Chef Sérgio Balreira

Private Chef In Cascais

What can I say… I am very fortunate to have been born, raised and become a culinary chef in a country with such a rich culinary culture as Portugal. Having been a food lover since a young age, undoubtedly because my mother has always been an amazing cook, made me want to go further in this field and so began my 12 year long kitchen affair.

After completing my Kitchen and Pastry Course at the ‘Porto School of Hospitality and Tourism’, I started honing my skills in various restaurants in Porto, such as Restaurant ‘Sessenta Setenta’, taking my first steps as a cook with Chef Francisco Meireles at Restaurant ‘Buhle’ and Restaurant ‘Apart’.

It was also in this same city that I had the pleasure to work under 2 Michelin star winner Chef Rui Paula at his ‘DOP’ restaurant in Porto, ‘DOC’ restaurant in Régua and in the prestigious five-star Hotel Vidago Palace.

With the breadth of knowledge from these experiences in Portugal, I felt it was time to learn more about international cuisine and moved to London. There I worked at ‘The Arts Club’ a very exclusive private members club in Mayfair, where I kept learning for the next three years, having had the pleasure to prepare food for illustrious guests, such as Prince Harry, Victoria Beckham and Simon Cowell, to name a few.

My next endeavour saw me coordinating the opening of the ‘Rail House Café’, a brand new and vibrant restaurant in Victoria, Central London, helping develop their concept for almost 3 years.

In 2019, an opportunity I could not refuse presented itself: to move to Lisbon and work at chef’s José Avillez ‘Bairro do Avillez’ in Chiado, where I stayed until the pandemic lockdowns started.

My food results from the many experiences throughout my career, always respecting the ingredients and applying maximum focus on the smallest of details and largest of flavours.

For me, cooking is...

.....an act of Love.

I learned to cook at...

Gastronomy is an endless road, absorbing the most of all experiences and learning from every single person with I had the pleasure to share a kitchen.

A cooking secret...

Respect the ingredients, stay focused, work hard... and never forget to add love to every single dish.

My menus

Chef's Menu *****

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

(S) Tuna Tartare Avocado and Wasabi Dressing

(S) Sea Bass Ceviche with Mango Leche de Tigre

(S) Braised Scallop, Cauliflower Puree , Yuzu Dressing, and Togarashi

(S) Creamy Polenta with Parmesan , Pan-fry Oyster Mushrooms and Pickles

(S) Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil and Focaccia Crostini

(S) Chicken Yakitori, Nashi Pear and Bonito Flakes

(S) Rosbife Tonnato, Pickles , Crostini and Parmesan Shaves

(S) Beef Carpaccio , Olive Tapenade and Sun-dried Tomatoes

(S) Prawns Cesar Salad, Parmesan and Chives

(S) Fishmonger Soup

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

(M) Portuguese SeaFood Rice

(M) Duck Magret, Carrot Puree and Toasted Hazelnuts

(M) Short Rib, Smoked Mash and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

(M) Veggie Green Thai Curry (Vegan)

(M) Veggie Moqueca (Brazilian Stew) and Citrus Farofa (Vegan)

(M) Mushroom Risotto (Vegetarian)

(M) Asparagus Risotto (Vegetarian)

(M) Pappardelle al Pesto with salted Tomatoes and courgettes

(M) .SeaBass Rice with Clams

(M) Octopus Rice, Harissa and Coriander

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

(D) .Citrus Bar and Merengue Shards

(D) Churros com Dulce de Leche

(D) Salted Caramel and Chocolate Tart

(D) Tiramisú

(D) "Abade de Priscos" Pudim

Portuguese Menu

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

(S) Scallops Brás Style

(S) Beef Carpaccio , Olive Tapenade and Sun-dried Tomatoes

(S) "Bulhão Pato" Clams Chorizo and Cilantro

(S) Sauted Gatlic Prawns, Lemon and cilantro

(S) Confit Sardines, roasted Peppers and Corn Bread

(S) Broad Beans and Green Peas Salad, Poached Egg and Corn Bread Crostini (Vegetarian)

(S) Fishmonger Soup

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

(M) Portuguese SeaFood Rice

(M) Pork Belly, Clams and punched Potatoes

(M) Olive and Garlic Confit Cod, Potatoes, tomatoes and Spinach

(M) .Short Rib, Smoked Mash and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

