Alameda in Faro earns its first Michelin star whilst several other Algarve venues are now highlighted in the Recommended list
Portugal’s fine-dining scene celebrated a new milestone on Tuesday evening as 10 restaurants were awarded their first Michelin star during the Michelin Guide Portugal 2026 ceremony, held in Funchal, Madeira.
Among the new winners were Alameda in Faro, Largo do Paço in Amarante, Kappo in Cascais, A Cozinha do Paço in Évora, Schistó in Peso da Régua, Indiferente, dop, Éon, Gastro by Elemento in Porto, and Mapa in Montemor-o-Novo.
Portugal now counts a total of 53 Michelin-starred restaurants, with the Algarve holding seven of those stars.
For André Gomes, president of the Algarve Tourism Board (RTA), “the recognition from the Michelin Guide once again confirms the quality, creativity and consistency of Algarve gastronomy. These distinctions highlight the talent of our chefs and their teams, showcase the region’s products and identity, and reinforce the importance of gastronomy in establishing the Algarve as a premium, authentic destination increasingly focused on high added-value experiences.”
Several Algarve restaurants were also newly listed as Recommended in the guide, including Austa and Authentic in Almancil, Pearl in Faro, Cafezique in Loulé, Duoo Gastro Theatre in Portimão, Mesa Farta in Tavira, and Coral in Porches.
Portugal is also home to nine restaurants with two Michelin stars, including Alma, Belcanto and Fifty Seconds in Lisbon, Antiqvvm in Porto, Casa de Chá da Boa Nova in Leça da Palmeira, Il Gallo d’Oro in Funchal, Ocean in Porches, The Yeatman in Vila Nova de Gaia, and Vila Joya in Albufeira.
One of the highlights of the night was Lisbon restaurant Fifty Seconds, led by chef Rui Silvestre, which earned its second Michelin star and joined the select group of Portugal’s top restaurants. Silvestre has a long history in the Algarve, having previously won Michelin stars at Bon Bon in Carvoeiro and Vistas in Vila Nova de Cacela.
The ceremony took place at the Savoy Palace auditorium and brought together hundreds of chefs, restaurateurs, politicians, journalists and hospitality professionals from across the country. Madeira regional president Miguel Albuquerque welcomed guests and highlighted the island’s long-standing reputation as a tourism destination, whilst praising the new generation of chefs helping to reinvent Portuguese cuisine. Actress Daniela Ruah hosted the event, whilst Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poullennec delivered the opening remarks via video.
“Portugal holds a very special place in our history,” Poullennec said, praising the country for preserving its gastronomic heritage while continuing to innovate. He also highlighted the growing popularity of tasting menus and omakase dining experiences across the country.
Tourism secretary of state Pedro Machado also emphasised the importance of gastronomy for the country’s tourism sector, noting that Portugal welcomed 31 million international visitors in 2025.
About Alameda
Chef Rui Sequeira’s contemporary restaurant in Faro celebrates the Algarve through a strong focus on local fish and seafood.
Chef Rui Sequeira
After working alongside chef Hans Neuner at the Michelin-starred Ocean restaurant at Vila Vita Parc, Sequeira opened Alameda with the aim of bringing a fresh concept to the region’s gastronomy scene.
Combining modern techniques with regional tradition, the chef presents a concise menu alongside a tasting menu inspired by local legends, as well as a vegetarian option. Working closely with small local producers, Sequeira highlights Algarve ingredients such as Ria Formosa oysters, clams, vegetables, octopus and tuna from Tavira, creating flavourful dishes that reflect the region’s identity.
The Michelin Guide ceremony has now been held in Portugal for the third consecutive year, following previous editions in Albufeira in 2024 and Porto in 2025.
Visit the Michelin Guide for the full list.
Article originally published on The Resident by Michael Bruxo.
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