Michelin Starred Restaurants Spain and Portugal

The NEW Michelin Spain and Portugal 2016 Guide will be presented tomorrow evening LIVE FROM SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA!!!

We’ll keep you updated with the results tomorrow when they are announced but here’s a quick re-cap of how the Michelin Spain and Portugal 2015 restaurants shape-up:

 

 

SPAIN

8 Michelin THREE Star Restaurants

18 Michelin TWO Star Restaurants

143 Michelin ONE Star Restaurants

TOTAL: 169 Michelin Starred Restaurants Spain FULL LIST

PORTUGAL

0 Michelin THREE Star Restaurants

3 Michelin TWO Star Restaurants

11 Michelin ONE Star Restaurants

TOTAL: 14 Michelin Starred Restaurants Portugal FULL LIST

 

Experience Michelin starred Restaurant dining opportunities! On one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours you can indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain and Portugal.  Contact us for your personalized quote.

 

Pedro Lemos Michelin 1 Star Restaurant Porto, Portugal

Our 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 – is well underway. We previously showcased the current Michelin 2 star restaurants in Portugal (there are only 3): Belcanto, Ocean and Vila Joya.

There are currently no Michelin 3 star restaurants in Portugal so on now to the Michelin 1 star restaurants in Portugal.  There are just 11 Michelin 1 Star restaurants in Portugal (at the moment) and we’ve already showcased: The Yeatman, Casa da Calçada, Fortaleza do Guincho and Eleven

Now we’re heading to Porto and a New Kid on the Block being awarded his first Michelin Star last year:

Pedro Lemos

Pedro Lemos – had a successful career in civil engineering, but decided to leave it all behind to follow his passion for food. After studying and working with varios master chefs, he spent a few years in Lisbon before returning to his hometown of Porto to open a restaurant in 2010. Pedro received his first Michelin Star last year in 2014 for the 2015 Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal. Is Pedro on a winning streak for another Michelin Star for 2016? All will be revealed on the 25th of November.

Pedro Lemos (Porto) – is housed in an old (now renovated) 19th century house in the heart of the distinguished Foz do Douro district of Porto. Apart from the cosy chic ambience of the dining room there is also an attractive rooftop terrace for dining al fresco. Pedro Lemos presents Portuguese cuisine based on traditional dishes using only fresh seasonal ingredients. The menu changes frequently but you can always be sure of curious and creative dishes here. To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours :-)

Pedro Lemos dish

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.

Eleven by Joachim Koerper – Michelin 1 Star Portugal

Our 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 – is well underway. We previously showcased the current Michelin 2 star restaurants in Portugal (there are only 3): Belcanto, Ocean and Vila Joya.

There are currently no Michelin 3 star restaurants in Portugal so on now to the Michelin 1 star restaurants in Portugal.  There are just 11 Michelin 1 Star restaurants in Portugal (at the moment) and we’ve already showcased: The Yeatman, Casa da Calçada and Fortaleza do Guincho.

Now we’re heading to the capital and a German chef who is no stranger to the Michelin starred restaurant World :

Joachim Koerper

Joachim Koerper – has worked in the grand luxury hotels of Europe and renowned Michelin star restaurants, cooking for celebrities and politicians. In the 70’s he travelled southern Europe and became a master chef of Mediterranean cuisine. Since November 2004 he has been the Executive Chef and  partner of the restaurant Eleven in Lisbon.

Eleven (Lisboa) – set on Lisbon’s highest hilltop Eleven is an elegant restaurant combining discreet luxuriousness, an intimate ambience and a charming view over Lisbon, the River Tagus and the Serra da Arrábida. Eleven opened in 2004 and just one year after opening it was awarded with a Michelin star. Elaborate and visually pleasing cuisine of fresh and natural ingredients are emphasised with the use of many local products.  To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours :-)

Eleven dish

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.

Fortaleza do Guincho – Michelin 1 Star Portugal

Our 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 – is well underway. We previously showcased the current Michelin 2 star restaurants in Portugal (there are only 3): Belcanto, Ocean and Vila Joya.

There are currently no Michelin 3 star restaurants in Portugal but there are 11 Michelin One Star restaurants in Portugal (at the moment). We started our Michelin One Star Restaurants in Portugal with Yeatman and Ricardo Costa  and Casa da Calçada and Vítor Matos. Now we’re heading to the coast and a French chef who for 10 years headed a Fortress kitchen:

Vincent Farges

Vincent Farges –  worked Worldwide until finally settling in Cascais in 2005 at the Fortaleza do Guincho. Until June 2015, so for the Michelin guide for 2015, he was executive chef at the Fortaleza do Guincho, conducting Antoine Westermann’s French cuisine (Westermann being gastronomic consultant here since 1998).

