Chef Vasco Coelho dos Santos at Casino Espinho
Michelin-Starred Dinners with Chef Vasco Coelho Santos Return to Casino Espinho
There are names that have left their mark on Portuguese gastronomy, and Vasco Coelho Santos is undoubtedly one of them. After earning national and international recognition for his creative approach and respect for ingredients, the Michelin-starred chef is once again partnering with Casino Espinho to offer unique culinary experiences.
Every Saturday in July, Casino Espinho will host a series of exclusive dinners curated by Vasco Coelho Santos, where haute cuisine meets the elegance and sophistication of one of the region’s most iconic venues.
From business administration to the top of national gastronomy
Vasco's story is marked by courage. When he was just one year away from graduating in Business Administration, he realized that his passion was stronger than his love for numbers. He stopped everything and pursued his dream. In 2008, he left Porto for Lisbon, beginning a meteoric rise at Atelier de Cozinha Michel and Olivier Avenida. His destiny was set: he finished his internship at Tavares Rico alongside José Avillez, the first Portuguese chef to earn two Michelin stars.
An Itinerary Through the Temples of World Gastronomy
In 2010, Vasco left for Spain to join the teams of some of the best restaurants in the world. Learning alongside masters like Andoni Aduriz (Mugaritz), Juan Mari Arzak, and the legendary Ferran Adrià at El Bulli was an enriching experience that shaped his technical and creative identity.
Returning to Portugal in 2013, he worked with Pedro Lemos’ team and traveled through Europe and Asia, with notable stints at Nuno Mendes’ Viajante (London) and 2am: Dessert Bar (Singapore), before settling in the "Invicta" city (Porto) to revolutionize the local culinary scene.
The Vasco Coelho Santos "Ecosystem" in Porto
Vasco Coelho Santos is a born entrepreneur, and his impact on Porto goes far beyond the stove. The year 2022 was a historic milestone in his career, as he was awarded the prestigious Michelin Star for his flagship project, Euskalduna Studio, the same year he received the international Chef de l’Avenir award.
His restaurant group reflects a diverse ecosystem focused on the product:
Euskalduna Studio (Porto): Opened in 2016, it is his contemporary signature cuisine space, focused on personalized counter experiences.
Semea by Euskalduna (Porto): Located by the riverside, it focuses on sharing, Portuguese flavors, and fire-based cooking.
Seixo by Vasco Coelho Santos (Douro): A partnership with Sogrape at Quinta do Seixo, highlighting regional products and fire-cooked gastronomy overlooking the Douro River.
Peixaria by Euskalduna (Porto): An innovative concept combining the sale of high-quality fresh fish and seafood with prepared meals.
Kaigi (Porto): A concept blending Portuguese and Japanese cuisine at the counter.
Time Out Market Porto: A casual dining counter at the iconic São Bento Station.
Lamina (Lisbon): The major 2026 opening marking the Chef's return to the capital. Located in Avenidas Novas, Lamina is a visual play on the word "animal" and defines itself as a neighborhood project with refined ambition. Under Executive Chef Inês Azevedo, it draws inspiration from London’s iconic St. John, focusing on nose-to-tail product use and less obvious cuts explored through fire.
Signature Gastronomy at Casino Espinho
On Saturdays in July, visitors to Casino Espinho will have the opportunity to discover exclusive menus created especially for these evenings. Each dinner will be a unique experience, designed to surprise guests through a combination of top-quality ingredients, contemporary techniques, and the creativity that characterizes Chef Vasco Coelho Santos.
More than just a meal, every moment at the table promises a true sensory journey, where each dish tells a story and every detail is carefully crafted to provide a memorable experience.
If you appreciate signature cuisine and are looking for a distinctive experience, this is the perfect opportunity to discover the culinary signature of one of Portugal’s most renowned chefs in a setting of refinement and exclusivity.
Reserve your spot now and get ready to enjoy an unforgettable evening at Casino Espinho.