Discover Portugal’s culinary heritage, re-imagined by stellar chef Hans Neuner at VILA VITA Parc’s newly-transformed Ocean Restaurant
VILA VITA Parc, Algarve, re-opens the doors of its most prestigious dining offering, Ocean Restaurant, after a dramatic transformation that sees the culinary experience and interior design spectacularly re-imagined. One of just three, highly-esteemed Portuguese restaurants to win two Michelin stars, the revival of Ocean reflects the culmination of seven years of research and development by talented Chef Hans Neuner and his team.
The restaurant’s stylish renovation reflects the artistry of Chef Neuner’s food, and enhances the singular dining adventure offered. Hanging crystals from Murano (Barovier & Toso, Italy) line the hall, guiding diners into the restaurant, and the natural palette of colours used in the interior design, evoke the deep blue of the sea, the sky and the golden sands of the Algarve itself.
Gastrophiles are invited to start their culinary journey by stepping into the working kitchen, where they can sample delightful bites prepared by the Chef himself, and discover the philosophy behind his cuisine.
‘We wanted to make a greater connection with local producers with a lighter, modern reinterpretation of Portugal’s culinary traditions and flavours’. Chef Hans Neuner, Ocean Restaurant.
Bringing down the boundaries between the kitchen and dining rooms further, is the Chef’s Table, a single 300-year old piece of solid oak situated in the kitchen that can accommodate up to six guests, and allows diners to make a dynamic connection with Chef Neuner, and witness dishes created first-hand.
The menu has evolved to incorporate an à la carte selection of international dishes inspired by ingredients discovered by Portuguese colonial explorers, celebrating the heritage of navigators who brought back flavours from all corners of the earth.
‘Portugal discovered the World. Let us show you it´s worth a special journey to come and discover ours’ Kurt Gillig, General Manager, VILA VITA Parc.
Alongside these, Chef Neuner’s characteristically creative amuse-bouches and acclaimed seasonal tasting menus which highlight superlative Portuguese and Iberian dishes crafted with modern techniques, are still served.
Other new experiential additions include a bespoke wine room holding 560 carefully-selected vintages. Wines, carefully hand-picked and paired by award-winning sommelier Nelson Marreiros, come from one of the largest private collections of wines on the Iberian Peninsula, and are now also available by the glass thanks to the revolutionary Coravin extraction method. Guests can enjoy rare and exceptional vintages, such as the 2001 Château Mouton Rothschild (Bordeaux) or the Casa Ferreirinha Barca Velha (Douro).
The interiors have been imaginatively renovated, with new floor to ceiling windows that open completely, so diners can relish the unique clifftop view over the Atlantic, after which the restaurant was named, as well as enjoy the evocative sea breeze and the sounds of the waves.
Crafted wooden floors and silk carpets (Fashion for Floors, Monaco-Frankfurt), custom-designed tables, chairs and banquettes (Boffi Fratelli, Baxter and Maxalto, Italy) and large bronze circular ceiling lamps (Henke, Italy) and a feature wall of precious African corals complete the strikingly contemporary update.
With a visionary new design and high-concept approach to gastronomy Ocean Restaurant continues to evolve, while offering some of the best produce, wines and dining experiences in the country. This is destination dining at its best.
Ocean Restaurant is open Wednesdays to Sundays, from 19.00 to 22.00. Please call 351 (0) 282 31 01 00 to make a reservation.
About Chef Hans Neuner
Chef Hans Neuner was named Portugal’s Chef of the Year 2009 and 2012 – and his team were awarded the first Michelin Star in 2009 with a second following in 2011.
Hans prides himself on creating light, modern, fresh and individual food with a local signature, placing a strong focus on fish and seafood from the Atlantic, and fruit, vegetables, meat, game and wines from the heartland of Portugal, as well as the resort's own wines and organic produce from the Herdade dos Grous estate in the Alentejo. The produce is an inspiration and a constant challenge.
About VILA VITA Parc
Set on a prime cliff top location within 54 acres of lush subtropical gardens, VILA VITA Parc offers an array of accommodation options, including private villas with spectacular views over the ocean. With nine restaurants and seven bars onsite, one of which is the 2 Michelin starred Ocean restaurant, there is plenty of choice for everyone. Whilst children enjoy the various activities on offer, there are options for the adults as well including the Vital Spa, three tennis courts, volleyball court, boccia lanes, mountain bike hire, 9 hole pitch and putt, 18 hole putting green and several 18 hole championship golf courses nearby.
VILA VITA Parc • Alporchinhos • 8400-450 Porches • Algarve • Portugal • Tel: 351 (0) 282 31 01 00 • vilavitaparc.com
