The Portimão School of Hotel and Tourism hosted, this Wednesday, April 22, the second regional stage of the 37th edition of the Chef of the Year competition, which named Francisca Dias, from Restaurante Esteva, as the winner.
Helena Castro, from Restaurante Cambo, and Tomás Soares Carneiro, from Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira, won second and third place, respectively.
The 34-year-old chef presented the jury with a menu consisting of “Turnip greens, bimi and cream cheese”, as a vegetarian starter, “Cod tongues, bread and cabbage”, as a fish dish, “Cozido de grain”, as a meat dish, and “Miso, pear and vanilla”, a dessert with Pera Rocha.
After being announced as the winner, Francisca Dias said: “I’m very happy to have won here in Portimão! The menu was inspired by Alentejo, my second home, and reflects my work in my restaurant, Esteva. I brought something that represents me a lot and I’m happy about that.”
The event brought together renowned chefs
The awards ceremony took place after a special lunch prepared by chefs from the Portimão School of Hotel and Tourism.
The jury was made up of renowned names in national gastronomy, including António Boia, president of the jury, Dieter Koschina, João Oliveira, João Viegas and Louis Anjos.
Competitors Afonso Ferreira, Bruno Gomes and Ricardo Campos also participated in this stage.
Competition goes to the North
With the South and Islands stage concluded, the competition now moves on to its next phase, which will take place at the Porto Hotel and Tourism School, on April 29th.
The remains the largest and oldest national cooking competition for professionals in Portugal.
The 2026 edition has the support of several sponsors and institutional partners linked to the sector.
A reference in Portuguese gastronomy
Created in 1990, the competition aims to value kitchen professionals and promote national gastronomy.
Over the years, it has contributed to the recognition of talent and the evolution of Portuguese cuisine.
The competition also promotes debate around gastronomic traditions and innovation in the sector.
Unique opportunity for professionals
Aimed at cooks with more than five years of experience, the competition brings together professionals looking to establish themselves in the sector.
Participation represents an opportunity for growth and recognition among peers.
For many competitors, victory could mean a turning point in their careers.
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