Photo by Paulo Barata on Food Drink and the Good Life
Photo on WWD

José Avillez

Chef and Owner

Belcanto

POSITION

Chef and Owner

COMPANY

Belcanto

COUNTRY

Portugal

SCENE

Lifestyle & Culture

SOCIAL

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

What makes José Avillez a Global Shaker?

Portuguese chef Jose Avillez writes on his website that he “never dreamed” he would be where he is today.

In 2015, he was named Chef of the Year by WINE magazines. He has restaurants all over Lisbon, and one in Dubai. His flagship restaurant, Belcanto, won a Michelin star in 2012, and a second one in 2019. That same year it was named one of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. He has also collaborated with other chefs on successful Peruvian, Mexican and Chinese street food joints in Lisbon.

Avillez says his main focus is to promote Portuguese gastronomy and contribute to Portugal’s rise as a top gastro destination. He strives to be a chef who is passionate about cuisine and his country, embracing innovation and creativity without forgetting tradition, quality, authenticity and worth of work.

While studying Business Communication at college, he took private classes with Maria de Lourdes Modesto, one of the most famous faces of Portuguese gastronomy, and secured a professional internship in restaurants including El Bulli.

In 2008, Avillez became Executive Chef at the restaurant Tavares, in Lisbon, where he won his first Michelin star in 2009. He opened his own restaurant in 2011, and his large portfolio of restaurants now includes a new site, Canto, which combines dishes created by Avillez with an “intimate musical performance” curated by renowned Fado singers Ana Moura and Antonio Zumbujo.

“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,” Avillez writes on his website.

Tags: Belcanto, food and drink, Portugal

Last updated: May 9, 2020