The Michelin Guide Portugal 2025 has once again recognised Ocean at Vila Vita Parc, reaffirming its position as one of Portugal’s most distinguished fine dining destinations by maintaining its two Michelin stars.
Alongside this achievement, Nelson Marreiros, Ocean’s esteemed Restaurant Manager, was awarded the Best Service Award, celebrating his dedication to unparalleled hospitality and excellence in service.
The Michelin Gala, held at the Alfândega do Porto, honoured Portugal’s finest restaurants, from emerging recommendations to Michelin-starred institutions. This year’s ceremony not only recognised culinary excellence but also underscored the importance of exceptional service, a fundamental pillar of fine dining.
A Commitment to Excellence at Ocean
Since earning its first Michelin star in 2009 and its second in 2011, Chef Hans Neuner and his team have continued their unwavering pursuit of perfection, redefining contemporary Portuguese gastronomy.
“We are proud to retain our two Michelin stars and, above all, to see Nelson’s dedication and expertise acknowledged with the Best Service Award,” says Hans Neuner. “Hospitality is at the heart of what we do, and Nelson embodies the warmth, precision, and attentiveness that define the Ocean experience.”
At Ocean, exceptional service is seamlessly intertwined with a culinary philosophy rooted in storytelling, technical mastery, and the finest local ingredients. Nelson Marreiros’ leadership has been instrumental in crafting an atmosphere of refinement and genuine hospitality, ensuring that every guest experiences a journey that extends beyond the plate.
A Culinary Journey Through Portugal and Beyond
Ocean’s conceptual menus have taken guests on a five-year culinary voyage, tracing Portugal’s global connections. From the spice routes of Lisboa, Madeira and the Azores to the rich traditions of Brazil, Mozambique, Cape Verde and Asia, each menu has explored the deep ties between Portuguese cuisine and the world.
Now, this journey culminates with the new menu for 2025, an embrace of all those culinary ties that remain in different continents worldwide, being the last stop the destinations of the East Coast with Hawaii being one of the highlights along with iconic dishes of the many destinations that inspired the chef and the team in the past menus. The journey is this way completed. As with all of Ocean’s menus, the new one deconstructs and reinterprets tradition—balancing salt, smoke, fire, and fermentation to create a dining experience that is both thought-provoking and deeply rooted in history. Ocean will reopen its doors on March 5th, inviting guests to embark on this new culinary journey, where each dish tells a story of distant shores, timeless traditions, and the team’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
A New Era for Ocean
Guided by Neuner’s creative vision, Ocean continues to pay homage to Portugal’s rich maritime heritage while incorporating influences from the country’s global connections. The restaurant remains a showcase of meticulous craftsmanship, blending Portuguese traditions with contemporary elegance, all complemented by Marreiros’ outstanding service.
With these recognitions, Ocean reaffirms its place as a benchmark of fine dining in Portugal, where culinary artistry and world-class hospitality come together in an extraordinary setting.
