Ocean
Porches, Portugal
⭐2 Stars
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
A very special restaurant with all the key ingredients to ensure an experience that will live long in the memory. The entrance, embellished with striking Murano glass, provides a sense of the theatrical before heading into the dining room, which is decorated in an elegant array of golden, white and blue tones. Its impressive windows, which open out towards the coast and infinite Atlantic vistas, are equally striking. Austrian-born chef Hans Neuner adds influences gained by his annual travels as well as those undertaken by the Portuguese during the “Age of Discoveries”. Via his cuisine, the chef takes us on a journey to the Asian continent with his “Expedition to Asia” menu, which combines Portuguese flavours with the spices, textures and freshness of Asian cuisine. Prime examples are the kimchi served with quail in its own jus, and the traditional soup with dumplings and tofu – both of which offer the perfect combination of flavour and texture. It’s well worth casting a keen eye over the wine list, which is truly exceptional.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Three unique/unconventional aspects of Ocean, Porches Michelin-starred restaurant:
Artistic and unconventional presentation of dishes: Food is served on polished driftwood, inside coconut shells, and hidden in porcelain fish, making the plating resemble abstract art installations rather than traditional presentations.
Culinary inspiration from Portuguese islands: The tasting menu, called "Islands Route," draws inspiration from the diverse Portuguese archipelagos such as Madeira and the Azores, incorporating flavors and influences from across the Portuguese mainland and islands.
Decor and ambiance inspired by the sea: The restaurant’s interior features an ocean-blue palette, bleached sea corals on shelves, Murano crystals resembling jellyfish at the entrance, and a peaceful seaside scenery reflected in the decor, enhancing the maritime dining experience.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
- Portuguese Carabinero (Scarlet Prawn): Used in a signature dish where the prawns are transformed into tagliatelle, combined with squid and "Toucinho" for a unique seafood experience.
- Oysters from "Moinho dos Ilhéus": Featured in a starter combined with imperial caviar, Samphire from Ria Formosa, and finished with a hot oyster and champagne sauce.
- Jerusalem Artichoke: Highlighted in a vegetarian dish cooked in a salt crust and finished with fig leaf oil and coconut.
- Wild Turbot: Paired with Vila Real mushrooms, Algarve lemon, and fermented banana to showcase local flavors.
- Line Caught Seabass: Used in a dish with codfish sauce, mushroom, morels, green wild asparagus, and smoked egg.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menus
- Flavours of Discovery (8 courses): €250
- Ocean Menu (7 courses): €220
Signature Dishes
- Ocean Kimchi: €45