About
Welcome to the hidden gem of Lisbon, O Marques. Nestled in a charming alley off the bustling Rossio station, this local eatery encapsulates the essence of Portuguese dining. Here, the atmosphere hums with the lively chatter of locals who gather to savor unpretentious yet delectable dishes, creating a warmth that even tourists are quick to appreciate.
O Marques is not just a restaurant; it's a vibrant tapestry of community and conviviality. As Raymond G. Arias noted in his review, stepping into this establishment feels like joining an extended family gathering. Long-time patrons share hearty laughs over shared meals and DIY house wine poured from plastic bottles, a quirky touch that adds to the charm. The wine, affordable at six euros per liter, flows freely, encouraging visitors to relax and soak in the ambiance.
The menu reflects the straightforward, home-cooked style that Portuguese cuisine is renowned for. Frequented by both locals and tourists, O Marques prides itself on fresh seafood prepared with simple seasonings. From boiled cod drizzled in olive oil and garlic to the staple fried hake, each dish allows the natural flavors to shine. Although some diners may find the seasoning on the conservative side, the emphasis on freshness resonates with many, making every bite a genuine taste of Lisbon.
Despite some minor inconsistencies in cooking, such as the perfectly juicy yet occasionally unevenly cooked T-bone steak, the overall quality remains high. Like Darby Choi mentioned, you’ll want to arrive early to grab a seat, especially if you have a larger party. The generous portions and reasonable prices are simply irresistible, inviting diners to indulge without guilt.
The charm of O Marques extends beyond food. The decor, adorned with tram memorabilia and even tracks on the floor, pays homage to the city's rich cultural heritage, creating a unique dining experience. And let's not overlook their delightful desserts—Priscilla D'Avanzo raved about the PUDIM FLAN and CAFÉ COM CHEIRINHO, both of which promise to round out your meal perfectly.
If you're searching for authenticity in Lisbon, look no further than O Marques: a place where the food is good, the people are friendly, and every meal is an opportunity to become part of the local story. As you wander through the streets of this beautiful city, make sure to carve out time for this lively eatery—it just might be the highlight of your culinary journey.
“ You want to go where the locals go, here is the place. We were fortunate to arrive just before they closed on a Thursday. The people dining were only locals. They all knew each other. These folks eat everyday together at this place. We were there and we became part of that experience that day. The food was very good. The company was very lively. You want to find the hole in the wall? You need to come here. When they say house wine, they mean house wine. The wine is poured from plastic bottles from an unknown source. No, it does not come out of a wine bottle but plastic bottles. A liter of wine, was six euros. One of the owners is an avid collector of trolleys. Pictures of the trolleys adorned the restaurant. The food is unpretentious and very good. We went back on Friday and again the same folks were there. Free flowing house wine, tinto. The next time I'm back in Lisbon you know this is the place I will be visiting. Do yourself a favor? Come here and have a wonderful experience. ”
“ This is a local restaurant with simple, home-cooking style dishes. The seafood relies on its freshness and simple seasonings (i.e. salt) for the flavour. Some may find this bland if they’re looking for more interesting flavour pairings and seasoning, however, I personally liked the unpretentious style of cooking, as it brought out the true and natural taste of the ingredients. The food at the restaurant is extremely fresh; we ordered squid, boiled cod in olive oil & garlic, and fried hake. All of the dishes were phenomenal, and the price point was very affordable. We also greatly enjoyed the green house wine. ”
“ The attendants are super helpful. They are fun to be around. You will see local people, some tourists and if you decide to come back - you will see them again. Bacalhau grilled is just marvellous They have some cheese at the bar, try them - they are delicious And the Casarola ( cooked in wine ) is one of the best beef dishes I had in Portugal ???????? They have soup of the day and some dishes of the day too Dessert? - The NATA dessert is one to die for ”
“ The restaurant was located in a quiet corner of Lisbon, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. The service was efficient, and the steak in Portuguese sauce was tender and flavorful. A refreshing beer paired well with the meal, while the professional and attentive waitstaff contributed to an enjoyable dining experience. Moreover, the prices were affordable, making it likely that I will return soon to explore more of the menu ”
“ O Marques is located in a narrow alleyway close to Rossio station. The restaurant was busy but we were seated right away. They do have an outdoor seating area as well. This looks to be a popular restaurant for some locals and tourists. The menu is pretty straight forward and serving up the most popular Portuguese and Lisbon fare. Some of the staff do not speak English. The food took some time to come out due to miscommunication with the older server who didn't speak English. The other server was able to resolve our issue and fix up our order. The prices here are very reasonable and the portions are huge. I wish I found this place sooner because every dish that came out of the kitchen looked delicious. As for our steaks, my Tbone had nice flavour and was juicy. The only critique would be the cooking consistency of the steak. There some parts medium rare and other parts well done. The steak was served with fries. You can add additional side of rice or salad for additional cost. The steak with Portuguese sauce was served with egg on top and gravy. The steak was well done instead of medium rare which we would prefer. The fries were served on the side so they won't get soggy from the gravy. Next time we will try the cod fish which comes fried, grilled or boiled. I saw alot of patrons ordering the fried sausage and the cow steak with chips, rice and egg. I recommend coming here early and prepare to wait if you are larger party. The prices are really reasonable and the portions were generous. The beers here were ice cold and smooth. The desserts are good too and we will try this place again before we leave Lisbon. ”
“ great TASCA atmosphere. PRATO DO DIA in different options even on the weekends. the ESPETADAS DE PORCO were overcooked, which was disappointing. but the PUDIM FLAN and the CAFÉ COM CHEIRINHO were right on the spot. the atmosphere is cool with Lisbon trams’ memorabilia and even the tracks on the floor. ”
“ We went to this local restaurant just behind the National Theatre in Lisbon on a Monday night and it was very good. The owner has run this restaurant for 30 years. He is a tram and bus enthusiast so this small restaurant had loads of atmosphere. There is a good mix of locals and tourists who want to have a really good meal at a very good price with great service. I highly recommend it to you. ”