Chef Olivier da Costa: Exclusive Interview on Dining Trends and Upcoming Concepts

In an exclusive interview, renowned chef and entrepreneur Olivier da Costa shares his insights on dining trends and upcoming restaurant concepts. With 24 restaurants under his belt, da Costa's culinary empire is set to expand even further next year, with new locations in the Algarve featuring Italian, Brazilian, and Moroccan influences.

Da Costa identifies a prevailing trend in dining out: Health food. He envisions a future where at least half of all meals will be health-focused. A firm believer in this movement, he reveals that his own wife follows a vegan lifestyle. He anticipates a shift towards healthier eating habits, aiming for 50% of meals to be health-conscious, with a focus on lunch, while dinner remains centered around conviviality rather than strict health standards.

His background is a rich blend of Moroccan, French, and Portuguese heritage, which informs his innovative culinary approach. His vision for the future rests on the concept of "Health food," driven by his wife's vegan preferences. Da Costa envisions a dining landscape where 50% of meals are health-oriented, with an emphasis on health-conscious choices seven times a week, primarily during lunch, while dinners prioritize ambiance over strict health requirements.

A luminary in Portuguese cuisine, Olivier da Costa's signature establishment, BY OLIVIER, embodies his two-decade-long culinary journey. Beginning his career with an internship at the Ritz Four Seasons Hotel, he established landmark restaurants that fuse gastronomic excellence, exceptional service, and unique experiences. His innovation gave birth to pioneering concepts like the Olímpio, a trailblazing Brazilian cuisine haven, and the iconic OLIVIER Restaurant in Bairro Alto.

Looking forward, da Costa unveils his plans to open new restaurants and introduce fresh concepts next year. Italian, Brazilian, and Moroccan influences will take center stage, reflecting his mixed heritage. These additions align with his six existing concepts, scattered across Lisbon, Cascais, the Algarve, OPorto, Bangkok, and São Paulo.

Among the forthcoming ventures is the XXL Algarve bistro, promising a fusion of French and cozy comfort food. Da Costa's vision for the future continues to shape the culinary landscape, inviting diners to savor a spectrum of tastes while embodying his ethos of quality, service, and unparalleled experience.