Henrique Sá Pessoa to relocate Alma in 2026

The Staff Canteen

Lisbon’s two Michelin-starred Alma, led by chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, has announced it will close its doors at the end of this year in Chiado before relocating to a new neighbourhood of the city.

About Henrique

Henrique’s youth was spent with dreams of becoming a basketball player, before trying and failing an accountancy course.

Accounting’s loss was hospitality’s gain as Henrique joined cookery school aged 20, opening his first restaurant a decade later and winning a Michelin star in 2015.

Alma in Lisbon has held two stars for the past seven years, while Vinha in Porto also boasts a star.

Henrique has expanded outside of Portugal in recent years, with ventures in Amsterdam, Macau and Dubai, as well as JOIA, which overlooks Battersea Power Station.

Read more: Two-Michelin-starred Henrique Sá Pessoa on JOIA and London dining

The announcement

In a statement shared on Instagram, Henrique confirmed that Alma will continue to operate at its current Chiado location until December 31, before moving to its new home.

He said: “The Alma restaurant will close its doors at

the end of this year in Chiado and reopen in another neighbourhood of the city, with the opening scheduled for early 2026.

"We will reveal the new location in due course, and until then, we will continue to operate as usual at our usual address until December 31. Let’s enjoy this iconic space in your company, always celebrating the present and the future of the best of Portuguese cuisine.”

Alma’s journey

Since opening in Chiado in 2015, Alma has become one of Portugal’s most celebrated fine dining destinations, recognised for Henrique's contemporary interpretation of Portuguese flavours and seasonal produce. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star in 2016, followed by a second in 2018, cementing its status among the country’s culinary elite.

What’s next

The exact new location of Alma has not yet been revealed, but Henrique has assured diners that the restaurant’s ethos of showcasing the very best of Portuguese produce will remain at its heart. Guests can continue to book Alma in Chiado until the end of the year.

Small Contribution. Big Impact.

The Staff Canteen has always been more than a website—it’s a community, built by and for hospitality. We share the wins, the challenges, the graft, and the inspiration that keeps kitchens alive.

We believe in staying open to everyone, but creating this content takes real resources. If you’ve ever found value here—whether it’s a recipe, an interview, or a laugh when you needed it most—consider giving just £3 to keep it going.

 

A little from you keeps this space free for all. Let’s keep lifting the industry, together.

The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 12th September 2025

Henrique Sá Pessoa to relocate Alma in 2026