Fortaleza do Guincho (Cascais) – Was built as a fortress in the 17th century and has been exquisitly renovated as a luxury 5 star hotel with a Michelin Starred restaurant. The Michelin star was awarded in 2001 and until June 2015, the kitchen was run by Vincent Farges. This position is now held by Miguel Vieira, the first Portuguese chef to take on the management of this restaurant. Can Miguel hold on to the Michelin star? All will be revealed on November 25th 2015. The dramatic setting of the Fortaleza do Guincho restaurant offers a magnificent view over the Atlantic Ocean adding a special ingredient to it’s incomparable dishes. To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours :-)

Fortaleza do Guincho dish

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.

,

Rocambolesc – More than Ice-Cream with Jordi Roca

Summer may be over but ice-cream never goes out of season!! If you are heading to Girona, Spain, then a must stop is Rocambolesc, the Willy-Wonka-esque ice cream shop of the Michelin 3 star Roca Brothers, in particular Jordi Roca. The sweet brother in charge of desserts at El Celler de Can Roca, current World’s Number 1 restaurant, invites you to experience the sweet sensations of El Celler de Can Roca at Rocambalesc – a world much more than just ice-cream!

Rocambolesc Girona

Just a small shop, on Carrer de Santa Clara in Girona, Rocambolesc radiates a vintage feel and as soon as you step inside you will instantly return to your childhood with “oooos” and “wows” as the colors, smells and sights hit, invade and delight your senses.

Rocambolesc ice-cream

Rocambolesc – Enjoy El Celler de Can Roca delicacies at a fraction of the cost  –  just 3.90€ for a large tub (as per the photo) with 3 toppings!

There are six different flavors of ice-cream to choose from, in cones or tubs, including the classics of vanilla or chocolate and the more adventurous green sorbet or baked apple. Your server will recommend the 3 toppings ideal for your ice-cream flavor choice although you can choose your own 3 from over 30 options such as parma violet marshmallow, strawberries, caramelized apple, nut sprinkles, flaked sugar, crunchy caramel, honey rocks, coconut……

Jordi Roca and Rocambolesc

The youngest of the three Roca Brothers, Jordi Roca was proclaimed “The World’s Best Pastry Chef “in 2014 (the current holder of this title for 2015 is Albert Adrià). At El Celler de Can Roca Joan Roca heads the sublime kitchen; Josep Roca is the expert sommelier and Jordi Roca creates the imaginative desserts.

 

Where to find Rocambolesc:

Rocambolesc in Girona:
Carrer de Santa Clara 50, 17001 Girona
Open: Sun -Thurs 12:00 – 21:00, Fri and Sat 12:00 to 23:00

Rocambolesc in Platja d’Aro (Girona):
Avinguda de S’Agaró 59, 17249 Platja d’Aro
Closed in winter

Rocambolesc in Madrid:
Calle Serrano 52, El Corte Inglés- 7th Floor, 28001 Madrid
Open: Sun-Thurs 12:30 – 00:00, Fri and Sat 12:30 to 00:30

 

Experience the ice-cream joys of Rocambolesc on your Gourmand Breaks Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tour.  We can customise any of our Our Sample Spain Portugal Private Tour Itineraries to include a stay in Girona county and among other fascinating visits a private guided visit of the city of Girona.

Largo do Paço – Michelin 1 Star Portugal

Our 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 – is well underway. We previously showcased the current Michelin 2 star restaurants in Portugal (there are only 3): Belcanto, Ocean and Vila Joya.

There are currently no Michelin 3 star restaurants in Portugal so on now to the Michelin 1 star restaurants in Portugal.  There are just 11 Michelin 1 Star restaurants in Portugal (at the moment) and we started our Michelin One Star Restaurants in Portugal with Yeatman and Ricardo Costa . Now we’re heading to Amarante and another chef heading a Hotel Restaurant:

vitor matos

Vítor Matos – trained in Switzerland and, after working in various hotel restaurants, finally joined the Casa da Calçada team in 2010 to head the Largo do Paço restaurant.

Largo de Paço (Amarante) – is the Michelin 1 star restaurant of the 5* Casa da Calçada Hotel. Regional and Mediterranean cuisine combine to meet the gastronomic quality and originality required by the Relais & Châteaux chain. The Largo do Paço restaurant gained it’s Michelin star in 2004 and Vítor has kept hold it. The elegant atmosphere, original ideas and impressive  presentation make this restaurant a must visit place that will certainly surprise you. To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours :-)

 

Casa da Calçada Michelin 1 star dish

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.

Yeatman, Ricardo Costa – Michelin 1 Star Restaurant, Portugal

Our 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 – is well underway. We previously showcased the current Michelin 2 star restaurants in Portugal (there are only 3): Belcanto, Ocean and Vila Joya.

