Loco

The story

Loco – Michelin-Starred Modern Portuguese Cuisine in Lisbon

The Vision Behind Loco

In Lisbon's Rua dos Navegantes, Loco is the expression of chef Alexandre Silva's deep curiosity about Portuguese gastronomy. After winning the television competition Top Chef and gaining experience from Bocca to Alentejo, Silva opened his own restaurant with a clear purpose: to explore the country's products and traditions through a contemporary lens. The result is a tasting menu that feels both personal and precise, earning a Michelin star for its high-quality cooking.

The Team

Silva leads a dedicated kitchen. Pastry chef Carolina Pereira, who trained at El Celler de Can Roca, brings a refined touch to desserts like the "Ovelha nas Nuvens" – a sheep's milk cloud with yoghurt foam and meringue. Sous chef João Alves and chef de partie Gonçalo Freire contribute their own backgrounds, from Asian cuisine to fine dining in Bilbao. Together, they create a menu that reinterprets Portuguese classics – such as their version of "Pastel de Bacalhau", a cod fish tartare with parsley and egg yolk puree. Managing partner Sara Branco Gomes ensures the front-of-house runs smoothly, while maître João Marujo curates the dining experience and the restaurant's soundtrack.

The Experience

Loco's dining room is sleek and modern, with an open kitchen that lets you watch the team at work. The wine pairings are carefully selected, and the service strikes a balance between warmth and professionalism. Each dish tells a story of Portuguese ingredients – from medronho (strawberry tree fruit) to sheep's cheese – treated with modern techniques. The desserts, in particular, showcase Carolina Pereira's skill: her "Medronho" dessert combines medronho puree with mushroom yoghurt and malt toffee.

A Michelin Star in Lisbon

The Michelin star awarded to Loco recognises the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. It is a place where contemporary Portuguese cuisine is not just served but thoughtfully deconstructed and rebuilt on the plate. For anyone interested in the evolution of Portuguese dining, Loco is a destination.