Chef at A Cozinha do Paço, 1 Michelin Star
Afonso Dantas is a rising star in Portuguese gastronomy, representing a new generation of chefs who honor tradition while embracing innovation. Born in Funchal, Madeira, this young culinary talent began his journey in the kitchen at just 12 years old, displaying an early passion that would define his career path.
His formal culinary education took him from the Escola de Hotelaria da Madeira to the prestigious Institut Paul Bocuse in France, where he refined his techniques and developed his culinary philosophy. This international experience provided him with a solid foundation in classical French cuisine while maintaining his connection to Portuguese culinary heritage.
In 2025, Dantas opened A Cozinha do Paço at the Fitapreta winery in Évora, Alentejo, where he serves as head chef. The restaurant, located in a beautifully restored palace kitchen, offers two contemporary tasting menus: Poda Longa and Poda em Vaso, both designed to showcase the rich terroir of the Alentejo region. His cuisine pays tribute to local ingredients and traditional techniques while presenting them through a modern lens.
Dantas's exceptional work was recognized in 2026 when A Cozinha do Paço received both a Michelin Star and a Green Michelin Star, making it the first restaurant in Évora to achieve this distinction. The Green Star particularly highlights his commitment to sustainable gastronomy, reflecting his philosophy of working closely with local producers and respecting the natural environment of the Alentejo region.
Discover Portugal's ancient olive oil legacy, from the sun-drenched groves of Alentejo to the terraced hillsides of Trás-os-Montes, where liquid gold flows with centuries of tradition and terroir.
