Mezze Chef in Chef of the Year final

Afonso Alves Among Chefs from Michelin-Starred Restaurants — Mezze Also a Finalist for the AHRESP Awards

There were over 100 contestants and three regional eliminations. Out of all of them, only six were selected — some working in restaurants with one or even two Michelin stars. Whatever happens next, just by reaching this stage, our Afonso Alves is already a winner.

The grand final of the Chef of the Year 2025 competition, organized by Edições do Gosto, will take place on June 4th in Lamego, and we’ll be there cheering him on!

And since good news is better when shared, we’re thrilled to announce that Mezze has also been selected as a finalist for the AHRESP Awards, in the Solidarity Establishment category. The awards ceremony will be held at the Casino Estoril on June 6th.

The challenge for the 36th edition of the Chef of the Year competition — the most prestigious in the field (which has previously recognized chefs such as Fausto Airoldi, Henrique Sá Pessoa, and João Rodrigues) — was to “prepare a menu that celebrates the roots of Portuguese cuisine, highlighting national ingredients and products.” That’s not Afonso’s everyday cooking (as anyone familiar with Mezze knows), but he managed to bring a creative touch of Middle Eastern influence to one of his dishes — proof that in gastronomy, cross-pollination is a strength.

According to the rules, the menu had to include: a vegetarian starter, a codfish dish, a meat and rice dish, and a dessert using olive oil. Additionally, at least one of the dishes had to incorporate orange. Afonso drew inspiration from Minho, the region where he lived until the age of five. From there, he brought native ingredients and traditions that helped him craft an exceptional meal, full of flavor and depth.