants in the world, coming in at #91 on the prestigious “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” list.
José Avillez is awarded the Gastronomia David Lopes Ramos 2014 prize by Revista de Vinhos magazine.
José Avillez is named Chef of the Year by WINE magazine.
The guide “Boa Cama, Boa Mesa” by Expresso newspaper awards Belcanto the Gold Fork.
Belcanto receives two awards from the prestigious gastronomic blog “Mesa Marcada”: 2014’s Chef of the Year and 2014’s Restaurant of the Year.
2016
Belcanto is awarded the Best International Restaurant prize by Condé Nast Traveller International.
The guide “Boa Cama, Boa Mesa” by Expresso newspaper awards Belcanto the Gold Fork.
Belcanto receives the Gastronomic Restaurant of the Year 2015 award from WINE – The Essence of Wine magazine.
Belcanto receives two awards from the prestigious gastronomic blog “Mesa Marcada”: 2015’s Chef of the Year and 2015’s Restaurant of the Year.
José Avillez travels to Wolfsburg to participate in The Grand Gelinaz! Shuffle at Aqua restaurant.
2017
Belcanto comes in at #85 on “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants“ list.
The guide “Boa Cama, Boa Mesa” by Expresso newspaper awards Belcanto the Gold Fork.
2018
Belcanto comes in at #75 on the restaurant ranking by the prestigious “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants”.
José Avillez is distinguished with the International Academy of Gastronomy’s greatest award, the Grand Prix de l’Art de la Cuisine.
2019
Belcanto is considered one of the world’s 50 best restaurants by the prestigious “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” coming in at #42.
2020
José Avillez is considered the 70th best by “The Best Chef Awards”.
2021
Belcanto is considered one of the world’s 50 best restaurants by the prestigious “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” coming in at #42.
José Avillez is considered the 44th best by “The Best Chef Awards”.
2022
Encanto is accoladed with a Michelin star.
Belcanto is considered one of the world’s 50 best restaurants by the prestigious “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” coming in at #46.
Tasca, at the hotel Mandarin Oriental Jumeira in Dubai, is distinguished with one Michelin star, in the inaugural Michelin Guide Dubai 2022.
2023
Belcanto is considered one of the world’s 50 best restaurants by the prestigious “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” coming in at #25.