He came to Lisbon for a two-week holiday. He ended up building a life there.
At just 18 years old, Nepali-born Tanka Sapkota found himself stranded in Portugal after a money transfer from his brother was returned due to an error in his name. What could have been a temporary setback became the starting point of an extraordinary success story in Lisbon’s vibrant food scene. Today, Sapkota is a celebrated chef and restaurant owner, best known for Come Prima — an acclaimed Italian restaurant praised by food critics and fellow chefs across Portugal.
A Chance Encounter with Portugal
Born in Nepal, Tanka Sapkota had already developed a deep passion for cooking before his journey to Europe. After time in Germany, he arrived in Portugal in 1996 intending only a short vacation. He quickly fell in love with the country and its people. “On a trip to Portugal, I immediately fell in love with the country and its people, and a stay planned for two weeks turned into a lifetime,” Sapkota has shared.
A simple banking mistake left him without funds, forcing him to find immediate work. He took a job in a restaurant to make ends meet. Observing that authentic Italian cuisine was still underdeveloped in Portugal at the time, he saw an opportunity. Determined to fill this gap, he stayed on and honed his skills.
The Birth of Come Prima
In 1999, after gaining valuable experience, Sapkota opened Come Prima in Lisbon’s charming Lapa district at Rua do Olival 258. The restaurant quickly gained recognition for its excellence in Italian cuisine, with a particular focus on truffle dishes. Under his leadership, it became a national reference point for refined Italian dining.
Sapkota’s dedication to quality earned him the prestigious title of Knight of the Truffles of Alba — one of only about 20 people worldwide to receive this honor. He famously acquired a massive 1.153 kg truffle in Alba, Italy, in 2018, further cementing his reputation in the culinary world.
Expanding a Culinary Empire
Success with Come Prima led Sapkota to build a small restaurant group in Lisbon. He opened Forno d’Oro, renowned for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas (which have earned top global rankings and Verace Pizza Napoletana approval), Il Mercato, and Casa Nepalesa — the latter blending his Nepalese roots with Portuguese and Italian influences.
In early 2026, Come Prima achieved a historic milestone: it was named among the 70 best Italian restaurants (including pizzerias) in the world. This marked the first time a Portuguese establishment received such recognition in the prestigious guide. Sapkota described the honor as deeply meaningful: “Seeing Come Prima included among the 70 best restaurants in the world is a recognition that goes far beyond a project.”
A Story of Resilience and Cultural Fusion
Tanka Sapkota’s journey from a stranded young traveler washing dishes to a successful chef-owner embodies resilience, passion, and adaptability. He has not only enriched Lisbon’s gastronomic landscape but also given back through initiatives like charity events at Casa Nepalesa supporting children in Portugal and Nepal.
For visitors and locals alike, Come Prima offers more than just a meal — it delivers an authentic Italian experience infused with a unique immigrant success story. Located in the emblematic Lapa neighborhood, the restaurant continues to celebrate gastronomy, quality ingredients, and the emotional connection that food brings.
Sapkota’s tale is a powerful reminder that life’s unplanned detours can lead to the most rewarding destinations. From a two-week holiday disrupted by a name error to decades of culinary excellence, he has truly made Lisbon his home — one delicious plate at a time. Reservations are highly recommended for this Lapa gem.
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