Marlene is chef Marlene Vieira's most ambitious restaurant. It holds one MICHELIN star and has a clear calling: fish and seafood handled with technique and brains. It sits on the Jardim do Tabaco dock, right by the river, and is worth a visit for anyone wanting to see how far Portuguese seafood cooking can go when someone takes it seriously.
The sea, seen by a Portuguese chef
The cooking is modern but keeps its feet on the ground. The starting point is what the Portuguese sea provides, and the work lies in fine-tuning flavours, textures and seasoning without hiding the produce. Menus change with the season and with what comes in, so each visit brings a surprise. More than any single dish, it's the sequence that counts: a meal planned from start to finish, with fish and seafood in the leading role.
The restaurant belongs to Marlene Vieira's group, the same as Zunzum, the more relaxed gastrobar next door. If you like the chef's touch in an informal setting, here you'll find the gala version.
What to expect at the table
It's a top-price restaurant with a MICHELIN star, so expect attentive service and an unhurried meal. Keep the whole evening (or afternoon) free and don't plan anything straight afterwards. Menu formats may vary, so check what's available when you book and mention any allergies or restrictions. As for clothes, no tie needed, but a smart look suits the setting.
Santa Apolónia and around: fitting the meal into your day
Jardim do Tabaco is on the Tagus, at the foot of Alfama. That gives you the perfect excuse to spend the day climbing up and down the neighbourhood before sitting down to eat. Start at the National Pantheon, the white dome you can see from afar, and if it's a Tuesday or Saturday, pass by the Feira da Ladra flea market right next door. Then get lost in Alfama's stairways up to the Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol viewpoints.
To come back down, the riverside takes you effortlessly to the Casa dos Bicos and Terreiro do Paço. Tile lovers have the National Tile Museum a short way east. And Santa Apolónia station, with trains and metro, is practically on the doorstep.
Good for
Google reviews
See on Tripadvisor ↗Before or after your meal
Tours nearby
TourFree Tour of Alfama in Spanish: Lisbon’s Oldest Neighborhood
Up to 6 people
TourLisbon in Private: Belém, Alfama and City Views — 6 to 7 Hours
TourLisbon Sunset Sailing Tour
TourFree Tour of Alfama in French: Lisbon’s Oldest Neighborhood
Up to 6 peopleOther restaurants nearby
Zunzum Gastrobar
Contemporary · Santa Apolónia · €€
Marlene Vieira's gastrobar by the Tagus in Santa Apolónia, with a Bib Gourmand. Contemporary cooking, a relaxed vibe and fair prices, a stone's throw from Alfama.
Read the guideParreirinha de Alfama
Casa de fado · Alfama
Casa de fado histórica de Alfama, desde 1939, no Largo do Chafariz de Dentro: jantar português e fado ao vivo no coração do bairro.
Read the guideMesa de Frades
Casa de fado · Alfama
Uma casa de fado conhecida em Alfama, numa antiga capela forrada a azulejos. Jantar e fado ao vivo na Rua dos Remédios.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
Does Marlene have a MICHELIN star?
Yes, Marlene has one MICHELIN star. It's chef Marlene Vieira's signature restaurant, focused on modern fish and seafood cooking.
Do I need to book?
It's strongly recommended, especially for dinner and at weekends. Bookings are made through TheFork, where you can also leave notes about allergies or special occasions.
How do I get to Marlene?
It's on Avenida Infante D. Henrique, at the Jardim do Tabaco dock, by the river and very close to Santa Apolónia station, served by train and metro. From Alfama it's a few minutes' walk, all downhill.
Own a restaurant?
Appear in our guides and welcome travellers from all over the world. The first restaurants join free of charge.
Get in touchEditorial guide: restaurants don't pay to be listed and aren't affiliated with Voylar Tour. Check opening hours, prices and bookings on the restaurant's website. Distinctions as in the MICHELIN Guide Portugal 2026.