Américo dos Santos
Step through the door of Belcanto, in the iconic Chiado district, and you are enveloped by an atmosphere of elegance, creativity and a deep respect for Portuguese tradition. Under the direction of renowned chef José Avillez, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant has redefined the meaning of haute cuisine. Working tirelessly in the kitchen to make every bite unforgettable is head pastry chef and head chef Américo dos Santos, a key figure whose talent and dedication are fundamental to the restaurant’s success.
With an 11-year career at Belcanto, dos Santos has witnessed the restaurant’s rise to the highest echelons of world cuisine. His story, however, is also that of a man who found a deep purpose in cooking, transforming the hardships of his childhood into a passion that today makes every dish he creates stand out. “I remember starting out at Belcanto fondly” he confesses. The year was 2013 and Avillez’s restaurant had just received its first Michelin star. The team was under great pressure, and dos Santos, young and full of enthusiasm, joined the adventure eager to make his mark.
Algas e halófitas
The kitchen had always been more than a refuge for dos Santos. As a child, family obligations meant he was in charge of preparing meals for his two brothers while his parents worked long hours away from home. But what began as a necessity soon turned into curiosity, leading him to make a life-changing decision to enrol in cooking school. “No longer having to cook out of obligation and doing it for pleasure was a change that still fills me with joy”, he says.
From the pastry shop to the kitchen: a perfect balance
Dos Santos started out at Belcanto as a pastry chef, a role he mastered from the very beginning. His curiosity soon led him to also explore the world of savoury cuisine, proving that both areas can compliment each other and create synergies that surprise the palate. “I’ve always thought that it makes perfect sense for pastry and cuisine to be connected”, he explains. His experience in desserts allowed him to introduce innovative techniques into the kitchen, while his time in the savoury kitchen brought new perspectives to his sweet creations. This holistic approach has led him to establish himself as a key figure at Belcanto, capable of moving effortlessly between both worlds.
Cabra espertalhona
Working in a restaurant of Belcanto’s stature involves constant pressure, but dos Santos embraces it with serenity. “That pressure is necessary, because it pushes us to grow”, he says. Under the direction of Avillez, the atmosphere in the restaurant is, he says, healthy and collaborative, with a team that supports each other like a family in the most challenging moments. “Loyalty and camaraderie are what keep us strong. We have worked together for so many years that when someone is not doing well, there is always someone else ready to pick them up”, he says proudly. This sense of community is, for dos Santos, one of Belcanto’s greatest achievements.
Pressure is necessary, because it pushes us to grow
When asked to define himself in just one word, dos Santos chooses “humble”. And, although his achievements may seem the opposite, that humility is reflected in every dish he creates, in every conversation with his team and in his tireless quest for perfection. “I’m in love with what I do”, he concludes with a smile. That passion is embodied in every corner of Belcanto, making their sweet and savoury creations speak the same language: the language of excellence.
Porquinho
In these 11 years, both dos Santos and Belcanto have grown exponentially. What began as an up-and-coming restaurant in the Chiado district is now a benchmark for haute cuisine worldwide. ‘We have matured a lot. Our aim has always been to offer consistency, hospitality and, above all, to serve people well’, says dos Santos. The future of Belcanto, according to him, will continue to be built on this solid foundation, but with a constant yearning for improvement. “We are always looking to raise our standards and take Portuguese cuisine to the top. That will be our mission in the years to come”. Dos Santos is the sweet and savoury soul of Belcanto, as well as proof that with dedication, curiosity and a love for what you do, it is possible to transform any challenge into a masterpiece.
