Ricardo Costa is one of Portugal’s most decorated chefs, the head chef of the two-Michelin-star restaurant at The Yeatman, the wine-focused luxury hotel overlooking the Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from Porto. Championing Portuguese produce and tradition with contemporary technique, he has helped make Porto a genuine fine-dining destination.
With experience gathered across Portugal, Madeira, Spain and the UK, Costa combines classical rigour with a passion for his country’s ingredients, presenting the best of Portugal in an elegant, wine-paired setting.
TL;DR
- Portuguese chef, head chef at The Yeatman’s two-Michelin-star restaurant
- Overlooking the Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia, near Porto
- Earned two Michelin stars at The Yeatman (first star 2011, second 2017)
- Previously held a Michelin star at Largo do Paco in Amarante
- Named Chef of the Year in Portugal earlier in his career
Ricardo Costa key facts
| Born | Aveiro, Portugal |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Restaurant | The Yeatman, Vila Nova de Gaia (2 Michelin stars) |
| Earlier | Largo do Paco, Amarante (1 star) |
| Known for | Contemporary Portuguese cuisine |
From Aveiro to the Douro
Born and raised in Aveiro, Ricardo Costa trained at the School of Hotel and Tourism in Coimbra and built his experience across Portugal, Madeira, Spain and the UK. He earned a Michelin star in 2009 and 2010 at Largo do Paco in Amarante before being brought to The Yeatman, the ambitious new wine hotel opening across the river from Porto.
The Yeatman
Costa has been head chef at The Yeatman since the hotel opened in 2010, and under his direction the restaurant earned its first Michelin star and later a second in the 2017 guide. Perched above the Douro with sweeping views of Porto, the restaurant reflects the hotel’s wine-centred philosophy, showcasing the best of Portuguese products and traditional recipes with contemporary flair.
Recognition
Costa’s individual talent has been widely honoured. He was named Chef of the Year in 2009 by the Portuguese magazine Wine, recognised as Chef of the Future in 2012 by the International Academy of Gastronomy, and named Best Chef in Portugal in 2013 in the Gastro Arco Atlantico prizes. These awards confirmed his standing among the leaders of the country’s culinary revival.
Signature style
Costa’s cooking is firmly rooted in Portuguese gastronomy, using local products and traditional recipes reimagined with modern, innovative technique. His dishes are elegant and precise, designed to pair with The Yeatman’s exceptional cellar, and they celebrate Portugal’s ingredients while presenting them at the highest level.
Ricardo Costa in context
Costa is a leading figure of Porto’s fine-dining scene, alongside fellow Portuguese chefs featured on Pickup Table 4 such as Vitor Matos and Jose Avillez.
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Ricardo Costa FAQ
Who is Ricardo Costa?
A Portuguese chef leading the two-Michelin-star restaurant at The Yeatman near Porto.
Where is the restaurant?
At The Yeatman hotel in Vila Nova de Gaia, overlooking the Douro and Porto.
How many Michelin stars does it have?
Two, held since 2017.
Where did he cook before?
At Largo do Paco in Amarante, where he held a Michelin star.
What kind of food does he cook?
Contemporary Portuguese cuisine built on local products and tradition.
