Belcanto
Lisbon
At a glance
Belcanto, nestled in the historical area of Lisbon, offers a distinctive blend of contemporary Portuguese cuisine. Led by the acclaimed chef José Avillez, this esteemed restaurant provides a culinary journey that reinvents traditional Portuguese flavors with a modern twist. It's a place characterized by its sophistication and attention to detail, both in its artistic presentations and its hospitable service. The restaurant's design pays homage to the romantic past of the Chiado district, yet its culinary techniques point boldly to the future.
Visitors can choose from a thoughtfully curated tasting menu or opt for à la carte selections, experiencing dishes that are a testament to the meticulous development of Portuguese gastronomy. The wine list at Belcanto is expansive, comprising over 350 options, with a strong emphasis on Portuguese wines while also featuring international selections. Guests are invited to explore wines from both well-known and niche producers, offering a diverse array of styles and vintages.
The ambiance of Belcanto is intimate and refined, making it suitable for those looking for a sophisticated dining experience. The staff's welcoming nature and the restaurant’s commitment to quality make it an embodiment of Portuguese hospitality. While the focus is predominantly on culinary artistry, the restaurant also celebrates Portugal's rich cultural tapestry, highlighted by the use of high-quality local ingredients sourced from various regions.
Reviews
Overall good dining experience. The tasting menu was nicely done, the story behind each dish was thoughtful. The space felt comfortable. Con was our server talked excitedly and spits in the air and over us as well. That was unpleasant.
We absolutely loved our experience at Belcanto. The food was incredible from start to finish, and the service was exceptional. A special thank you to our waiter, Nelson, who was so warm, knowledgeable and attentive throughout the meal. I don’t eat pork and chose the tasting menu, and the kitchen adapted every course seamlessly without compromising on creativity or flavour. Every member of staff made us feel genuinely welcome, and the attention to detail was outstanding. A truly memorable dining experience that exceeded our expectations.
5 star experience from the moment we walked in. Introductions to the chef and a tour of the absolutely spotless and meticulously organized kitchen; seated at a table on the second level overlooking the prep area. The food was outstanding - every single dish, and the wine suggestions were spot on. The staff (Toumas and colleagues) could not have been more helpful, friendly and professional. This place is superb without taking itself too seriously - an AMAZING experience that I would definitely do again when returning to Lisbon. Totally worth the cost; you’ll leave completely sated and thrilled with the night..
What a wonderful experience! Everything was absolutely amazing , the food, the service, the staff and the chef. I would definitely recommend the address. Wine pairing was amazing. Thank you to Camille and I forget his name but a wonderful waiter from Lisbon speaking English and French. He even brought us some more sauce as he noticed that we loved it. Thank you for this unique experience
Highly anticipated lunch turned out to be an anti climax. We had the tasting menu with non-alcoholic pairing. Dishes started well enough but quickly deteriorated. We had to send the fish back as it just tasted foul. Although we both sent the fish back, they were reluctant to prepare a replacement dish for both of us. I assume it’s because I ate a tad more than my wife. As for the drinks, the quantity of each pour was downright ridiculous. I honestly thought they were waiting for me to taste the drink before giving a full pour but no, you get a measly drop for 120 euros. Most of the staff seemed more interested in hearing themselves regurgitate their memorised lines instead of attending to our needs. My requests for the pacing to increase were neglected, no one attended to us when we needed the washroom and we were totally ignored when we finished our meal, searching for the exit. What was supposed to be the highlight of our trip turned out to be a total disappointment. I would not recommend this restaurant at all. Edit : after lodging a formal complaint the restaurant has apologised and offered a full refund for our meal which is very much appreciated.
