Restaurante Fortaleza do Guincho – The authenticity of food and feeling

The history of the Fortaleza do Guincho Restaurant began in 1998, with the opening of the hotel. From the outset, with consultancy from French chef Antoine Westermann, whose restaurant had been awarded three stars by the renowned Red Guide, the aim was to create an haute cuisine restaurant, which quickly became a leading establishment in Portugal.

Today, it does justice to that aspiration: having lunch at Fortaleza do Guincho can become one of the favourite moments for anyone who goes there. The inspiration begins with the Atlantic Ocean, visible from the restaurant, and ends with the genuine and unique flavours of each dish. It should be pointed out that in 2001, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star, which it still holds 14 years later. Over the course of this time, the greatest names in Portuguese gastronomy have passed through the restaurant, which is why it has acquired the status of a ‘school’.

The inspiration begins with the Atlantic Ocean, visible from the restaurant, and ends with the genuine and unique flavours of each dish.

At the moment, 28-year-old chef Gil Fernandes is in charge of the kitchen, having spent three years of dedication and creativity as sous-chef. The experience at the table continues to be one of discovery, at every moment, of Portuguese culture and history.

Originally founded on classic French cuisine, national products and traditions have increasingly taken centre stage here. The finest fish and shellfish caught off the Portuguese coast, as well as the highest quality local and national products, are a constant feature at Guincho, honoured and nurtured in every dish, every season, and recognised by the national and international press and critics. Razor clams, spider crabs, hottentot-fig and sea snails are some of the products you can try, with a unique and unforgettable taste of the sea. And if you’re dropping by, try the rice with limpets and rock samphire – a traditional recipe. We promise you won’t regret it.

An informal and relaxed space, Fortaleza do Guincho also offers Spot by Fortaleza do Guincho, a new concept where you can enjoy typical Portuguese snacks, with a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean from the terrace or from the indoor spaces.

The finest fish and shellfish caught off the Portuguese coast, as well as the highest quality local and national products, are a constant feature at Guincho […]

In this cuisine made of memories, but open to the present, inspiration from nature allows the authenticity of the ingredients to be cherished. If you leave wondering about the creativity and uniqueness of a dish, you should know that foraging is practised at Fortaleza do Guincho, in a careful and conscious quest for flavours that grow freely, wild and natural, such as seaweed, picked by the chef himself. Here, gastronomy is seen as the identity of a people and the living expression of their culture and history. At Fortaleza do Guincho, serving is a way of nurturing.

In this cuisine made of memories, but open to the present, inspiration from nature allows the authenticity of the ingredients to be cherished.

Text: Carla Martins
Photos: Arlei Lima