(M) .SeaBass Rice with Clams

(M) .Octopus Rice, Harissa and Chives

(M) Portuguese Cod with Cream , Bread Crumbs and Chives

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

(D) Citrus Bar and Merengue Shards

(D) .Salted Caramel and Chocolate Tart

(D )Rice Pudding Cinnamon and Lemon

Italian menu

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

(S) Baked Eggplant a Parmegiana

(S) Rosbife Tonnato, Pickles , Crostini and Parmesan Shaves

(S) Beef Carpaccio , Olive Tapenade and Sun-dried Tomatoes

(S) Creamy Polenta with Parmesan , Pan-fry Oyster Mushrooms and Pickles

(S) .Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil

(S) Broad Beans and Green Peas Salad, Poached Egg and Focaccia Crostini

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

(M) Pappardelle with Beef Ragu and Truffle Oil

(M) Lasanha Milanesa

(M) Meat Raviolis in Salvia Butter

(M) Mushroom Raviolis in truffled Butter

(M) Pappardelle al Pesto with salted Tomatoes and courgettes

(M) .Mushroom Risotto (Vegetarian)

(M). Asparagus Risotto (Vegetarian)

(M) Garlic and Herb Mussel

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

(D) Salted Caramel and Chocolate Tart

(D) Tiramisú

(D) .Citrus Bar and Limoncello Merengue Shards

Vegetarian or Vegan

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

(S) Baked Eggplant a Parmegiana (Vegan)

(S) Broad Beans and Green Peas Salad, Poached Egg and Corn Bread Crostini (Vegetarian)

(S) Corn Salad , Pomegranate, and Jalapeño Dressing

(S) Quinoa Salad, Tomatoes Cucumber Herbs

(S) Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

(S) Creamy Polenta with Parmesan , Pan-fry Oyster Mushrooms and Pickles

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

(M) Veggie Green Thai Curry (Vegan)

(M) .Veggie Moqueca (Brazilian Stew) and Citrus Farofa (Vegan)

(M) Veggie Pad-Thai

(M) Asparagus Risotto (Vegetarian)

(M) Mushroom Risotto (Vegetarian)

(M) Veggie Chilli (Vegan)

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vegan Chocolate Mousse

Vegan Lemon Cheesecake with Frozen Raspberries Crumble

Asian menu

STARTER

All inclusive

(S) Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

(S) Chicken Gyozas with Soy Sauce

(M) Miso Soup, Tofu and Chives

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

(S) Tuna Tartare Avocado and Wasabi Dressing

(S) Braised Scallop, Cauliflower Puree , Yuzu Dressing, and Togarashi

(S) Chicken Yakitori, Nashi Pear and Bonito Flakes

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

(M) Veggie Green Thai Curry (Vegan)

(M) Pork Ramen with Noodles

(M) Tom-Kha-Kai (Thai Soup)

(M) Shimp.Pad-Thai

(M) Chicken Green Thai Curry

(M) Prawn Green Thai Curry

(M) Veggie Pad-Thai

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

(D) Miso Salted Caramel and Chocolate Tart

(D) Yuzu Citrus Bar and Merengue Shards

(D) Matcha Tiramisu

Latin American menu

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

(S) Braised Scallop, Cauliflower Puree , Yuzu Dressing, and Togarashi

(S) Corn Salad , Pomegranate, and Jalapeño Dressing

(S) Sea Bass Ceviche with Mango Leche de Tigre

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

(M) Shrimp Moqueca (Brazilian Stew) and Citrus Farofa

(M) .Veggie Moqueca (Brazilian Stew) and Citrus Farofa (Vegan)

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

(D) Churros com Dulce de Leche

(D) .Salted Caramel and Chocolate Tart

(D) .Citrus Bar and Merengue Shards

BBQ menu

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

Choose 3 dishes

Beetroot Salad, orange dressing and feta cheese

Tomato, Mozarella and Pesto Salad

Black beans and tomatoe rice

Portuguese Style Tomatoes and Red Onions Salad

Quinoa Salad, Tomatoes Cucumber Herbs

Potatoes Salad, Gherkins and Dill

Cesar Salad, Parmesan and Chives

(S) Corn Salad , Pomegranate, and Jalapeño Dressing

(S) .Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

BBQ Meats/Salsas- Beef, Pork, Chiken, Sausages

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

(D) Churros com Dulce de Leche

(D) .Salted Caramel and Chocolate Tart

(D) .Citrus Bar and Merengue Shards

(D) Rice Pudding Cinnamon and Lemon

Seafood Platter

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

(S) Tuna Tartare Avocado and Wasabi Dressing

(S) Sea Bass Ceviche, Avocado and Coriander Cress

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Seafood Platter ( Oysters/Prawns/Crab/Clams/Mussels)

DESSERT

All inclusive

(D) Citrus Bar and Merengue Shards

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Chef Sérgio's reviews

4.73

•

110 services

We booked Sérgio for a private dinner for a group of 18 people and we are so glad we did! We had an amazing dinner prepared and served by Sérgio and the collegue he brought. Discussing the menus in advance was easy and Sérgio was helpful in making the right choices, taking allergies into account and setting up the perfect group dinner. The food was absolutly incredible, we didnt leave a single crumble on the plates. Everything was fresh and delicious, taking into account the different tastes of everyone. Timing was great and everything was on time. Afterwards, the clean up was done perfectly, we didn't even notice the kitchen was used. I can 100% recommend Sérgio, if we come back to Lisbon he will be our first call!

