"Chef João Ricardo Alves was born to a Portuguese father, raised in Brazil, and trained in French cuisine. After working as a butcher in a traditional French restaurant, Alves grew tired of meat, became a vegetarian, and shifted his focus to plant-based cooking. His culinary journey took him across Europe and Asia before he settled in Lisbon to open Arkhe, one of the city’s best vegetarian restaurants. Here, Alves applies his expertise and creativity to flavorful jus and broths as the foundation of his meat-free approach. The menu changes regularly, driven by the freshest vegetables he can source. Meanwhile, his partner, the talented sommelier Alejandro Clavijo, moves gracefully through the dining room, offering expert wine pairings from an innovative, thoughtfully curated list focusing on natural wines, many of which he has found during travels around the globe. Today, the restaurant is located in an elegant, modern space in Largo do Rato, offering a refined yet welcoming dining experience." - Rafael Tonon, Miguel Pires