There are currently no Michelin 3 star restaurants in Portugal so on now to the Michelin 1 star restaurants in Portugal.  To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours :-)

There are just 11 Michelin 1 Star restaurants in Portugal (at the moment) and we’re starting this Michelin star restaurant group with a young Portuguese chef who uses, in the kitchen,  tips he learned from his Grandma:

Ricardo Costa

Ricardo Costa – is executive chef at the first Michelin starred restaurant in Porto – Pedro Lemos became the second just last year for the 2015 Michelin restaurants in Spain and Portugal Guide. Although only born in 1979, Costa has worked in many hotels and restaurants in mainland Portugal, Madeira, Spain and England. He earned his first Michelin Star for the Largo do Paço restaurant in Amarante and then in 2011 headed to the Yeatman where that same November he gained Michelin One Star status for The Yeatman Gastronomic restaurant for the Michelin 2012 guide.

Yeatman (Gaia) – The Yeatman restaurant is housed in the luxury Yeatman hotel in Vila Nova de Gaia – Porto. Owned by the company behind  Taylor’s Port, it is named after the family’s historic link with the city, and drawing on its owners’ expertise in both fine wine production and luxury hotel management has become one of the world’s leading wine hotels. The gastronomic Yeatman Restaurant earned its Michelin star for the 2012 Guide and has retained it ever since.  Ricardo Costa brings to the Yeatman restaurant an imaginative cuisine based on the traditional flavors of Portugal presented with contemporary flair. Added to the fine food and wine offered at  the Yeatman restaurant are the fantastic views of the River Douro and the historic center of Porto which, when all combined,  guarantee an extraordinary experience.

Yeatman dish

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.

,

How to Identify Wine Aromas

Cheers to Missouri Wines for this great explanation for Understanding and Identifying Wine Aromas:

Put your new found wine knowledge to the test on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours in Spain and/or Portugal. Visit top class wineries in great Spanish and Portuguese Wine Regions such as La Rioja, Priorat, Penedes or Emporda in Spain and Douro Valley or Alentejo in Portugal.

Vila Joya by Dieter Koschina Michelin 2 Star Portugal

The Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal 2016 is fast approaching and we’ll keep you updated with the results of the Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain and Portugal when they are announced on November 25th!

In the meantime, over the next few weeks we’re 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 and restaurants in Spain and Portugal!

This year we’re starting in Portugal where surprisingly there are no Michelin 3 star restaurants (yet!). Previously we presented Michelin 2 star restaurants Belcanto by José Avillez – Lisbon and Ocean by Hans Neuner, Algarve . Now, and in no particular order, the 3rd and final current Michelin 2 star restaurant in Portugal:

Dieter Koschina

Dieter Koschina – an Austrian born chef  who in 1991 found his home on the Algarve in the kitchens of Vila Joya, holder of two Michelin stars since 1999.

Vila Joya, Albufeira  –  is housed in the refined boutique resort of the same name on the Algarve, Portugal.  This “House of Joy” combines local produce with northern European cooking techniques in a delightful environment – a fragrant garden with exotic flora – overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.  In 1995 the first Michelin star was awarded to Vila Joya and four years later came the second. To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours :)

Vila Joya is also classed as one of the best 100 restaurants in the world, voted by the prestigious Restaurant Magazine, and currently stands at 98th place on “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants List”. Curiously in 2014 Vila Joya held 22nd place on the prestigious list, but for 2015 dropped a whopping   71 places!!

Dieter Koschina Dish

Vila Joya dish – A fantastic photo from http://worlditineraries.co/

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.

Ocean by Hans Neuner Michelin 2 Star Portugal

In the run-up to The Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal 2016, 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 and Michelin star restaurants in Spain and Portugal!

This year we’re starting in Portugal where surprisingly there are no Michelin 3 star restaurants (yet!). Last week we presented Belcanto by José Avillez – Lisbon, Portugal, and now,  in no particular order, an Austrian born chef who is now ready for that 3rd Michelin star in 2016, after receiving the Second Michelin Star for his restaurant Ocean in 2011:

Hans Neuner

Hans Neuner – trained under Karlheinz Hauser in the Adlon Hotel restaurant in Berlin. After 9 years he moved to Mallorca then Hamburg and finally settled in the Algarve in 2007. Apart from being awarded with a Michelin 2 star restaurant status Chef Hans Neuner has also been named as Portugal’s Chef of the Year in 2009 & 2012.

Ocean, Armação de Pêra  –  is the signature restaurant of the  5* Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa on the Algarve, Portugal. Ocean won its first Michelin star in November 2009, followed by its second Michelin star in 2011, making it one of only two restaurants in Portugal to hold the honor of two Michelin Star Restaurant status (at the time).

An elegant dining room on a cliff top affording spectacular Atlantic views and sublime food – this is Ocean. To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours :)

Hans Neuner Ocean Dish

We’ll keep you updated with the results of the Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain and Portugal 2016 when announced on November 25th!

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.