Diogo José da Silva Bartolo: A Chef's Culinary Odyssey

From Portugal to Lefkara

In the heart of Lefkara, a small village known for its lace and silverware, something remarkable is brewing in The Kitchen of The Agora Hotel. Here, Head Chef Diogo José da Silva Bartolo is breathing new life into the culinary scene, bringing a wealth of experience from around Europe. Diogo’s culinary journey has taken him from Portugal to Spain, Switzerland, and Amsterdam. His favourite experience? Working in the most popular Italian restaurant in Zermatt, Switzerland.

“Zermatt reminds me of Lefkara, though with a larger population and a more vibrant nightlife,” he recalls. “Every day, I would open oysters on the street from 4 to 7 PM, then head to the restaurant until 1 AM. It was an intense experience, but I was surrounded by people who had been there for 15 years. I was the youngest and the newest on the team, and I wanted to learn everything—from the cuisine to all the languages spoken in the kitchen.”

Each destination in his journey added a new layer to his culinary experience.

A Passion for Perfection

Diogo’s culinary skills are largely self-taught, honed through the years of dedication and the pursuit of perfection.

“I come from rough times, and there wasn’t always time to learn,” he shares. “In the last few years, I’ve taken it upon myself to perfect my techniques, like buying fish and learning to clean it properly. My favourite role would have to be garde manger. It's one of my favourite things—preparing and dividing proteins, exploring new techniques, and always striving to be better and faster.”

His favourite dishes to prepare are those that he loves to eat—seafood, risotto, and anything fresh from the sea. He speaks fondly of his grandfather, who would cook fish over an open fire, a tradition that deeply influenced his cooking style.

A Love Affair with the Sea

Diogo's love for the sea is evident when it comes to his favourite dishes to eat. He’s most passionate about cooking fish, and his guilty pleasure is seafood—particularly barnacles, which he prefers either boiled or straight off the rocks. His Portuguese roots shine through in his cooking, especially in dishes like beef tartare and baby chicken, which he’s proud to have added to our menu.

The Vision

At Novel, Diogo is not just creating dishes; he is crafting a dining experience that reflects a shared vision with the owners. Diogo believes that Novél has undergone a period of transformation and rebirth after navigating challenging times. He is passionate about defending the cooking of The Kitchen, confident that the food they create is not just good but truly amazing.

For Diogo, Novél is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where he can do what he loves every day, surrounded by the beauty of Lefkara and the company of dear friends.

Why Lefkara? Why Novél?

Despite opportunities to return to Switzerland or Amsterdam, where doors remain open for him, or even to Madrid to be closer to his parents, Diogo chooses to stay in Lefkara.

“It’s not about the money; it’s about the environment, the place, the surroundings. Lefkara is good for my mental health and my spirit. Cyprus is an amazing place to experience life.”

Lefkara is a place where Diogo finds solace and inspiration, where he can recharge his spirit and bring fresh ideas to the kitchen at Novél.

What’s Next on the Menu?

As Novél continues to evolve, so does its menu. Diogo has already added some of his favourite dishes, like the beef tartare and the baby chicken, to the menu lineup. But he’s not stopping there—he hints at adding more fish dishes in the future, showcasing the flavours that remind him of his Portuguese roots.

When asked what dish he would suggest to diners, he points to the steak sandwich or the cauliflower dish, which offer a unique combination of ingredients and textures that leave a lasting impression.

An Invitation to Experience Novél

So, why should you dine with us?

As Diogo puts it, “Novel is transforming and reborn. We’ve found stability and strength. Our food is amazing, and it’s possible, you can find good anywhere, but the effort and passion we put into our work—you can’t find that everywhere.”

Come experience the magic of Novél through Diogo’s culinary passion.

At Novél, every dish tells a story, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Dine with us