José Avillez is a prominent Portuguese chef known for promoting Portuguese gastronomy and contributing to making Portugal a top culinary destination. He owns several restaurants in Portugal (Lisbon, Porto, and Cascais) and internationally in Dubai and Macau, each offering unique concepts that reflect his passion for cuisine. His establishments include Belcanto, Encanto, Mini Bar, Bairro do Avillez, Pizzaria Lisboa, and Cantinho do Avillez, as well as his international ventures, Tasca in Dubai and Mesa by José Avillez in Macau.

In 2023, José and his wife Sofia Ulrich opened CASA NOSSA – THE LAKE FARMHOUSE in Alentejo, a luxurious estate with stunning views and five-star amenities. Additionally, José produces the JA wines—Red, White, and Rosé—collaborating with José Bento dos Santos and the Quinta do Monte D’Oiro vineyard. He has also authored books and hosted numerous TV and radio shows, both in Portugal and internationally, further cementing his influence on global cuisine.