Culinary heritage of southern Italy celebrated in Macau at Don Alfonso 1890
Signature dishes highlight long-standing classic flavours from the restaurant’s chef and co-founder, Alfonso Iaccarino
SJM Resorts recently welcomed legendary chef Alfonso Iaccarino back to Macau from April 30 to May 9, in celebration of nearly two decades of exceptional southern Italian cuisine at Don Alfonso 1890.
As chef and co-founder of the original, Michelin-starred Don Alfonso 1890 restaurant in Italy, Iaccarino has been a pivotal figure in introducing this style of cooking to Asia. His approach is deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability and flavour, reflecting generations of dedication to ingredient-led cooking.
This philosophy extends to the menu at Don Alfonso 1890 at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, which opened in 2023. Presenting the true flavours of southern Italy in a setting lavishly adorned in Venetian terrazzo – featuring private dining rooms, a cocktail area and an open-plan kitchen – the restaurant balances the luxury of Versace and the rich heritage of Don Alfonso with subtle Macanese touches.
Handcrafted by Italian artisans, the restaurant’s terrazzo floors are decorated in rosette and floral motifs, inspired by the historic Versace Villa at Italy’s Lake Como, while the windows are reminiscent of those seen in Macau’s historic buildings.
Similarly, the restaurant continues to honour Iaccarino’s legacy while adapting traditional recipes to Macau’s vibrant culinary scene, under the innovative leadership of head chef Federico Pucci. With over a decade of gastronomic expertise, Pucci shares a deep passion for authentic Italian flavours, and his commitment ensures guests experience a harmonious blend of classic southern Italian cuisine and modern influences.
During Iaccarino’s recent residency in Macau, signature dishes were curated at Don Alfonso 1890, paying homage to the past while setting the stage for future gourmet adventures and reaffirming the restaurant’s status as a premier dining destination in Macau.
In a celebration of culinary artistry and heritage, the menu at Don Alfonso 1890 includes dishes like wild turbot paired with roasted leek and buffalo mozzarella, and baby lamb from Aveyron, France, with morel mushrooms – each meticulously prepared to highlight the natural flavours and quality of the ingredients.
Iaccarino emphasises the importance of culinary heritage while elevating a dish, stating: “You must always understand what is changing around you, without losing family tradition.”
His family’s commitment to sustainable practices is exemplified at Le Peracciole, their organic farm in Italy where rare produce is cultivated using time-honoured methods. This dedication has positioned the Iaccarino family as pioneers of the farm-to-table movement, ensuring that every ingredient tells a story.
Pucci notes: “While we do incorporate innovative techniques, we prefer simple cooking methods that highlight the natural flavours of our seasonal produce. This approach allows us to maintain the quality and integrity of our ingredients.”
Iaccarino’s return to Macau provided a unique opportunity to savour the rich flavours and culinary heritage of southern Italy at Don Alfonso 1890. Carrying a commitment to excellence, sustainability and artistry, this menu promises to leave guests “with a memorable experience that extends beyond just a meal”, according to Pucci.
In celebrating the enduring impact of Iaccarino’s culinary legacy on Macau’s vibrant dining landscape, Pucci aims to provide guests with an engaging gourmet journey. “We want them to feel a connection to our culinary heritage and not just enjoy delicious food, but also the joy and warmth that comes from sharing authentic Italian cuisine.”