The culinary world turned its eyes to Porto on February 25, 2025, as the city hosted the prestigious Michelin Guide Portugal Gala. Held at the stunning Centro de Congressos da Alfândega do Porto, the event celebrated the finest in Portuguese gastronomy, awarding new Michelin stars and recognizing the talent that continues to elevate Portugal’s dining scene.
A Landmark Night for Women in Portuguese Gastronomy
Gastronómino, The Yeatman, Ricardo Costa
One of the most significant moments of the evening was the historic recognition of two female chefs, Marlene Vieira and Rita Magro, who became the first Portuguese women in over three decades to receive a Michelin star.
Blind, Rita Magro and Vitor Matos
Marlene Vieira, chef at the acclaimed Marlene in Lisbon, took the stage to highlight the challenges and triumphs of women in the industry, encouraging more female chefs to pursue their dreams. Meanwhile, Rita Magro’s restaurant, Blind, located in Porto, was honored with a star just a year after she was named Best Young Chef. Blind offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience where guests explore a menu inspired by José Saramago’s novel "Blindness," tasting each dish without prior knowledge of its ingredients.
New Stars for Portugal’s Culinary Map
The Michelin Guide Portugal 2025 introduced eight new restaurants to the prestigious one-star category, bringing the country to 30 Michelin-starred establishments. This year’s list reflects a dynamic and evolving food scene, showcasing innovative modern cuisine and deeply rooted Portuguese traditions. Despite these exciting additions, Portugal still awaits its first three-star Michelin restaurant, a milestone that remains elusive but continues to inspire chefs across the country to push boundaries.
The choice of Porto as the host city for this year’s gala underscores its growing reputation as a premier gastronomic destination. The Centro de Congressos da Alfândega do Porto, a restored neoclassical building in the heart of the city, provided the perfect setting for a night that honored culinary artistry. The recognition of Porto-based restaurants further cements the city’s influence on Portugal’s fine dining landscape.
The green star winner: Encanto, José Avillez
The Michelin Guide Portugal 2025 not only highlights established excellence but also paves the way for innovation and diversity in the country’s culinary world. With new stars shining and a commitment to elevating Portuguese cuisine, this year’s gala sets the stage for an exciting future in fine dining. As Portugal continues to gain recognition on the global food scene, chefs, restaurateurs, and food enthusiasts alike eagerly anticipate what the next chapter of Michelin stars will bring.
Best sommelier: Marc Pinto, Fifty Seconds
The Full List of the Michelin Guide 2025 Portugal:
One Michelin star, new starters:
- ARKHE, João Ricardo Alves, Lisboa
- Blind, Rita Magro e Vítor Matos, Porto
- Grenache, Philippe Gelfi, Lisboa
- Marlene, Marlene Vieira, Lisboa
- Oculto, Vítor Matos e Hugo Rocha, Vila do Conde
- Palatial, Rui Filipe, Braga
- Vinha, Henrique Sá Pessoa e Jonathan Seiller, Vila Nova de Gaia
- Yõso, Habner Gomes, Lisboa
Green Star
- Encanto, José Avillez, Lisbon
New Bib Gourmand:
- Canalha, João Rodrigues, Lisbon
- Contradição, Óscar Geadas, Bragança
- Oma, Luís Moreira, Porto
- Pigmeu, Miguel Azevedo Peres, Lisbon
- Terruja, Diogo Caetano, Alvados
Young Chef:
- José Diogo Costa, from Wiliam Restaurant, Funchal (one Michelin star).
New Restaurants Recommended:
Porto and the North:
- Bistrô by Vila Foz, Matosinhos, Arnaldo Azevedo, Matosinhos
- Cibû, Leca da Palmeira, Hugo Portela
- Culto do Bacalhau, Américo Peneda, Porto
- Esperança Verde, Hugo Sousa, Braga
- Flor de Liz by Vila Foz, Arnaldo Azevedo, Porto
- Kaigi, Nuno Brás and Vasco Coelho Santos, Porto
- Le Babachris, Christian Rullan, Guimarães
Centro:
- Ceia, Renato Bonfim, Lisbon
- Conceito, Daniel Estriga, Cascais
- Isakaia, Tiago Penão, Cascais
- Las dos Manos, Kiko Martins, Lisbon
- Memórias Santar, Luís Almeida, Santar
- Omakase Ri, William Vargas, Lisbon
- Oven, Hari Chapagain
- Prosa, João Covas and Rui Paula, Aveiro
- Safra, Sérgio Silva, Coimbra
- Vibe, Mattia Stanchieri, Lisbon
Alentejo, Algarve and Madeira:
- Ákua, Julia Pereira, Liliana Abreu, Funchal
- Atlântico, João Sousa, Porches
- Audax, César Vieira, Funchal
- Ávista Asia, Rui Pinto, Benoït Sinthon, Funchal
- Cavalariça, Caatalina Vivieros and Bruno Caseiro, Évora
- Gazebo, Filipe Janeiro, Gracio Gomes, Funchal
- Hybrid, João Narigueta, Évora
- Legacy Winery, Emanuel Rodriguez, Estremoz
- MAPA, Daavid Jesus, Montemor-o-Novo
- Oxalis, Gonçalo Brita Bota, Funchal
- Retaurante F, Luís Oliveira, Portimão
- Sublime Comporta Beach Club, Diogo Gonzaga, Carvalhal
- Vistas Monte-Rei, André Simão, Vila Nova de Cacela
Special awards:
Best Room Manager
- Nelson Marreiros, from Ocean.
Best sommelier:
- Marc Pinto, Fifty Seconds