On the sixth floor of the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, lies one of the city’s most vibrant dining destinations: Tasca by José Avillez. This space is a contemporary homage to Portuguese roots, where tradition meets innovation, and where every detail has been crafted to create an unforgettable experience.
With panoramic views of Dubai’s glittering skyline on one side and the serene waters of the Arabian Gulf on the other, the restaurant combines sophisticated interiors with an outdoor terrace and an infinity pool that blends seamlessly with the landscape. The setting is as striking as the cuisine itself, turning every meal into a moment of contemplation and delight.
Distinguished with a Michelin star for the fourth consecutive year in the Dubai Michelin Guide 2025, Tasca reaffirms the Portuguese chef’s commitment, together with executive chef José Barroso, to taking his country’s gastronomy to the highest international stage. Also recognized by 50 Best Discovery, the restaurant celebrates the essence of the traditional Portuguese tasca — simple, authentic, and welcoming — reimagined here with a sophisticated and cosmopolitan touch.
The menu, designed for sharing, invites guests on a journey through Portugal, from north to south, across flavors of both sea and land. Classics such as Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá appear alongside inventive creations like Piri Piri chicken with smoked avocado cream or a sumptuous surf and turf platter with Blue Portuguese Lobster. The wine list is, in itself, a tribute: Tasca boasts the largest collection of Portuguese labels in Dubai, perfectly paired with signature cocktails prepared in full view, in a lively setting where kitchen and bar merge in perfect harmony.
For José Avillez, bringing his cuisine to Dubai is a mission of passion. “Portugal has an extraordinary culinary heritage and some of the best fish and seafood in the world. At Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, my goal is to share this essence — the depth, the soul, and the bold flavors of our cuisine — through exceptional ingredients and a contemporary approach,” says the chef.
Open daily for lunch and dinner, Tasca is far more than a restaurant: it is a meeting point of culture, flavor, and sophistication. A journey to the heart of Portugal, lived with Dubai’s cosmopolitan intensity.
By Carla Branco