Positioned along Lisbon’s prestigious Avenida da Liberdade, JNcQUOI Asia represents a sophisticated celebration of Portugal’s rich maritime heritage while establishing new benchmarks for contemporary Asian dining. The establishment, which opened its doors in summer 2019, marks a significant evolution in the portfolio of the Amorim Luxury Group. Under the leadership of CEO Miguel Guedes de Sousa, the venue has rapidly become a cornerstone of Lisbon’s luxury dining landscape, drawing an international clientele seeking exceptional culinary experiences.
Culinary Excellence
Drawing upon Sousa’s decade of immersion in Asian culture and cuisine, this ambitious venture seamlessly integrates four distinct culinary traditions. Each kitchen operates as an independent entity, staffed by specialists in their respective cuisines. Chefs António Bóia and Mário Esteves spent months training in prestigious Asian kitchens, mastering traditional techniques and building relationships with premium suppliers. The addition of celebrated chef David Thompson, renowned for his Michelin-starred Thai restaurant Nahm in Bangkok, as culinary adviser ensures an authentic approach to each regional cuisine. The kitchen employs traditional equipment, including tandoor ovens and robata grills, demonstrating dedication to authentic preparation methods.
Signature Dishes and Beverages
The culinary journey begins with meticulously prepared Indian accompaniments. The garlic-infused naan bread emerges from the tandoor with perfect charring, while crisp pappadums arrive with house-made mango chutney that balances sweetness with subtle spice.
The JNcQUOI Tuna Tartar showcases a blend luxury ingredients, featuring premium akami tuna enhanced with truffled olive oil and crowned with caviar. Crispy wontons provide textural contrast to this refined dish. The prawn tempura demonstrates exceptional technique, each prawn encased in gossamer-light batter, served with a precisely balanced chilli mayonnaise.
The signature Peking Duck epitomises Chinese culinary artistry. The dish undergoes meticulous preparation, resulting in glass-like skin and succulent meat, accompanied by a complex fruity sauce that enhances rather than overwhelms.
The dessert menu reflects the same attention to detail evident throughout the dining experience. The Japanese Cheesecake with sweet egg filling demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of Asian patisserie techniques, while the Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Tart offers a refined European conclusion to the meal. Each dessert is crafted to provide a memorable finale to the dining experience, balancing traditional flavours with contemporary presentation.
The beverage options matches the culinary sophistication. The Oriental Martini is a guest favourite, known for its creative mixology, combining Beefeater 24 gin with Taylor’s Chip Dry White Port as a base for layers of yuzu, lychee, and pandan, finished with cardamom and silky egg white. The Fiji Old Fashioned, crafted with an exclusive Plantation Fiji 2001 rum bottling, incorporates Indian spice syrup and chocolate bitters, creating a refined digestif that honours both Asian and European traditions. The selection of fine wines is also admirable, with a professional sommelier on hand to help create the perfect pairings.
Sophisticated Space
The 300-seat venue showcases the vision of renowned architect Lázaro Rosa Violán across three distinct environments. The main dining room centres around a dramatic golden dragon skeleton suspended from the ceiling, a powerful symbol in Chinese culture. The space combines contemporary luxury with traditional Asian design elements, creating an atmosphere of refined opulence.
The Ganda Bar, named to commemorate the first rhinoceros to reach European shores, offers a sophisticated setting for evening entertainment. The outdoor terrace provides a third distinctive environment, capturing the energy and atmosphere of Asia’s most dynamic urban centres while offering views of Avenida da Liberdade.
Beyond Dining
JNcQUOI Asia transcends traditional restaurant boundaries by incorporating a carefully curated designer boutique featuring prestigious brands including Dior, Balenciaga, and Givenchy. A concealed entrance reveals Frou Frou, an intimate Chinese restaurant offering an additional layer of exclusivity.
As darkness falls, the Ganda Bar transforms into a sophisticated nightlife destination, operating until 2am from Thursday through Saturday. A resident DJ creates an elegant soundtrack for Lisbon’s discerning social scene, while skilled bartenders craft bespoke cocktails for a discriminating clientele.
JNcQUOI Asia successfully balances historical narrative with contemporary luxury, creating an environment where exceptional gastronomy, sophisticated design, and refined social interaction converge to create a unique dining destination in Lisbon’s luxury landscape.