We had a fantastic evening with Sergio and his wife who was assisting. The food was out of this world - presented immaculately, often with a story behind the dish or information on how it was made and, most importantly of course, it tasted absolutely incredible. Sadly a member of our group was unwell on the evening, so Sergio ensured a portion of the food was plated up and left for that guest when he was feeling better. They cleaned everything up and worked away quietly. We have never had a private chef before but this was a brilliant experience, and I’d highly recommend Sergio. Thank you!

Sergio's performance was amazing! Food was delicious, the presentation was great and we had a wonderful night. He totally accomodated to my request which was to offer Portuguese tapas to our guests. I would 100% recommend him and his amazing crew!

Sergio and his wife Asyria were absolutely incredible. They worked within our one guest's shellfish allergy and dietary restrictions while also giving the entire party a very diverse and delicious menu. They gave us a thorough description of each dish and made the entire experience thoroughly enjoyable; it was my mother-in-law's birthday dinner and they made her something special to celebrate too! We highly recommend them to everyone.

Chef Sergio's food was incredible, and preparation was a sight to enjoy! Wine selection was impeccable. His service is very well recommended. Both he and his wife are very nice and incredibly professional.

Sergio produced an incredible meal for my family, it was a truly memorable experience!

Engaged. Did very well especially w limited kitchen amenities, cleanliness was important to him. Food was superb. An exciting meal with a fantastic mesh of flavors

Imaculada!

Comida muito boa, o Chef Sérgio foi muito profissional e paciente. Recomendo e irei recorrer aos seus serviços no futuro.

Sergio and his crew were wonderful! The food was fantastic and they did a great job cleaning up afterwards.

What a fantastic experience we had with Chef Sergio. Everything went as well as it possibly could, resulting in two extremely memorable meals for our group on our first two nights of vacation. We were staying in Ericeira, which is about 40 minutes outside of Lisbon. Sergio was prompt and clear in communication and the process to set the menu was easy. He and his wife arrived on time both nights, took charge of the kitchen, set a great table, and paced a delicious multi-course meal. Sergio's blending of flavors nods to his experiences around the world. We will most certainly be booking more meals with Chef Sergio and recommend him to anyone looking for a private chef!

Chef Sérgio and his wife were incredible. We were celebrating my birthday over a long weekend, and we got the most incredible experience. The food was fantastic, the presentation was really wow, and they even brought their own dishes/equipment and cleaned up impeccably. A huge Thank you - and highly recommended!

We absolutely loved our dinner experience with chef Sergio! The food was soooo good and beautifully presented. The chef and his sous chef took over the kitchen in a very calm and organised way while we had the chance to enjoy their delicious sangria on the terrace until we were invited to go the table. Sergio explained every dish and we truly loved everything but the ceviche was incredible! If we are ever back in the area we will surely ask them to cook for us again. It was a wonderful, tasteful and very relaxed experience.

The experience with chef Sérgio was fantastic. From the menu selection, which was diverse without being overwhelming, to the service and the food, everybody was ecstatic about the whole thing. The communication was also really good, and the chef very accommodating, making the organisation of the event a breeze. Obviously, the food was great: a real restaurant fine dining experience!

Chef Sergio was amazing! We were on a family trip and decided to take a night off from cooking and enjoy a gourmet meal in our vacation rental. From start to finish the food was superb. And leaving the setup and cleanup to chef helped us to have an amazingly relaxing night.

Fantastic food. Thanks.

Chef Sérgio provided an amazing evening. The food was on par with the best restaurants I've ever gone to, the menu was very diverse and the chef took the time to explain some of the techniques he was using while cooking the food. Definitely recommend and will probably will contact for future events!

We had an incredible fine dining private experience with Sergio. Highly recommend !

Sergio and his team do a very good job. They were punctual, reliable and hard working. We were very happy with the high quality food.

Chef Sergio & his wife were incredible. They cooked up a great meal, were incredibly attentive to the dietary needs of the group, and were incredibly kind. Their professionalism and attention to detail is better than most restaurants I’ve been to around the world. You can really tell they know what they’re doing. I would highly reccomend them for parties / gatherings - especially when you’re trying to impress.