Dubai's First Tasca

Famed for taking Portuguese classics and giving them a contemporary twist, chef José Avillez is at the forefront of Portugal’s food scene – namely for his two Michelin-starred restaurant, Belcanto in Lisbon. In his first move outside of Portugal, Avillez has opened doors at the new Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai with Tasca. While in town recently, we caught up with him to hear more about his new Portuguese restaurant…

- Sophie Voelzing

Portuguese chef José Avillez has made his Middle Eastern debut with the opening of Tasca at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai – representing his first international venture.

He has several restaurants in Lisbon and Porto, each with a different concept, but all expressing his passion for cuisine. Avillez is most wellknown for his two Michelinstarred Belcanto in Lisbon.

Offering true flavours of Portugal, Tasca in Dubai takes inspiration from a traditional Portuguese eatery, ‘tasca’, serving genuine food and drinks but with a contemporary twist. With a menu based on a sharing concept, Tasca takes guests on a culinary journey across the rich and varied country.

Tasca is a dining destination that makes for a lively night out, combining authentic dishes, eye-catching design, and an eclectic atmosphere. The fully-immersive experience includes live demonstrations at both the bar and the kitchen as chefs and bartenders work together to develop inventive culinary and mixology creations.

Here, chef Avillez tells more…

Dubai is lacking in Portuguese restaurants, so we’re really excited to hear about Tasca’s opening! Tell us about the restaurant and its concept… The new restaurant Tasca, at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai is inspired by a traditional Portuguese restaurant concept – a tasca, which is a typical casual Portuguese eatery, with authentic food and drinks. However, Tasca adds a twist, because it offers a contemporary and pulsating dining experience. We’ll be serving Portuguese flavours with a contemporary twist in a vibrant setting, overlooking the sweeping ocean on one side and Dubai’s skyline on the other.