Le Monument
Porto, Portugal
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
If you feel like going on a high-flying culinary adventure, you will find a magnificent option here, as the luxurious Le Monumental Palace hotel provides the perfect setting. French chef Julien Montbabut, who already reached Michelin star status in Paris, rethinks his concept to take us on a grand culinary journey through Portugal’s various regions. He revisits each region’s classic recipes from his own perspective and lends a touch of modern cuisine and a deep respect for flavours to dishes based on native ingredients. The experience is presented in two versions: Grande viagem [“Grand Journey”] (7 courses) and Passeio [“Stroll”] (5 courses). Both come with the chef’s signature dish, Sapateira (brown crab), which combines Savora mustard and yuzu, blending sweet, acidic and marine notes in an extremely delicate presentation. To conclude the journey, allow yourself to be surprised by the delicious infusions made from herbs and plants chosen by the chef — you definitely will not regret it!
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Culinary Journey Highlighting Different Portuguese Regions
Le Monument offers a unique tasting menu that takes guests on a "gustatory journey" through Portugal, with each dish representing a different region. Examples include oysters from Aveiro, a dish inspired by São João night featuring sardines and fermented fish broth, and a salad dedicated to Matosinhos, a former fishing city near Porto.Fusion of Portuguese Flavors with French Savoir-Faire
The Michelin-starred chef Julien Montbabut combines his French culinary expertise with local Portuguese produce, creating refined, modern cuisine rooted in tradition. This blend results in an explosion of flavors and sophisticated visual presentations, making the dining experience both innovative and deeply connected to local heritage.Exclusive Setting within a Historic 5-Star Hotel
Le Monument is located inside the Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace, a prestigious 5-star hotel housed in a mythical 1923 building. The restaurant features an intimate atmosphere with marble décor and majestic columns, limited to only 40 covers, and is accessible exclusively through the hotel, emphasizing exclusivity and elegance.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Monument in Porto, under Chef Julien Montbabut, are:
- Smoked eel: Used in refined dishes paired with beetroot and caper, showcasing local Portuguese flavors with French technique.
- Edible crab from Vila do Conde: Combined with Savora mustard and yuzu, this ingredient highlights the freshness of Portuguese seafood with a creative twist.
- Norway lobster from Madeira: Featured alongside passion fruit and melissa, offering a luxurious and aromatic seafood experience.
- Oyster from Algarve: A prized local shellfish that brings the essence of the Portuguese coast to the plate.
These ingredients are significant as they represent the best of Portuguese regional produce, elevated by French culinary expertise to create a unique gastronomic journey that is both local and sophisticated.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menus
- Travellers' Menu (8 courses): €250
- Le Monument Experience (10 courses): €320
Signature Dishes
- Blue Lobster: €95
Wine Cellar
- Not specified in the provided menu content