Portugal. The land of wonderful wines, leisurely lunches, beautiful restaurants and people who genuinely take their time over a meal.
You’d think finding ten people willing to enjoy an exceptional dining experience together would be easy.
Well, think again.
I’ve discovered that finding a Michelin-starred restaurant in Portugal is considerably easier than finding ten interesting people to share a table with.
Portugal Has Ambitions to Become a Culinary Destination
And here’s the irony: Portugal has some serious gastronomic ambitions these days.
According to Turismo de Portugal, the country is actively working with Michelin to strengthen its international reputation as a culinary destination.
The 2026 Michelin Guide includes 44 restaurants with one Michelin star and nine with two stars.
Quite an achievement for a country whose traditional cuisine is perhaps better known for bacalhau, grilled meat, potatoes and famously generous portions.
Don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against traditional Portuguese food.
But sophisticated gastronomy, unexpected flavour combinations and culinary innovation are an entirely different experience.
Apparently, Portugal now has the chefs, the restaurants and the international ambitions.
Now all I need are the people willing to join me at the table.
The Restaurants Certainly Aren’t the Problem
Take A Cozinha by chef António Loureiro in Guimarães, a Michelin-starred restaurant I’ve visited several times.
Beautiful dishes, surprising flavours and combinations you probably wouldn’t think of creating at home.
I absolutely love it.
But an extraordinary meal becomes even more enjoyable when someone sitting opposite you is just as enthusiastic about what’s being served.
A female friend who appreciates good food and wine makes wonderful company.
An interesting gentleman who can hold a conversation, laugh and appreciate the finer things in life wouldn’t be such a bad alternative either.
A tall, dark and handsome would certainly be welcome.
Although I’ve discovered that a generous portion of bacalhau probably makes more Portuguese men happy than an elaborate tasting menu.
Perhaps I simply haven’t met the right Portuguese gentleman yet.
Atmosphere Is Still Waiting for Me
And then there’s Gilbert.
Gilbert runs Restaurante Atmosphere – Fine Dining, in Vilar Seco, near Viseu.
He’s been waiting for me to finally come and enjoy a meal at his restaurant.
I really do want to visit, Gilbert. Honestly!
But driving all that way from Northern Portugal on my own, enjoying an elaborate meal and then driving all the way home again by myself isn’t exactly my idea of a perfect outing.
Not because I can’t be alone.
Quite the opposite.
I live independently, have my own house, my business, my interests and rarely a dull moment.
But I simply enjoy sharing special experiences with someone.
Surely that isn’t such an unusual desire?
A Social Dining Club. How Difficult Can It Be?
So, some time ago, I came up with the idea of starting a Social Dining Club.
Not an association with rules, membership fees and committee meetings.
Just a group of people who occasionally enjoy discovering an exceptional restaurant together.
A table for around ten.
Wonderful food, beautiful wines, interesting conversations and the opportunity to meet new people.
I thought it was a brilliant idea.
The response?
Two people.
One holistic veterinarian from the Netherlands and one former professional footballer.
Two interesting potential dinner companions, certainly.
But that still leaves eight empty chairs.
We even wondered whether Michelin-starred restaurants might be a little too expensive.
So we tried a Bib Gourmand restaurant instead, where Michelin recognises excellent food at more affordable prices.
Clearly, we were prepared to compromise financially.
Unfortunately, the telephone didn’t exactly start ringing off the hook.
Perhaps the price isn’t the problem.
Perhaps it’s the thought of sitting down to dinner with complete strangers.
Which, to me, is precisely what makes the idea so appealing.
Why Should We Only Dine with People We Already Know?
I enjoy meeting new people.
People who think differently, have had different experiences or simply have an interesting story to tell.
Entrepreneurs, artists, doctors, retirees or people who have chosen to make Portugal their home.
You don’t need to be particularly wealthy, successful or important.
But a little curiosity about life is certainly appreciated.
And I like people with opinions of their own.
Preferably someone who isn’t afraid to disagree with me occasionally.
After all, dinner conversations don’t have to revolve entirely around food.
In fact, if someone spends three hours discussing the preparation of a particular sauce, even I might start losing interest.
And What About Romance?
Well, love might just happen to be sitting at the table too.
I’m independent, comfortable in my own home and rather happy with the life I’ve created.
I’m not looking for a man to pay my bills or organise my life.
But someone who says, “Shall we try that restaurant?” Or spontaneously suggests spending a few days somewhere interesting?
Now that sounds wonderful.
Because there’s a significant difference between being perfectly capable of living alone and actually wanting to do everything alone.
Whether that means eventually living together, I honestly don’t know.
Perhaps it does.
Or perhaps a house with plenty of rooms, or even two little houses next to each other, would be a much better invention.
We can work that out later.
For now, sharing a wonderful meal seems like an excellent beginning.
And if romance doesn’t happen to be on the menu, hopefully we’ll still have enjoyed fantastic food and met some fascinating people.
That sounds like a pretty good result to me.
So, Portugal, Where Are You All Hiding?
I’m giving this another try.
I’m looking for people who would enjoy discovering exceptional restaurants together from time to time.
A Michelin star would be lovely, but a fantastic restaurant without one is just as welcome.
Men, women, couples and singles.
Anyone who enjoys good food, great company and meeting interesting new people.
