Terrace Restaurant: A Fresh Take on Dining in Lisbon

The concept

What was the vision behind creating Terrace?

The vision behind Terrace was to create much more than a hotel restaurant. We wanted to create a destination in its own right. A vibrant urban oasis where people could come together throughout the day, whether for a morning coffee, a business lunch, a family brunch, cocktails with friends, or a memorable dinner.

When we conceived Martinhal Lisbon Oriente, we were inspired by the unique history and spirit of Parque das Nações and its connection to Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Terrace reflects that story through a culinary journey that brings together Mediterranean and Oriental influences, celebrating Portugal’s historic links with cultures across the world.

Equally important was creating a space that feels welcoming, sophisticated, and full of life for all type of guests. The design brings together natural light, a vertical garden, contemporary Portuguese art, and a beautiful outdoor terrace, creating an atmosphere that evolves seamlessly from day to night. We often describe Terrace as a “chameleon” space because it transforms throughout the day while always maintaining its sense of warmth and connection.

Above all, Terrace was created to bring people together. Whether you are a Lisbon resident, a family, a business traveller, or a visitor discovering the city for the first time, our goal is to make you feel inspired, welcomed, and part of something special. We wanted to create a place where great food, thoughtful design, culture, and community come together in a uniquely Lisbon experience.

How would you describe Terrace in three words?

Welcoming, elegant, flavourful.

What makes Terrace Restaurant different from other restaurant terraces in Lisbon?

It’s the combination of elements: a stunning terrace with a vertical garden and lush lawn, a design-led space filled with original Portuguese art, and a cuisine that blends Mediterranean and Oriental influences using high-quality, and whenever possible, local Portuguese ingredients. The result is something that feels both global and deeply local… a true “oasis” in the city.

Furthermore, the family aspect is very important to us. Through experiences like our Dine & Play concept and Sunday family brunches, we want to create moments where families can slow down, share a table, and enjoy being together. We believe dining is not only about the food but about the conversations, connections, and memories created around it.

The food

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the menu?

The menu, crafted by Chef Marco Correia, is inspired by Portugal’s historic connection to the world, particularly its exploration of routes to the East. We wanted to reflect this heritage through a modern lens, bringing together Mediterranean traditions with Asian flavours in a creative and contemporary way.

Why did you choose to combine Mediterranean and Oriental influences?

Portugal has always been a meeting point of cultures, and we wanted to celebrate that richness and diversity. Mediterranean cuisine brings freshness, seasonality, and simplicity, while Oriental influences add depth, spice, and surprise. Together, they create a menu that is equal parts familiar, surprising and exciting.

Are there any signature dishes that first-time visitors should try?

Yes, we have several signature dishes that truly express our concept. The black cod with pak choi, pear and miso, and the Korean-style black pork ribs paired with tangy pineapple chutney are among the favourites. They perfectly showcase the fusion of flavours and the creativity of our kitchen.

I would also add our Sunday Family Brunch as a guest favourite too. It’s become one of the experiences we’re best known for. The combination of a world‑flavoured buffet with live show cooking and dishes ranging from Mediterranean to Asian, live music, and a dedicated kids’ area with indoor and outdoor activities supervised by our Kids Club team makes it a memorable and fun Sunday outing for families in and around the area.

How do you incorporate Portuguese ingredients into the menu?

We work with fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, from organic vegetables to sustainably caught fish and locally sourced meats. Portuguese produce is always at the heart of each dish, even when the flavours take inspiration from further afield.

The experience

What kind of atmosphere are you hoping guests experience when they visit?

We want guests to feel instantly welcomed and able to fully immerse themselves in the experience. It’s a space that is elegant yet relaxed, where people can unwind and connect. Whether it’s a family meal or an evening with friends, a lunch with colleagues or after work drink - the experience should feel effortless and memorable.

What's the atmosphere like on a typical summer evening?

Summer evenings at Terrace are vibrant yet intimate. Throughout the week, guests can enjoy a variety of curated experiences, from a special Portuguese-inspired menu to Sushi Night on Fridays, BBQ evenings with live music on Saturdays, and the classic Sunday Family Brunch. There is something for everyone at Terrace Restaurant. The atmosphere is lively, but always with a sense of calm and sophistication.

How important is the outdoor space to the overall concept?

It’s absolutely central – the name says it all. Its Terrace and surrounding lush greenery form our very own urban Oasis. It defines the experience, transforming a meal into something special. The al-fresco dining, greenery, and thoughtful layout create a seamless connection between nature, design, and dining.

What feedback do you hear most often from guests?

Guests often tell us how much they love the atmosphere - the blend of relaxed comfort with high-quality food - and how surprising and exciting the flavours are. Many also appreciate the family-friendly touches that make dining easy and enjoyable for everyone. Creating a welcoming experience for families is very important to us, which is why we have thoughtfully introduced options such as our Baby and Kids Menu, as well as entertainment experiences that allow younger guests to feel just as included.

Has the restaurant become a destination in itself, or is it mainly visited by hotel guests?

Yes, absolutely. From the very beginning, Terrace was created to be a destination in its own right — a place for both our resident guests and the wider community to enjoy.

While our hotel guests are a very important part of the Terrace experience, we always wanted the restaurant to have its own identity and feel connected to the city around us. It has been wonderful to see local residents, especially from Parque das Nações, as well as visitors to Lisbon, choosing Terrace as a place to meet, celebrate, and enjoy a special moment.

Personal insights

What achievement are you most proud of since opening?

I’m most proud that Terrace has become a place where people genuinely enjoy spending time, where the atmosphere, food, and service come together seamlessly to create lasting memories. I’m also proud of how it reflects the diversity we set out to celebrate: welcoming families, food lovers, business guests and creatives alike. People come for many different reasons and return to relive the experience. Bringing together our values of hospitality, thoughtful design, and a diverse culinary experience into one warm, inclusive, and connected space has been incredibly rewarding.

What exciting developments can guests look forward to in the future?

We are always evolving, introducing new seasonal dishes, refreshing the menu, and enhancing the experience to keep it exciting and relevant while staying true to our core concept. We’ve just launched an exclusive “Taste of Portugal” menu, available for lunch and dinner during the summer, as well as our garden-side “FIRE & SALT” BBQ, featuring premium meats, seafood, and fish, with live music every Saturday evening from 18h00 to 22h30.

For more information, visit the website www.martinhal.com/locations/residences/food-experience, email the team at terrace.oriente@martinhal.com, telephone (+351 910 027 182), or follow @terrace.lx on Instagram for the latest updates and seasonal news.