Excellent cuisine and extraordinary hospitality. These are the minimum requirements for a hotel to become a member of the Relais & Châteaux family. The brand was founded in France in 1954 and currently has 500 members in 60 countries. In Portugal, there are nine hotels in different parts of the country, and the Belcanto restaurant in Lisbon has two Michelin stars and is run by creative chef José Avillez.
Check out below the best restaurants and hotels in Portugal from Relais & Châteaux.
Hotel Valverde
Located on Avenida Liberdade in central Lisbon, Valverde Hotel has sober décor with antiques and artwork, some of which date back to the 13th century. Opened in 2014, the hotel underwent major renovations that integrated two additional buildings into this boutique hotel, and reopened in 2021 with new spaces including a pool and gardens, creating a tranquil corner. And of course, there’s the Sítio restaurant, one of its greatest treasures, serving authentic Portuguese cuisine and African-inspired dishes by chef Carla Sousa. Savor a colorful menu inspired by the chef’s birthplace, Cape Verde, overlooking a delightful interior courtyard, a stage for intimate jazz concerts, fado nights and an open-air cinema.
New Mahadiniya Estate
This kind of traditional Portuguese Wine Hotel With a history of more than 20 years, it became a member of Relais & Châteaux in 2020. In its restaurant, the history of the estate is translated into dishes, using only products from the estate itself wherever possible. Resident chef Rodrigo Madeira, supported by German star chef Joachim Koerper, ensures an exquisite menu with Alentejo characteristics. The à la carte menu offers seasonal dishes as well as snacks and children’s dishes.
Our Lady of Carmo’s Golden Tower
Terraçu’s Restaurant is the first wine estate in Portugal’s Douro River to open to wine tourism, and is surrounded by stunning scenery and has been considered by critics to be the best restaurant in Portugal. douro valley. Led by chef André Carvalho and winemaker Jorge Alves, the restaurant offers three- to five-course tasting menus, always focusing on the sophistication of Portuguese specialties Dishes. The ambience is an experience in itself, making guests feel like they are in an authentic Portuguese home with stunning views from the outdoor terrace
Yetman
The hotel offers one of the most beautiful views of Porto and the Douro River, and offers a variety of dining experiences. The main restaurant, The Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant, has two Michelin stars and has a classic atmosphere and a seasonal tasting menu prepared by chef Ricardo Costa. The Yeatman offers private dinner rooms for guests seeking unique experiences, from romantic dinners for two to small group receptions. Can have breakfast in one of the hotel rooms while enjoying the beautiful view porto city. Other options include The Orangerie, also run by chef Ricardo Costa but with a more casual menu; Dick’s Bar and Bistro, which offers quick bites and drinks in the evenings, accompanied by live music.
casada casada
This palace, located in the heart of Amarante, between Porto and the Douro Valley, invites guests to royal banquets such as various dining experiences. The Michelin-starred Largo do Paço restaurant offers a creative menu that blends Portuguese and Mediterranean traditions with modern creative touches. Casa da Calçada offers a variety of activities, from bubble tea and chef’s gastronomic workshops to wine and starlit dinners. There’s even an annual experience called “Chef D’Oeuvre,” where fellow Relais & Châteaux chefs prepare a special dinner for four.
Bellavista Hotel & Spa
Bela Vista Hotel & Spa was one of the first hotels to appear in the area algarve Built in the 1930s, it is located on the seafront of Praia da Rocha in Portimao and currently houses the French brand L’Occitane’s only spa in Portugal. The Vista restaurant, with its balcony overlooking the beach, has been awarded one Michelin star since 2018 and offers excellent Mediterranean and portuguese cuisine Signed by Chef João Oliveira (voted “Chef de L’Avenir” by the International Academy of Gastronomy in 2019). During these experiences, guests can enjoy a dinner for two with wine pairings at the Chef’s Table, and even accompany Oliveira in her search for the perfect oyster for their meal.
mansion
The mansion is a jewel in the historic Ciudad Real de Sant’Antonio in the Algarve. Chef Jan Stechemesser directs the Grand Salon with his authorial style traditional portuguese foodlike the famous cozido served on Sundays. You can taste wine on the rooftop of the Grand Secret Garden and enjoy the restaurant at the Grand Beach Club at the mouth of the Guadiana River. Be sure to schedule a tour to visit the famous salt pans of Marienburg, the oyster farms of Curatra Island and the production site of iconic Algarve olive oil. In 2022, guests will welcome a new attraction: the retro Grand Café, inspired by the Orient Express, located 50 meters from the hotel in the Alfândega, the oldest building in town.
kinjoburg
This Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the Cascais coast has been specializing in seafood excellence since 2001. Fresh fish and seafood from the Portuguese coast and the best products of local small producers stand out on the tables of Fortaleza do Guincho. Open for dinner only, the restaurant offers two tasting menus, with or without wine pairings. For a more casual meal, the hotel offers Spot by Fortaleza do Guincho, which offers a selection of sandwiches, salads and dishes of the day. All services are set against the backdrop of the ocean.
Casa Verjado Palero
Casa Velha do Palheiro has a golf course, spa, swimming pool, teahouse and extensive green areas in the 120-hectare Palheiro Nature Estate. Situated on a hilltop, the hotel offers stunning views over Funchal on the island of Madeira, and guests can enjoy the classic cuisine of chef Luís Sousa on the large terrace of the club restaurant. The hotel’s dining room facing the garden is also the Casa Velha restaurant, offering a gourmet menu and an impeccable selection of wines, including of course the famous Madeira wine.
