Marlene Vieira

Chef Marlene Vieira stands as a pioneering figure in Portuguese gastronomy, having made history in 2025 as the first Portuguese woman to receive a Michelin star in 30 years. At 45, this remarkable achievement represents the culmination of a culinary journey that began at the tender age of 12, when she first discovered her passion for cooking while accompanying her father on meat deliveries to restaurants.

Born and raised in northern Portugal, Vieira's culinary education began formally at 16 when she enrolled in the hospitality school of Santa Maria da Feira. Her early career took her to a charming hotel in Vila do Conde, where she honed her skills and developed her distinctive approach to Portuguese cuisine. Her deep connection to the flavors of northern Portugal became the foundation of her culinary philosophy.

Today, Chef Vieira operates three distinct restaurant concepts, each united by her passion for Portuguese flavors enriched with global techniques. Her flagship restaurant Marlene, located at Lisbon's cruise terminal, earned its Michelin star through her signature approach featuring two tasting menus of 9 or 12 courses that creatively reinterpret and elevate traditional Portuguese cuisine. She also operates Marlene Vieira Food Corner at Time Out Market Lisboa, making her refined approach to Portuguese classics accessible to a broader audience.

Vieira's cooking philosophy centers on creatively reinterpreting traditional Portuguese dishes while maintaining deep respect for regional ingredients and techniques. Her northern Portuguese roots heavily influence her unique cuisine style, as she transforms familiar flavors into sophisticated contemporary expressions that honor Portugal's rich culinary heritage while pushing its boundaries forward.