Marlene, — Restaurant in Lisbon

Overall, Marlene feels like walking into someone’s elegant yet welcoming home. The staff is incredibly attentive but never hovering—always ready to answer questions about the dishes or wine pairings, and eager to share the story behind each course. The atmosphere manages to be both sophisticated and comfortable, setting the tone for a truly memorable meal.

Choux with cured sheep cheese and truffle starts the evening with a delicate, airy crunch. The tangy depth of the cheese is heightened by a subtle truffle aroma, creating a luxurious introduction.

Cured tuna with puffed rice and gazpacho provides a bright, refreshing take on seafood. The tuna is melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the gazpacho adds zippy contrast and the puffed rice offers a pleasing crunch.

Shrimp from Algarve paired with cauliflower and XO sauce continues the celebration of seafood. The sweetness of the shrimp is balanced by the creaminess of cauliflower, with the savory XO sauce adding a delightful, briny punch.

Stone crab with carrot and nuts highlights the sweet, delicate flavors of crab and the natural sweetness of carrots, punctuated by the satisfying crunch of nuts.

Chawanmushi with cured ham and tear peas is a fun Portuguese-meets-Japanese twist. The silky steamed custard, salty ham, and fresh peas are comforting yet surprising at once.

Morilles (morels) with hazelnut is a hidden gem for mushroom lovers. Earthy morels match seamlessly with the nutty richness of hazelnuts, creating a lovely umami punch.

Squid “Feijoada” is a playful nod to the classic Portuguese stew. The familiar flavors are cleverly reimagined with tender squid, showcasing the chef’s creativity and respect for local tradition.

Red mullet with black trumpet mushrooms offers more ocean goodness. The fish is prepared with precision, and the mushrooms contribute a dark, woodsy taste that pairs beautifully with the mullet.

Wagyu with kimchi, black garlic, and Jerusalem artichoke is the star for meat lovers. The wagyu is unbelievably tender, nearly buttery in texture. The tang of kimchi and sweetness of black garlic add a playful punch, while the Jerusalem artichokes bring a mellow, earthy note that ties it all together.

Somewhere in between, an assortment of breads—white corn bread, whole wheat, and rye—arrive alongside Pico Island’s butter and S. Miguel do Seixo’s olive oil. These sides are mini experiences of their own, especially the velvety, aromatic olive oil.

Desserts include a light, floral combination of roses, raspberry, and pink pepper, which bridges perfectly into the indulgent final course of dark chocolate with caviar and hazelnut. The salty notes of caviar balance the richness of chocolate, while hazelnut provides a comforting crunch to end the meal on a playful high.

Service at Marlene is impeccable. The team guides you through each “moment,” explaining unfamiliar ingredients (like “tear peas” or XO sauce) without the slightest hint of pretension. The pacing is just right, never rushed, allowing you to savor each dish and look forward to the next.

If you love seafood, Marlene’s selection—from shrimp and crab to red mullet—is top-notch, showcasing Portugal’s coastal bounty. And if meat is more your style, the wagyu course alone is worth the visit. Overall, the “9 Moments” menu is a masterful, globe-trotting flavor journey that remains grounded in Portuguese...

Nestled in an enclave where culinary artistry meets sophistication, Marlene stands as a beacon of gastronomic excellence. From the moment one steps through its doors, the restaurant unfolds as a tableau of elegance, with an atmosphere that is both inviting and mesmerizing. The meticulously curated ambiance complements the high standards set by the establishment, ensuring that every detail, from the cutlery to the plates, aligns with the visual feast that greets the eyes.

Service at Marlene is nothing short of impeccable. The staff’s attentiveness and professionalism contribute to the seamless experience, embodying the essence of hospitality. This level of care extends to the restaurant’s beverage offerings, where the non-alcoholic cocktails emerge as a highlight. Crafted with creativity and flair, these beverages offer a refreshing departure from the mundane, showcasing a blend of flavors that are both unique and invigorating.

The culinary journey at Marlene is marked by an unwavering commitment to quality. The food, a testament to Chef Marlene Vieira’s passion and expertise, is prepared with the finest ingredients, each dish presented as a masterpiece of culinary art. The desserts, too, are commendable for their innovation and taste, rounding off the meal on a high note.

However, when one ventures into the realm of high cuisine, especially at a price point of 450€ for two, the anticipation for a gastronomic revelation is palpable. It is here that Marlene, despite its many virtues, encounters its sole shortfall. The expectation of being whisked away on a culinary adventure of unexpected delights was met with a familiarity that belies the restaurant’s ambitious pursuit of a Michelin star. Chef Vieira’s aspirations are clear, and her potential to achieve this accolade is undeniable. Yet, the essence of taste, that crucial element that distinguishes the extraordinary from the merely excellent, seemed to tread familiar ground.

In the pantheon of Michelin-starred establishments, there exists a disparity between those that truly astonish and those that merely meet the mark. While many achieve this prestigious recognition, only a select few transcend to deliver an experience that is both unforgettable and unparalleled. It is in this aspect that Marlene finds room for growth.

In conclusion, Marlene earns a commendable 3/5. This rating reflects not a critique of what is, but rather a hopeful nudge towards what could be. The foundations for greatness are undeniably present: a stunning setting, exemplary service, and culinary skill of the highest order. What remains is for the taste to leap from the realms of the very good to the echelons of the truly...

A Hidden Gem in Lisbon – Marlene is a Must!

During our recent trip to Lisbon, we had the absolute pleasure of dining at Marlene, and it turned out to be one of the culinary highlights of our visit. Tucked away in a charming corner of the city, Marlene offers an intimate and welcoming atmosphere that immediately makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon something truly special.

The food was exceptional – every dish beautifully presented, thoughtfully crafted, and full of flavor. You can tell that quality ingredients and creativity are at the heart of the kitchen. Whether it was the delicate seafood, the melt-in-your-mouth mains, or the surprisingly bold desserts, everything was simply delicious.

The service was equally impressive: warm, professional, and knowledgeable. The staff took the time to explain the menu, offer recommendations, and even suggest the perfect wine pairings. Their passion for what they do really comes through, adding a personal touch that made the experience feel even more special.

If you’re in Lisbon and love good food, great ambiance, and genuine hospitality, Marlen is not to be missed. We’ll definitely be back on...