CURA Retains Two Suns in 2026 Repsol Guide at Lisbon Hotel

CURA, the fine dining restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, has retained its Two Suns distinction in the 2026 edition, following the official announcement made on April 13, 2026, during the Gala dos Sóis held in Évora.

The recognition reinforces the restaurant’s standing within Portugal’s high-end dining segment, with the Two Suns rating signifying a consistent level of excellence, innovation, and technical precision. The restaurant is led by Chef  Rodolfo Lavrador, whose culinary direction continues to shape CURA’s positioning in contemporary Portuguese cuisine.

Repsol Guide Recognition and Evaluation Framework

The Repsol Guide, modeled on its Spanish counterpart, awards restaurants one, two, or three Suns based on a structured evaluation system developed in collaboration with the Basque Culinary Centre. The Two Suns category is reserved for establishments that demonstrate a strong commitment to creativity, refined technique, and the use of high-quality ingredients, supported by consistent service and atmosphere.

Restaurants are assessed by a panel of more than 20 inspectors operating across Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira. These evaluators come from diverse professional backgrounds outside the hospitality sector, ensuring an independent and multidisciplinary review process. Each venue is visited and evaluated based on predefined criteria covering cuisine, execution, and overall dining experience.

The renewal of the Two Suns rating for CURA indicates sustained performance against these benchmarks, positioning the restaurant among the upper tier of Portugal’s gastronomic landscape.

Operational Profile and Dining Format

Opened in 2020, CURA operates as a fine dining venue with a capacity of 28 seats, offering a controlled and intimate service format. The restaurant functions exclusively during dinner service, with operating hours from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily.

The culinary offering is structured around two tasting menus: a five-course menu and a more extensive ten-course option. Both formats are designed to present a curated progression of dishes, with optional wine or non-alcoholic pairings available. This tasting menu approach aligns with standard practices in the premium dining segment, where menu structure is used to guide the guest experience.

The restaurant’s location on Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca integrates it within the broader hotel environment while maintaining a distinct identity within Lisbon’s dining scene.

Culinary Direction and Ingredient Sourcing

Under Chef Rodolfo Lavrador’s leadership, CURA’s menu focuses on contemporary interpretations of Portuguese cuisine, with an emphasis on seasonality and local sourcing. The culinary approach prioritizes ingredients from regional producers, including seafood from the Portuguese coast and locally grown vegetables.

The menu is periodically updated to reflect seasonal availability, ensuring variability in the offering while maintaining a consistent conceptual framework. The kitchen operations are supported by Sous Chef Marina Garcia, who oversees execution and day-to-day consistency.

This approach reflects a broader industry trend in fine dining, where menus are structured around local produce and seasonal cycles, contributing to both sustainability objectives and differentiation within competitive markets.

Positioning Within Portugal’s Fine Dining Sector

The continued recognition by the Repsol Guide adds to CURA’s existing accolades, including the Michelin star it secured within its first year of operation and has retained since. The combination of these distinctions positions the restaurant within a select group of high-performing establishments in Portugal.

The award also contributes to Lisbon’s reputation as a destination for contemporary gastronomy, where international hotel brands and independent operators are increasingly investing in signature dining concepts. CURA’s integration within a luxury hotel setting reflects a model where hospitality and fine dining are closely aligned to enhance overall guest experience.

According to the hotel’s management, the recognition reflects the collective effort of the restaurant team in maintaining operational consistency and delivering a high-quality dining experience. The evaluation outcome underscores the importance of sustained performance in securing repeat recognition in competitive culinary guides.

Industry Context and Current Status

The 2026 Repsol Guide awards come at a time when Portuguese cuisine continues to gain international visibility, supported by chefs who are reinterpreting traditional flavours through modern techniques. Within this context, CURA’s renewed Two Suns rating highlights its role in contributing to the country’s evolving culinary identity.

As of April 2026, CURA continues to operate with its existing format, maintaining its focus on tasting menus, seasonal ingredients, and a limited seating model. The retention of the Two Suns rating signals stability in its operational and culinary standards, reinforcing its position within Portugal’s fine dining ecosystem.