ENCANTO, WHERE VEGETABLES GET THEIR STARRING ROLE

words by ANOUK WOUDT

Encanto invites you into a deeply enchanting experience from the moment you walk in. With a fully vegetarian menu, the restaurant pays homage to the subtle beauty of the vegetable. Often regarded as a side, especially in Portuguese dining, legumes are pushed into the spotlight through a delectably diverse tasting menu. As a production of famed chef José Avillez , fresh produce and a unique exploration of depth of flavor are essential elements that make up Encanto’s gastro-identity, creating a truly special experience.

Led by Chef José Avillez, who is one of the leading figures in the Portuguese gastronomic scene, Encanto is an extension of his legendary craft. Situated right next door to his award-winning restaurant Belcanto, this restaurant provides a fresh culinary approach that diversifies it from its sister restaurant. With a menu that is entirely vegetarian, Avillez tests the boundaries of the humble vegetable by expanding its role in the traditional fine dining menu.

Of course, the quality of said vegetables is of the utmost importance to this culinary experience. All the produce is organic and sourced from either local producers or their own farm, Casa Nossa, located in Portugal’s Alentejo region. Sustainability is also a key part of this restaurant’s mission, by implementing zero waste practices such as using each ingredient in its entirety and reusing packaging.

With their 12-course tasting menu made up of eccentrically experimental flavour and texture combinations, your tastebuds are certainly in for a treat. Expect legumes, nuts, seeds, cheese, noodles and fruit to be each explored to their fullest extent with unique and surprising flavour profiles. Complementing the menu is a carefully curated selection of biodynamic wines, craft beers, housemade juices, infusions, and kombucha, making the drink offerings just as inventive and enticing as the dishes themselves.