25th November 2011 – The Restaurant at The Yeatman in Oporto, under the direction of Chef Ricardo Costa since its opening in summer 2010, has won its first Michelin star.

At the awards ceremony in Barcelona last night, The Restaurant at The Yeatman became one of only twelve Portuguese restaurants distinguished with stars in the 2012 edition of Michelin Spain and Portugal. It is the first in Porto, Portugal’s second city.

Chef Ricardo Costa previously worked in Casa do Calçada in Amarante, which had won a Michelin star – from there, he brought his distinctive talents to The Yeatman where he puts a contemporary twist on classical Portuguese flavours and dishes, working in harmony with the hotel’s Wine Director Beatriz Machado to create bold and exciting tasting menus.

“I am delighted to receive a Michelin star as recognition of the work that my team and I do. This is the ‘Oscars’ of the Restaurant world, said Chef Costa, and we are excited to be able to showcase the very best Portuguese cuisine using local ingredients. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our restaurant and special wine dinners.”

CEO of The Yeatman, Adrian Bridge, commented, “Everyone at The Yeatman is delighted to receive this award which is recognition of the work that our Chef Ricardo Costa and his team have done. The Yeatman has always been an ambitious project to create a new level of experience for people who wish to visit Porto and Northern Portugal. The quality of food, paired with the best wine list in Portugal provides our guests and visitors with the greatest possible culinary experience that our town has to offer.”

The Michelin star win comes just a month after The Yeatman was awarded Relais & Châteaux status, putting The Yeatman firmly on the must-visit list for discerning travelers to Northern Portugal.

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Congratulations are also due to The Yeatman’s outstanding wine director, Beatriz Machado, as Revista de Vinhos (Portugal’s top wine magazine) bestowed the hotel’s restaurant with the honor of “The Best Wine List in Portugal.” Having met Beatriz, this is no surprise, as her knowledge of wine from around the globe is encyclopedic. Should you ever have the opportunity to visit the hotel’s wine cellar, you will quickly understand her passion and brilliance. - Roy