The Michelin Guide Portugal Gala is set to return for its second edition, spotlighting the unparalleled culinary excellence of Portugal’s Porto and Northern region. This prestigious event will be scheduled for February 25th, 2025, at the Alfândega do Porto Congress Centre, unveiling the latest selection of Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrated chefs.
This year’s gala promises an extraordinary convergence of tradition, innovation, and gastronomic artistry. The menu, curated by nine of Portugal’s most distinguished chefs, will reflect the diversity and creativity that define Portuguese cuisine.
A STAR-STUDDED CULINARY LINEUP
Leading the culinary team are Rui Paula (Casa de Chá da Boa Nova), Ricardo Costa (The Yeatman), and Vítor Matos (Antiqvvm), each representing a restaurant with two Michelin stars. Together, they will coordinate the gala menu alongside an impressive roster of one-Michelin-star chefs:
- António Loureiro (A Cozinha)
- Vasco Coelho Santos (Euskalduna Studio)
- Óscar Geadas (G Pousada)
- Julien Montbabut (Le Monument)
- Pedro Lemos (Pedro Lemos)
- Arnaldo Azevedo (Vila Foz)
Their collaboration celebrates local ingredients and the profound narratives they inspire, presenting dishes that marry tradition with avant-garde techniques. Guests can expect a menu that embodies Portugal’s culinary heritage while embracing forward-thinking innovation.
A Platform for Culinary and Cultural Dialogue
The festivities extend beyond the gala dinner, with the introduction of the “Gastronomy and Wine” debate on February 18th at Theatro Circo in Braga. This thought-provoking discussion, moderated by journalist Luís Castro, will explore the symbiotic relationship between cuisine and wine. Featuring a distinguished panel of chefs, winemakers, and sommeliers, the debate underscores the essential role of wine in elevating the dining experience.
Key participants include Dirk Niepoort (Niepoort Wines), Luís Sottomayor (Sogrape), and Elisabete Fernandes (Wine Director at The Yeatman). The event will be recorded for broadcast on RTP2’s Sociedade Civil and shared on the Michelin Guide YouTube channel, ensuring its insights reach a global audience.
An Evening of Elegance and Entertainment
Television journalist Marta Leite Castro will host the gala, bringing her charm and expertise to the evening. Guests will be welcomed on the red carpet by Juliana Penteado, renowned pastry chef and MasterChef Portugal judge. Adding a harmonious note to the evening, the Portuguese music trio Expresso Transatlântico will perform, blending traditional sounds with global influences.
CELEBRATING PORTO AND THE NORTH
The Michelin Guide is leveraging this gala to position Porto and the North as a premier destination for food enthusiasts. A comprehensive communications campaign titled “Michelin Guide 2025 Gala in a Star Region of Portuguese Gastronomy” highlights the region’s landscapes, traditions, and local producers.
Engaging digital initiatives include social media challenges where chefs showcase regional ingredients and nominate peers to continue the culinary chain. Additionally, competitions on Facebook will offer participants the chance to win exclusive tickets to the gala or dining experiences at Michelin-recommended restaurants.
Tourism and gastronomy intersect through initiatives like the “Rueda Dorada,” a motorbike route connecting Spain and Northern Portugal. This unique experience highlights the region’s iconic landscapes and culinary hotspots, amplifying its appeal to adventurous food lovers.
A COLLABORATIVE CELEBRATION
The success of the gala is bolstered by partnerships with Turismo de Portugal, Turismo do Porto e Norte, and premium sponsors such as Makro, Delta, and Blancpain. Their support ensures this event remains a pinnacle of gastronomic excellence, showcasing Portugal’s culinary treasures to an international audience.
The Michelin Guide Portugal 2025 Gala promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the region’s rich culinary and cultural heritage, offering a stage for both established chefs and emerging talents to shine. With each dish, melody, and conversation, the gala will reinforce Portugal’s reputation as a global gastronomic destination.
Mark your calendar for this landmark event, where tradition meets innovation, and Porto and the North take their rightful place at the centre of the culinary world.
