i. Biography
Mediterranean cooking at Eleven in Lisbon has been the working frame since 2004, with Joachim Koerper as owner carrying a German start through French kitchens, a Spanish chapter and a Portuguese chapter. Born in Saarbrücken, Germany, he worked in France, Spain and Portugal.
Coming Up
Classical hotel training set the base at Hotel Falken and Kempiski before the craft moved through a long French circuit: chef roles at L’Ambroise in Paris, France (1971–1990), Moulin de Mougins in French Riviera near Cannes, France (1971–1990), Guy Savoy in Paris, France (1971–1990), Hosteleria du Cerf in Marlenheim, Alsace, France (1971–1990), Au Chapon Fin in Thoissey, France (1971–1990), and Assiette Champenoise in Reims, France (1971–1990). The later work shifted into ownership and consulting: chef / owner at Girasol in Alicante, Spain, Consulting Chef at Arcadas da Capela, Quinta das Lágrimas in Coimbra, Portugal, Consulting Chef at Pousada Casa del Abad de Ampudia in Valencia, Spain, and partner / chef at Eleven Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (from 2015). The current Portuguese practice is split across executive and ownership roles: Joachim Koerper is Executive Chef and partner of Eleven (since 2004), owner of Restaurante Eleven, and Executive Chef of Herdade da Malhadinha Nova.
Where They Are Now
The kitchen works in sophisticated Mediterranean Cuisine, with product freshness as the first condition and fish and seafood central to the repertoire. The operating brief is narrow and practical: product, quality, color, taste and freshness. In the lobster salad with pumpkin, olives and coconut—described in a video as his signature and prepared at Michelin-starred Eleven in Lisbon—Joachim Koerper puts that brief into a single plate. The post keeps the Portuguese work active alongside Eleven in Lisbon.
Signature
The signature register includes lobster salad, Sea bass with Bivalves and “sea” puree, and Ammonite.
Honors
Joachim Koerper has received Michelin Guide — First Michelin star for Girasol. Recognition has followed both the Portuguese and Spanish work: Gourmetour Best Restaurant in Portugal for Eleven (2007), Gourmetour Best Restaurant of the Year for Girasol (2002), First Michelin star for Girasol, Second Michelin star for Girasol, and Grand Chef (2010).
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Joachim
Where did Joachim Koerper train or study?
Joachim Koerper trained at Hotel Falken and Kempiski.
What recognition has Joachim Koerper received?
Gourmetour Best Restaurant in Portugal for Eleven (2007).
