2Monkeys

The story

2Monkeys, Lisbon – Michelin-starred French fine dining with open kitchen

2Monkeys is the first Lisbon project of chef Vitor Matos, who now holds six Michelin stars across Portugal. Here, he and resident chef Guilherme Spalk run a kitchen that is anything but hidden. Guests sit around a single central counter, watching every plate come together in what the team calls "fun fine-dining."

The concept is built on surprise. There is no à la carte – instead, the chefs guide diners through a surprise menu, explaining the inspiration behind each dish. This approach to French cuisine is both sophisticated and informal, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal, local ingredients. Matos is known for harmonising tradition and modernity, a style that earned this restaurant a Michelin star.

An intimate, nature-inspired space

The dining room seats just 14 guests per service, creating an atmosphere that is elegant yet relaxed. Natural materials and organic touches set a calm tone, while the monkey motif – a symbol of good energy and entertainment – adds a playful undercurrent. The open kitchen is the heart of the room, where the chefs work in full view, turning each evening into a live performance.

The chefs behind the counter

Vitor Matos brings decades of experience and a reputation for excellence: he has been named Chef of the Year multiple times and received the Chefs de l’Avenir award from the International Academy of Gastronomy. At 2Monkeys, he shares the pass with Guilherme Spalk, winner of the Young Gastronomy Talent Competition in 2013. Spalk’s background includes stints at notable Lisbon kitchens, and together they craft a modern, personal take on French cuisine that changes with each service.

Reservations are essential – the counter fills quickly. Dinner runs from 19:30 to 23:00, and every meal is a one-off, shaped by the season and the chefs’ creativity.