Who is chef Isabel Almeida Da Silva on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?

MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 continues on BBC One next week, and co-founder and head chef Isabel Almeida Da Silva is one of the six chefs fighting for a place in the next round in the third heat.

The 46-year-old, who lives in west London, faces Abigail Smith, Andrea Ruszel, Connor Wilson, Dominique Ogunlowo and Jim Foster-Grundy in the third group of this year's MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 series, which features 24 chefs competing in groups of six.

Age at start of filming

46

Job role

Co-founder and head chef

Chef background

Isabel is a self-taught chef, and names Marco Pierre White's Michelin-starred Mirabelle as the most memorable place she has worked.

She is co-founder and head chef of Volta do Mar in Covent Garden.

On her career highlights so far, she said: "Owning my own restaurant and being listed in the Michelin Guide."

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Who or what inspired you to become a chef?

"My great-grandmother and seeing the likes of Marco Pierre White having a passion."

How would you describe your style of cooking and influences on it?

Isabel's cooking is rooted in Lusophone cuisine, the food of the Portuguese-speaking world.

She said: "Great produce and making sure Lusophone cuisine is out there."

Three ingredients you can't live without?

"Garlic, olive oil and prawns!"

What do you eat when you get back from service?

"Noodles!"

Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?

"I really wanted to highlight Lusophone cuisine!"

Outside of cooking, what are your passions?

"Spirituality, my kids, dancing, having fun and the sea."

>>> Read more: MasterChef: The Professionals series 19: start date, judges and the full chef lineup