Last Tuesday night (25) was historic for Portugal’s gastronomy, with the revelation of the new restaurants that earned the coveted Michelin star, the highest symbol of world-class fine dining. During the ceremony held in Porto, the Michelin Guide Portugal 2025 announced the inclusion of eight new establishments in the prestigious selection, further establishing the country as an increasingly relevant destination for food lovers.
With these new additions, the number of Michelin one-star restaurants in Portugal rises to 38, marking a continuous growth in the country’s culinary quality. The ceremony also revealed the retention of the distinction for eight restaurants that already held two stars, reaffirming the excellence of establishments that continue to shine on the global gastronomic scene.
In addition to the newcomers, the Michelin Guide 2025 also highlighted a restaurant with the green star, awarded to places recognized for their sustainable practices, as well as the inclusion of five new restaurants in the Bib Gourmand list, which honors establishments offering high-quality cuisine with good value for money, attracting a growing and discerning audience. In total, the Michelin Guide Portugal 2025 features 190 restaurants, divided into 8 with two stars, 38 with one star, 28 in the Bib Gourmand list, and 116 recommended. Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, emphasized the country’s growth in the international gastronomic scene, stating, “Portugal is on a growth path and, little by little, it has become a gastronomic destination of reference for fine dining enthusiasts from all over the world.”
Among the eight new Michelin-starred restaurants, four are located in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, and serve as prime examples of the diversity and innovation characterizing the city’s gastronomy. Arkhe, led by Brazilian chef João Ricardo Alves, earned its star thanks to its unique tasting menu focused on vegetarian and vegan cuisine. The restaurant aims to take diners on a gastronomic journey that explores the potential of vegetables and organic ingredients, always with a creative touch that surprises even the most demanding palates.
Grenache, by chef Philippe Gelfi, was another highlight, offering contemporary cuisine with a strong French influence. Using modern techniques and a menu that blends classic dishes with new concepts, the restaurant delivers an experience of exquisite and well-executed flavors. Marlene, led by chef Marlene Vieira, focuses on tasting menus that celebrate traditional Portuguese cuisine, with innovative dishes that respect the country’s authentic ingredients while adding a touch of modernity that delights customers. YŌSO, by chef Habner Gomes, was another big winner of the night. Focused on Japanese cuisine, the restaurant offers an omakase experience with seasonal ingredients, standing out for its precision and delicacy in preparing dishes that capture the essence of Japan with a Portuguese twist.
In Porto, Blind, by chef Vítor Matos, was one of the major new winners of the night. With an audacious concept and a surprise menu proposal, Blind pays homage to the literary work “Blindness” by José Saramago, creating an immersive and sensory gastronomic experience where diners are challenged to explore new flavors and sensations. In Vila Nova de Gaia, Vinha, located in the Vinha Boutique Hotel, was the other new establishment to earn a star. The restaurant, under the direction of chef Henrique Sá Pessoa and executed by Jonathan Seiller, focuses on contemporary cuisine using seasonal Portuguese products that ensure freshness and quality in each dish.
In Vila do Conde, Oculto, at The Lince Santa Clara hotel, was recognized for its gastronomic proposal centered around the sea and the seasonality of ingredients. Led by chefs Vítor Matos and Hugo Rocha, the restaurant offers two tasting menus that immerse diners in the flavors of the ocean, combining tradition and innovation in a masterful way. Finally, in Braga, Palatial was also awarded a Michelin star, praised by the Guide not only for the quality of its dishes but also for its welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere. The restaurant, blending Portuguese tradition with creativity, offers à la carte dishes and two tasting menus that explore the best flavors of Portugal with a modern approach.
In 2025, the Michelin Guide also highlighted the growing importance of sustainability in gastronomy, awarding the green star to Encanto, in Lisbon. Under the leadership of chef José Avillez, the restaurant focuses on the use of seasonal organic vegetables, offering a 100% vegetarian tasting menu that celebrates the potential of natural ingredients. The green star is proof of Encanto’s commitment to responsible practices and promoting more sustainable eating, aligning with global trends toward more conscious and environmentally-friendly cuisine.
The Bib Gourmand list was also expanded with the inclusion of five new restaurants known for their excellent cost-benefit ratio. These include Canalha and Pigmeu in Lisbon; Contradição in Bragança; OMA in Porto; and Terruja in Alvados. These establishments are recognized for their high-quality cuisine, offering flavorful and creative dishes at affordable prices, attracting an audience seeking excellence without breaking the budget.
The restaurants that maintained their two Michelin stars are a true reflection of the excellence that Portuguese gastronomy has to offer. Among those that continue to shine with two stars are Alma and Belcanto, both in Lisbon, celebrated for their innovative and refined approach. In Porto, Antiqvvm retained its star, solidifying its position as one of the best restaurants in northern Portugal. Other major names that kept their two stars include Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, in Leça da Palmeira, Il Gallo d’Oro, in Funchal, Ocean, in Porches, The Yeatman, in Vila Nova de Gaia, and Vila Joya, in Albufeira. These restaurants are a clear example of the constant quality and high culinary standards that define Portuguese gastronomy.
The ceremony also featured several special awards recognizing emerging talents in Portuguese gastronomy. The Young Chef Award went to José Diogo Costa, chef of the William restaurant at the Belmond Reid’s Palace in Funchal. Costa has stood out for his innovative work and how he incorporates Madeiran culinary traditions into his creations, elevating local cuisine to a new level of sophistication.
The Service Award went to Nelson Marreiros, manager of Ocean restaurant in Porches, Algarve. His work at the two-star Michelin restaurant was widely recognized for excellence in customer service and his ability to provide a unique experience to visitors.
Finally, the Sommelier Award was given to Marc Pinto, the sommelier responsible for the wine cellar and selection at Fifty Seconds restaurant in Lisbon. Pinto’s dedication to the world of wines, combined with his skill in pairing the best wine options with the restaurant’s dishes, was widely recognized for his expertise and passion for the enological universe.
With the new recognitions and the continued excellence of established restaurants, Portugal is increasingly asserting itself as a leading destination for world gastronomy. The combination of iconic dishes’ tradition and the boldness of new concepts has been crucial to the growth and recognition of Portuguese cuisine, which continues to captivate palates around the world. With the inclusion of new stars, both green and traditional, the Michelin Guide Portugal 2025 reaffirms the country’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, positioning it as one of the most powerful gastronomic forces today.
