José Avillez

José was born in Lisbon, growing up near the ocean and pine forests in Cascais. His first professional kitchen experience was in 2001 at Fortaleza do Guincho restaurant, followed by various internships, including in France with Alain Ducasse and Éric Fréchon. In 2006, he interned at elBulli with Ferran Adrià, as part of its Creativity Department, a period that became a career-changing moment for him. He returned to Portugal and in 2008, became the executive chef at Tavares restaurant in Lisbon, winning a Michelin star the following year. He then opened Belcanto restaurant in 2012, now the holder of two Michelin stars. In 2015, José was awarded the title of ‘Chef of the Year’ by WINE magazine. He now owns several restaurants in Portugal.