José Avillez

José Avillez, born in 1980 in Cascais, stands as one of Portugal's most celebrated culinary ambassadors, transforming the landscape of Portuguese gastronomy through innovation while honoring tradition. His journey began far from the kitchen, initially studying in a field unrelated to gastronomy before discovering his true calling in the culinary arts.

In 2012, Avillez made culinary history by acquiring and completely renovating the historic Belcanto restaurant in Lisbon's Chiado district. Within the same year, this ambitious venture earned its first Michelin star, making Avillez one of the youngest Portuguese chefs to achieve this distinction at age 32. The restaurant later ascended to two Michelin stars, cementing its position among Portugal's most prestigious dining establishments and ranking #42 in The World's 50 Best Restaurants.

Avillez's culinary philosophy centers on contemporary Portuguese cuisine that respects traditional flavors while embracing modern techniques and presentation. His approach to gastronomy extends beyond mere cooking—he views haute cuisine as a form of artistic expression, creating unique gastronomic and sensory journeys for diners. This philosophy has driven him to build an impressive restaurant empire spanning over 20 establishments with 600 employees, including diverse concepts from fine dining to casual eateries.

Today, Avillez leads a culinary group that includes renowned establishments such as Encanto (also Michelin-starred), Bairro do Avillez, Mini Bar, and various other concepts across Portugal. His dedication to promoting Portuguese gastronomy has positioned him as a key figure in establishing Portugal as a premier gastronomic destination, earning him recognition as a theorist of culinary diversification who understands that modern diners seek varied experiences beyond traditional dining.