Award 2023
4th Studioneves Special Sustainability Award – Mesa Marcada
In this edition, the approach started in 2022 was maintained, with restaurants divided into two categories: Urban and Rural. Based on strategic objectives, both the themes and the evaluation structure were reworked. On the one hand, the topics assessed were broadened beyond the restaurant’s own operation to include its relationship with the value chain.
On the other hand, the questionnaire (phase 1) was shortened to simplify the first assessment and make it easier for new restaurants to take part. To keep the rigour that previous editions are known for, the request for evidence (phase 2) was stricter, as were the on-site visits (phase 3).
The goal is to expand the sector’s reach and engagement while keeping the educational character and technical rigour of the initiative.
2023 RESULTS
As a result of these changes and the growing relevance of this topic for Portuguese hospitality, the number of entries again surpassed every previous edition, with 53 restaurants registered (+22% vs. 2022).
For phase 3 visits, seven restaurants were shortlisted:
Urban
- SEM
- Biclaque Trajano
- Em Carne Viva
Rural
- Herdade do Esporão
- Areias do Seixo
- Herdade da Malhadinha Nova
- Vale Abraão – Six Senses
URBAN WINNER – Em Carne Viva
Inspired by traditional Portuguese cuisine, with a commitment to a vegan menu, Em Carne Viva is based in Porto and in 2023 celebrated 10 years of activity, with a growing path as a business and as a low-impact gastronomic offer. Pioneers in fine dining plant-based cuisine, they have become a reference and reached new audiences.
The absence of animal ingredients is rooted in the owners’ philosophy of life — chef Vitor and Eduarda: “we are what we eat”. They focus on low impact and respect for nature: “our greatest contribution is not using animal protein”. A major highlight is the building’s design and use. A traditional building was remodelled with reuse and reinterpretation of the original structure, giving noble materials a second life. Beams and wall timber became tables and counters.
Innovations include 33 photovoltaic panels that supply the building’s electricity, plus solar thermal panels that heat water for the kitchen, laundry and bathrooms. The bathrooms, laundry and garden also use efficient equipment and are supplied with rainwater.
The tasting menu by reservation reduces waste; when leftovers remain, they are given a creative second life as pickles, culinary powders, dehydrated ingredients and more. The few mixed residues go to composting and feed the garden, fruit trees and the nursery. For Em Carne Viva, every material is valuable and deserves a new purpose.
On the social side, over 10 years they have fostered a healthy environment with a stable, long-lasting team, aiming to develop and retain professionals. In short, it is a space of creativity, exploration and innovation that seeks new solutions for both gastronomy and sustainability. In ten years, Em Carne Viva shows how a vision and belief can take shape across an entire operation.
RURAL WINNER – Vale Abraão – Six Senses
After two honourable mentions in previous editions, in 2023 Vale Abraão won the rural category for its ongoing commitment to low-impact gastronomy (and hospitality) and continuous improvement — made even more demanding by a luxury positioning.
Keeping that sustainability commitment is harder still given the volume of meals served by Vale Abraão’s kitchens. Six Senses chose to embed sustainability in its principles and value proposition. The culinary offer is guided by low impact and by a guest experience that can be transformative. That corporate culture is consistently visible.
Even with changes in team, processes, controls and methods, planning to reduce impacts was maintained and strengthened. Under chef Nuno Matos, the kitchen kept a seasonal menu, eliminated plastics, measured waste — especially at breakfast — used garden produce, developed local suppliers, consolidated composting, and more.
On the social side, Six Senses has an Investment Fund fed by a share of gross revenue and water sales, supporting local community actions and improving quality of life. For its excellence practices, formal work plan, systemic vision and high-level gastronomy reconciled with sustainability, Vale Abraão is the 2023 rural winner.
