Marlene Vieira
In the heart of Lisbon, in a space that bears her name, Marlene Vieira leads one of Portugal’s most exciting culinary projects. Elegant and deeply personal, her restaurant MARLENE is a reflection of the tenacity and passion of a chef who has overcome barriers to establish herself as a key figure in modern Portuguese haute cuisine. Now, after earning her first Michelin star, Vieira has seen years of hard work recognised, joining the ranks of the chefs who are shaping the future of gastronomy in Portugal.
From her first exposure to cooking in a local restaurant when she was just 12 years old, to her time in New York and her return to Portugal, each stage of Vieira’s career has been marked by countless challenges, learning and achievements and is testament to her effort and determination. “These last 10 years have been full of growth and a constant search for improvement”, reflects Marlene when asked about her professional evolution, as she looks to the future with a mixture of optimism and stability.
Calabaza, queso, curry
The road so far has not been without obstacles. Marlene remembers the last two years as particularly demanding. “They have been the most difficult years, both for João Sá (her husband and also a chef) and for me. We have faced a lot of pressure, major investments and family tensions while building a path in the midst of a lot of expectation”.
All these problems along the way, however, have strengthened the team she leads and led her restaurant to find its identity. At MARLENE, research into Lisbon flavours and modern techniques converge to tell a story. “Each dish can be linked back to me, to the history of Lisbon and to our vision of the world”, she explains. The chef emphasises the importance of creating a culinary memory that diners can recognise and remember, like a perfume that evokes a place and time.
Choux Cockels a la Bulhão Pato
Life beyond the kitchen
Beyond awards and recognition, Vieira deeply values the balance between her professional and personal life. As a mother, entrepreneur and leader in the kitchen, she acknowledges the sacrifices she has made to get here. “There have been times when family and work seemed like two opposing forces, but we have always found a way to move forward”, she notes. This ability to stay the course, even in the most difficult times, has been key to her success.
One of the big challenges for Marlene in the coming years will be to work even closer with her husband, João, who will open a restaurant next to hers. “It will be an important test for our relationship, both personally and professionally. But I am sure that this challenge will make us grow”, she says with a smile with a hint of both determination and excitement.
Vieira appreciates that her path is not just a personal achievement. Her cuisine, anchored in Portuguese tradition, but with a clear emphasis on modernity, seeks to connect with the emotions and the soul of those who taste it. “The dishes we serve at MARLENE tell stories; they are a reflection of my history, my roots and the team that accompanies me”, she explains.
There have been times when family and work seemed like two opposing forces, but we have always found a way to move forward
Strong, persevering and inspiring, Vieira describes herself as a “woman of the north”. While she avoids defining herself exclusively as a symbol of female empowerment in the kitchen, she recognises the importance of her role in an industry traditionally dominated by men. “There are many talented women in Portuguese kitchens, but they’re not always visible. I think that if we want our work to be recognised, we need to show ourselves, to expose our identity”, she says.
Restaurant
The chef also underlines the importance of sustainability and seasonality in her culinary approach, stressing that each decision in the kitchen is linked to respect for the ingredients and the people who produce them. This approach not only enriches her menu but also reinforces her commitment to food that transcends the moment and leaves a meaningful mark.
At MARLENE, the chef has created a space that reflects authenticity, technical rigour and a deep personal sensibility. The restaurant is the manifestation of Vieira’s culinary vision, where tradition and innovation meet to tell stories through the dishes. For the chef, cooking is much more than an art form; it is a statement of effort and self-improvement, a way of demonstrating that dreams can become reality through passion, dedication and constant sacrifice.
Recognition from the Michelin Guide marks a new chapter in Marlene Vieira’s career, but for her, true success still lies in the kitchen, in each dish that tells a story and in the legacy she is building for future generations. Because, as she humbly says herself, “in the end, we work for others but also to feel fulfilled”.
