English Version | The art of…

Gastronomy is also an art. And in this case we're not talking about the technical mastery it requires, or the sensibility needed to balance all the flavors perfectly. Rather, we're talking about the power this art has to bring dozens of people together around a table, providing the opportunity to do something we often neglect: to simply enjoy. It's around such tables that memorable conversations arise and memories that don't fade with time are created. It's not just the taste that conquers us, but also its capacity to create unforgettable experiences.

This is precisely the setting we see at the Belvedere restaurant at the Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa, where the sky and the sea merge into an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere. In the former home of Humberto II, the last king of Italy and well known for his exuberant parties, lies this Olympus of gastronomy, which is now reopening its doors after a complete renovation. The restaurant has new proposals that invite you to experience authentic Italian cuisine, drawing multiple inspirations from its rich heritage and adding a contemporary touch.

The new menu has the signature of Luís Sousa, Executive Chef of the Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa, and invites a journey of traditional Italian flavors, divided between sea and land. It was created in a way to work with the classics of gastronomy, with special attention to the choice of native ingredients and the authenticity of the recipes - from carpaccio to the indispensable pasta - and desserts that perfectly round off this Italian journey of flavors, from pannacotta to the must-eat tiramisu. The new wine list was designed by Rodolfo Tristão, one of Portugal's most awarded sommeliers, and is made up only of hyper-exclusive Italian wines from small producers. A place to stay, taste and enjoy, which promises to provide a memorable surprise on every visit.

*Originally translated from the Arts Issue, published November 2023. Full credits and stories in the print issue.